In recent years, girls from Bermuda, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, the Republic of Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Macedonia, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Americans who live abroad have been members of the student body. International students, who represent approximately 15 percent of the Emma Willard student body, join young women from all over the United States who come here to pursue a college-preparatory education. International students are quickly integrated into the community and are regularly found among the top award winners at graduation. In addition to an excellent selection of courses, the Emma Willard curriculum provides the learning and research skills necessary for students to enter American colleges or universities with confidence. Most students select five courses each semester from the approximately 140 courses offered during the year.
Students have the freedom to choose advanced level and elective courses in all departments.
Each student has a faculty advisor who helps her develop her academic program. The Academic Dean and college counselor insure that her schedule will prepare her for college as well as develop her areas of personal interest. In addition to class work, students may arrange to participate in Practicum, the independent study program. Formal college counseling begins in the junior year. The ESL program is designed to prepare students for full participation in the School's academic programs and extracurricular activities.