The Latest EMS News · 06 June 2025

2025 Summer Coffee and Conversation Series

EMS logo in coffee cup foam for summer coffee and conversation series

Join us at 8:45 a.m. on select Fridays this July and August on our beautiful campus — situated on 14 wooded acres in Englewood, N.J. — for our coffee and conversation series. We’ll sit down with educational experts to discuss parenting strategies for nursery- through middle school-aged children.

All sessions will take place in the Chilton House Music Room.

Summer Coffee and Conversation Sessions

An Academic Edge: Striking the Right Chord

Friday, July 11, 8:45 a.m.
Learn about the “educational multivitamin” that helps students outperform their peers, according to numerous studies. Amelia Gold, head of lower school and director of the arts, will discuss the dramatic impact that music education can have on a child’s development and what standards such a program should meet to provide benefits to a child’s language development, IQ, sound discrimination and fine motor tasks, and spatial-temporal skills.

Nurturing Independence: Unexpected Situations Where Helping Hinders Learning

Friday, July 18, 8:45 a.m.
Raising independent children is a top priority for most parents, but it can be tricky. Our natural instinct is to smooth the way, shield them from mistakes, and minimize their struggles. However, facing challenges allows children to develop the skills and resilience they’ll need to navigate the world on their own. Guiding your child toward independence takes time, effort, and trust, but the benefits are immeasurable. Hear from Lauren Mactas, head of early learning, about how you can foster independence in young children while avoiding a few unexpected situations where helping can stand in the way of developing independence.

The Admissions Equation: How Grit, Happiness, and a Growth Mindset Impact Your Child’s Success

Friday, July 25, 8:45 a.m.
Find out from Jed Silverstein, Ph.D., head of middle school and director of secondary school placement, how a balance of key factors helps students thrive now and into their futures. Learn how to find a “great fit” school for your child, what high school and college admissions directors value in applicants, and most importantly, how YOU can be the ultimate champion for your child’s success throughout high school, college, and beyond!

A Parent’s Toolbox for Digital Safety

Friday, Aug. 1, 8:45 a.m.

As teens and tweens spend more time online—whether for school, socializing, or entertainment—understanding how to guide them toward safe, respectful, and responsible digital behavior is more important than ever. Learn from Marek Beck, Ph.D., head of school, how parents can navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising digital natives.

Explore Fall Programming

Can't make it to campus this summer? Connect with the Admissions Office to learn about our exciting slate of events this fall, including the Fall Festival, Book Fair and Storytelling Festival, and a talk on raising digitally savvy students.

EMS prepares students for an impressive range of top-tier secondary schools.

Accustomed to a challenging academic environment, EMS students welcome the demands of competitive secondary schools and are often placed in advanced sections where they perform very well. See where our students have been accepted.

YOUR CHILD WOULD THRIVE AT EMS. SCHEDULE A TIME TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT JOINING OUR COMMUNITY.

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