Auxiliary Programs experienced significant growth and expansion this year, reinforcing its role in providing enrichment, continuity, and community engagement across all divisions.
Academic and Afterschool Enrichment
Math League Academy (Grades 2-4)
48 students enrolled in weekly classes to improve problem-solving strategies, build confidence, and prepare for the Math League competition in early spring
Morrow House Afterschool Buddy Program
New elective option for 10 Morrow House (grades 5–8) students to mentor younger students in Chilton House on Monday and Friday afternoons, fostering cross-divisional connection and leadership
Increased Offerings and Enrollment in After-School Adventures
Offered 28 classes with 212 students enrolled. Weekly classes included: soccer, tennis, basketball, flag football, chess, painting, nature study, clay, yoga, music, and LEGO
Saturday Basketball Clinic
Partnership with 99% Sports runs through fall, winter, and spring sessions, open to both EMS and non-EMS students, broadening community reach
Summer Explorations
The Summer Explorations program provided a robust and high-quality experience to 326 students. We welcomed students, ages 2 to grade 9, from more than 25 towns and four countries.
Program Variety: Highlights included creative theme weeks for the early childhood program and workshops (grades 2-6) in Stop Motion Animation, AI, STEM, art, sports, robotics, science, journalism, and nature exploration.
Leadership Development: An immersive Leaders in Training program was offered to students in grades 7-9, including training in First Aid and CPR, as well as mentoring younger students.
Coming in Summer 2026
EMS is launching a new project-based artificial intelligence program through Inspirit AI, an AI education program developed and taught by Stanford and MIT alumni and graduate students. Look for the formal announcement next week!
2025–2026 Highlights
10% Program Growth
Increased demand for on-campus enrichment and childcare led to 10% growth in after-school and aftercare enrollment for the Fall 2025 trimester
50%+EMS Faculty
More than 50% of Summer Explorations faculty were current EMS faculty, ensuring that our campers benefit from the high instructional standards, deep subject-matter expertise, and familiar connection to the school culture that defines the regular academic year.
A Proven Enrollment Pipeline
After attending Summr Explorations, 2 students enrolled for the 2025–2026 school year and 16 matriculated this fall. Summer programs help students feel comfortable with the new school environment.
ONGOING INITIATIVES
We continued to build upon successful long-term initiatives that enhance both program quality and community connection:
Vendor Partnerships: Maintained strong relationships with local vendors, including Flat Rock Brook, 99% Sports, Bricks for Kidz, Kidz Music, and International Chess Academy, bringing high-quality, specialized programming in a wide variety of areas/interests to our students during after-school time.
Community and Alumni Engagement:
- Hosted the Turkey Bowl Flag Football event for families and alumni, including a food drive. In November 2024, the event welcomed over 50 people for community building and fun.
- Continued the successful Summer Coffee & Conversation Series speaker series, which allows families to learn about important topics facing parents today while introducing them to the EMS community.
- Continued work with the Englewood Center for Food Action for a community-service schoolwide event.
Revenue Generation: Continued growth of rental groups to augment Auxiliary Program income.
Awards and Honors
Liza Hards served as a lead visitor as part of the American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation program, a professional honor that highlights her expertise in maintaining high standards for camp operations. She was also honored at the 2025 Spring Benefit for 33 years of dedicated service to The Elisabeth Morrow School.
2025–2026 State of the School Reports: Chilton House (age 2–K), Little School (grades 1–4), Morrow House (grades 5–8), Advancement, Auxiliary Programs, Communications and Marketing, Community Life, Enrollment, Facilities and Operations, and Finances.
