At Emerson, your child's curiosity shapes their experience enabling remarkable growth.
We take education personally. We focus on the unique complexity of your child to elevate your student's innate enthusiasm for even deeper learning.
The more our team learns, the more inspired they become to provide what's needed to keep your child's engagement high.
Emerson students realize how great school, their teachers, and they can be.
Through creativity and innovation, the world of possibilities will open up for your child at Emerson.
From choosing a variety of ways to engage to what problems we solve together, how we solve them, and why they matter, your child will develop deeper confidence and flexibility, with an open mind and heart.
They will learn to value their individual progress as they venture into greater challenges because we know your child can do all sorts of hard things with the right support.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Top Ranked MI School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 338 students
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Emerson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1973
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
338 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 19%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
66%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade level and can be found at www.emerson-school.org
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer camp costs can be found at www.emerson-school.org
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lisa Psarouthakis
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chorus, Diversity Club, Enrichment Programs, Math Counts, Podcast, Quiz Bowl Teams, Recycling Club, Robotics Team, Science Olympiad Team
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Orchestra, Music Lessons
Chorus, Diversity Club, Enrichment Programs, Math Counts, Podcast, Quiz Bowl Teams, Recycling Club, Robotics Team, Science Olympiad Team
Arts and Music Programs:
Band and Orchestra, Music Lessons
School Notes
- MISSION
The mission of Emerson School is to provide a dynamic and nurturing learning environment that fosters empathy, communication, creativity, leadership, and above all, a lifelong love of learning. We fulfill our mission with small class sizes, by providing individualized attention across a broad and rich, student-centered curriculum and through a committed, talented team of educators who help children achieve sustained academic success. At Emerson, students develop the confidence and skills to become their best selves. - PHILOSOPHY
Children learn best in a caring environment in which each child's unique gifts and talents are celebrated. People learn with different styles and at different rates. Teachers work to accommodate individual needs, and to foster positive, realistic self-concepts. They work to promote self-reliance and self-discipline in students. In our school, cognitive and creative risk-taking become safe and valued. Our atmosphere encourages mutual respect. Children learn by doing, by being listened to, by participating, and by working together. Emerson seeks to teach basic skills, encourage higher-level thinking, and to nurture creativity. We address the needs of the whole child, and recognize the need for children to develop intellectually, artistically, physically, socially, and emotionally. The school endeavors to instill important values, including respect, responsibility, compassion, and honesty. In doing so, we promote the importance of contributing to the Emerson School community and the larger communities in which we live. - EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITMENT
As we become effective advocates for positive change, we foster growing minds with compassion and encourage resilience. We cherish individual identities. We actively challenge stereotypes and bias. We encourage discussion and inquiry about our world while we teach to dismantle the systems that perpetuate injustice. Emerson School honors the dignity of all people through our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, equity, and social justice.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Emerson School?
The acceptance rate of Emerson School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 93%. Emerson School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Michigan with low acceptance rates.
Does Emerson School offer a summer program?
Yes, Emerson School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Emerson School offer?
Emerson School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Paddle Tennis, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Emerson School's ranking?
Emerson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Emerson School?
The application deadline for Emerson School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Emerson School located?
Emerson School is located in the Lakewood neighborhood of Ann Arbor, MI. There are 1 other private schools located in Lakewood.
School Reviews
5
Our family has had an amazing experience as part of the Emerson community. We ended up at Emerson because our son was beginning to struggle in the public school, due to being bored and unchallenged academically. At first, we were unsure if we could afford to send our kids to a private school, but after meeting with the admissions person, we made the effort to apply for admissions and financial aid. We were awarded a generous amount so we enrolled our son at Emerson. This was the best decision we could have ever made. The difference we saw in our son as a result of switching to Emerson was drastic and it was felt instantly. At Emerson, they meet your child where they are academically and help them flourish in ways you never thought possible! Our son has now graduated and our younger daughter is enjoying her Emerson experience. Our two kids are very different, but both have equally benefitted from attending Emerson. I would highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a school that will help their child reach their true potential.
5
My son attended middle school at Emerson and it made all of the difference. He had a mild learning disability in literacy but excelled in math. He was given support to develop the tools he needed to overcome his challenges, but also the enrichment he needed to continue to advance in math and science. He entered high school with confidence and the skills he developed at Emerson allowed him to take advanced courses and do very well. Emerson faculty are excellent, and they see and know their students, giving them the personal attention all students deserve.
5 6/16/2023
Emerson School was a warm, welcoming environment for both of our children. They attended from 3rd-8th grade. During the Pandemic, both remote and in-person learning went smoothly-the school truly made an effort to accommodate everyone. The teachers and staff went above and beyond. There are many opportunities to grow skills from Model UN, Robotics, Science Olympiad, summer camps, and after-school enrichment classes. Permaculture gardening, building chicken coops, class trips and cultural events are other examples. Both of our kids were well-prepared for, and doing great in high school. The librarian at Emerson is a true gem, as are the teachers and support staff.
5 5/2/2018
Emerson is a wonderful school. Our children have truly benefited from the wide variety of opportunities available to them in the Lower School. Science Olympiad, Robotics First, Orchestra, Band, Choir, After School courses such as cooking, programming, sports, clubs, the list goes on. Exposure to four languages before they move on to Middle School, field trips, seniors and younger student mentoring, and caring teachers. A true Ann Arbor Gem.
5 5/2/2018
Emerson has been a wonderful learning environment for my children for the past seven years, and as parents we have enjoyed the wonderful community of down-to-earth fellow parents who value education and creativity. Both my sons love their school, their teachers, and are engaged in the assignments and projects they get to do. The class sizes are small enough that every teacher has really gotten to know my children and provided them with what they need, but large enough that there is a lot of diversity and variety in friendships. In a time when I hear about recess and specials being cut back, Emerson has continued to provide ample time for playing and exploring music, art, languages, science, technology, PE, etc- Best of all, my kids have no idea that in some schools (e.g., mine growing up) it isn`t cool to be too smart or to like school too much. At Emerson, being "into" school is the norm, and cool kids get excited about science projects. (Even in middle school!!!)
5 5/2/2018
We couldn't be happier with Emerson School. It is about so much more than academic excellence, which is the reason we originally chose this school. It is a caring community of educators who truly love my children, are passionate about teaching, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Equally important, Emerson teachers build character in our children by reinforcing values that we teach at home-- respect, honesty, inclusion, cooperation, integrity, commitment, compassion, and gratitude.
5 2/26/2016
The compassion and dedication of emerson school and encouraged my daughter to always believe she xan achieve anything she puts her mind too. She is challenged here but most of all happy and loves to go to school.
Endorse Emerson School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education: Which Approach to Choose?
Explore the world of early childhood education with our comprehensive guide to Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia approaches. Learn the key principles, benefits, and practical considerations of each method to make an informed decision for your 2-3 year old's educational journey.
Your 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Private School
Selecting the best private school for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. Our "10 Step Guide for Choosing a Private School" provides a detailed roadmap to help parents navigate this complex process. This guide covers everything from assessing your child's unique needs and researching potential schools to evaluating academic programs and exploring financial aid options. Whether you're looking for a school that offers PK-12 or just high school grades, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make the best choice for your child's education.
July 01, 2024
Why Do Private Schools Get a Bad Rap?The article encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes and consider the unique qualities each private school offers.