The mission of Emerson School is to provide a whole child, multiple method approach to instruction for gifted and for academically talented students. Emerson School encourages creativity, problem solving, and the development of basic skills, while providing a warm, supportive environment that promotes responsibility for oneself and others.


Emerson School strives to make all students, faculty, administrators, and parents feel safe, respected and valued in her/his identity as full members of the school community.  We are dedicated to an ever-increasingly diverse learning environment that will best prepare our students to intelligently engage in a complex, globally-interconnected society.  At Emerson, diversity is thought of in terms of ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, learning styles, socio-economic status, and family structure. 

Our student body consistently includes over 30% students of color and attracts students from over fifteen communities in the greater Ann Arbor area. The placement of this profile here and in other publications that reach teachers of color, represents our commitment to recruiting more faculty of color as well.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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PEACE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Emerson School has a growing partnership with Peace Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor (http://www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org), whose mission is to provide programs for children, families, and individuals affected by social and economic problems.  We have enrolled two students from Peace and are preparing to recruit several more for the next school year.
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LALITHA SHASTRI
We are working closely with Lalitha Shastri, a consultant on equity and justice in independent schools (http://www.lalithashastri.com), as we regularly examine our school culture and entire curriculum through the multicultural lens. 
“Emerson School is thoughtful, deliberate and measured in its actions on diversity, multiculturalism and equity. As I work with Emerson on its school culture and K-8 curriculum, I am struck by the clear desire of faculty, staff and leadership to not merely make diversity an add-on but to embed it in the fabric of the school. They recognize the complexity of the process, asking deep questions and engaging intellectually as well as sensitively for the good of their students. There are two things that distinguish Emerson in these efforts: the full and active participation of its leaders, and the courage to look at itself without defensiveness or denial. I am honored to advise Emerson School as it moves forward.”      ~ Lalitha Shastri
Read about a visit by Lalitha:  Examining Equity and Justice in our school.
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SOCKS:
STUDENTS OF KINDNESS AND CULTURE
A subcommittee of Emerson's Diversity, Multiculturalism, Equity and Justice Committee, SOCKS provides a strong student voice in a vital aspect of the school community.  A recent SOCKS initiative was a student-planned event that led the student body in considering, "Do we take teasing too far?"  Read more.
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CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
Emerson School enjoys a vast number of cultural connections to the University of Michigan in town, and the Detroit area, less than an hour away.  The Ann Arbor area is very attractive to many people because there are abundant sources available to enhance one’s quality of life.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES
Annual Fund contributions designated for The Financial Aid Fund help Emerson preserve a school community of diverse occupational and socio-economic backgrounds.  Emerson believes that a diverse community stimulates the educational process and leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of others.

To make a contribution to the Financial Aid Fund of the Emerson School Annual Fund, contact the Development Office, (734) 665-5662 ext. 312.

 

Learn more about applying for financial aid at Emerson or contact Jackie Ebels