Emma Willard School - Review #5

Emma Willard is truly a magical place where girls develop academic interests, become more self aware and form lifelong friendships. While an girls school isn't for everyone, it truly helps girls develop into unique, confident women in a way that other environments do not offer. Also, there are many traditions at the school which unite the community and bring the classes together- Revels, May Day, Spring Fling, Ring Week (are just a few).

I developed a true love of the Spanish language which has carried me far in my professional career. Because of my teachers at Emma, I am now fluent and use my Spanish on a daily basis when I see patients. Emma also helped me develop my interest in Science and helped me decide to be premed in college and go to medical school and find a career that I am passionate about and enjoy every day.

I wouldn't have done anything differently. My advice to anyone attending boarding school is to be open to new things and try them out! Pick up a new sport, try a new art class, sign up for a dance class, try a new language and you never know where these new experiences may take you.

The quality of the academics, the passion the teachers shared with us and most of all the lifelong friendships I formed. Emma truly helped shape me into the person and professional I am today.

Take time to talk to the students at Emma and each place you visit. You will get a real feel for the place when you listen to what the students like/dislike about their school.

The students and teachers at Emma truly love being there and the environment is challenging and inspiring. Students strive for excellence without being competitive with classmates. I not only attended the school for 4 years, but also returned to teach after college because I loved the community so much. I can truly say that the faculty love working at Emma as much as the students love being there!

The athletic teams were competitive in our league and the teams were positive and encouraging. Our coaches were also our teachers and so they got to know us inside and outside the classroom. The girls truly care about one another and work together very well. While the varsity teams are more competitive, the JV teams offer a chance for girls who haven't developed such advanced skills the chance to participate and learn a new sport. I specifically remember going to the finals with our Field Hockey team and we had such incredible spirit and energy.

We were able to explore a wide variety of visual arts, music and theatre as part of our curriculum. I took drawing, weaving, pottery, played in the orchestra and sang in the choir. I still have pieces of art that I made during my time at Emma which I cherish.

There were a wide range of extra-curricular activities available and if something wasn't already in place, we could work with the activities coordinator to make it happen.

The dorms were not only beautiful but also a positive, loving and fun environment. I truly bonded with a diverse group of girls on each hall where I lived. I am still in touch with my best friends 13 years after graduating because we had such a close bond!

The food was very delicious and has even gotten better since I graduated. They serve a wide variety of food including excellent veggie options and a lot of local/seasonal foods.

Troy is not the most appealing place to live (though it is improving), but we often spent time in Albany or the surrounding areas that have a lot going on! (example- Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Lake George). Also, we often had trips to NYC and Boston which were very fun.

I think the fact that we didn't spend as much time hanging out in Troy (besides going to a few favorite restaurants) meant that we formed closer bonds with each other and we truly had a lot of fun just hanging out on campus. We also had a wide variety of activities available to us on the weekends as well- trips to NYC/Boston, theater, shopping etc. We also had activities with other boys and co-ed schools.Also, since I graduated, downtown Troy has become much nicer and my guess is students go there more!