Frequently Asked Questions
Academics
No. The classes required for an EMS high school diploma are based on Virginia department of education standards, but our students are not required to take the statewide SOL tests in grades K-12. This allows EMS teachers freedom and creativity in the classroom so that energies may be directed to the art of teaching students and inspiring critical thinkers. Our teachers focus on instilling problem solving and essential life or "soft" skills to best prepare students for life in and out of the classroom, instead of simply preparing them for a test. We do offer standardized testing as various grade levels, but more for our own accountability and assessment rather than state mandated requirements.
EMS graduates are strong applicants to competitive colleges, community colleges and trade programs. About 90 percent of graduates choose to go directly to an institute of higher learning. However, it is important to note that many of our graduating seniors choose to take a gap year and do mission or service work immediately after high school before continuing their education. We are proud that many EMHS seniors consider options for personal growth and serving the greater good as they leave Eastern Mennonite School. Read more about our College Counseling office and Outcomes.
Yes, teachers at EMS are certified, and many have a master's degree as well as extensive professional experience, diverse global education, and cross-cultural experience. Our head of school and two teachers currently have doctorate degrees. See information about each faculty member's education on this directory.
EMS has a full-time Learning Support Services Coordinator, Chafin Vrolijk. She oversees learning support working in collaboration with teachers, school counselors and principals. All teachers work diligently to provide accommodations and support for all students, including those with IEPs. EMS is not, however, able to provide services for students with more significant challenges. We would be happy to discuss options with you. Contact Diego Torres, admissions counselor, for more information at torresd@easternmennonite.org or 540-236-6021.
Admissions
EMS works with each family to make an EMS education affordable. Visit the tuition page to learn more about the value of an investment in an EMS education and see the range of tuition costs for each school division. Families can pay tuition in installments with a monthly plan.
If you have concerns about your ability to meet the financial investment, please complete the financial aid process. Applications for financial assistance may be completed online from the FACTS tool and must be completed by February 28. Applications received after this time will be considered as aid is available. In addition, your student may qualify for scholarship assistance.
Yes! Inquiries are accepted at any time and applications open November 1. Once you are offered admission, please review our enrollment timeline chart for important dates. For questions regarding finances, FACTS, Financial Aid, and Scholarships please contact the Chris Eberly.
Yes, please do! Parents are welcome to visit EMS classes. Middle and high school students who want to learn more about EMS are invited to visit on a school day and will be assigned a host student with similar interests. For elementary families, we request that parents visit first to minimize confusion for younger children. Please arrange a visit ahead of time by calling Diego Torres admissions counselor, at 540-236-6021 or emailing. See information about upcoming visitation opportunities here.
Faith
We welcome students from all faith backgrounds. Around half of EMS students attend a Mennonite church, and the other half come from a variety of other denominations and faith traditions, Christian and non-Christian, as well as no specified faith tradition. EMS is sponsored by the Virginia Mennonite Conference of the denomination, Mennonite Church USA.
Yes. We are a Christian school, and students are required to take one trimester of Bible class for every year that they are at EMS. We use concepts found in the Encounter curriculum developed by Mennonite Education Agency. We enjoy and celebrate a diverse student body at EMS with varied faith backgrounds in every grade. Students are encouraged to share their faith perspectives and how they relate to the Mennonite/Anabaptist principles on which EMS is founded. See an issue of TODAY magazine with more stories and details on faith formation at EMS.
Yes. In grades 6-12 students and faculty gather three days a week for a 20-minute chapel. Chapel is planned with input from students and has a variety of speakers and presentations. One day a week, students gather with their classmates for business and activities to get to know one another. On another day, middle and high school students and faculty gather in small intentional gatherings of 8-10 students and one faculty member called "Neighbor Groups."
In grades K-5, students attend a Wednesday Gathering, a weekly worship service which includes speakers from local churches and organizations.
Families are welcome to attend Chapel and Gathering to learn and worship with us! Chapel is also livestreamed and available to view on YouTube here.
School Community
Class sizes depend on the grade. K-2 enrollment is limited to 16 students per class except in special cases. Grades 3-5 are capped at 20 per class. Middle school classes typically have 20 or fewer per class section. There are usually 40-50 students in each high school grade. A required high school course may have 22 students; an elective course may have 6-10 students.
EMS develops transportation routes (EMS van or mini-bus) for points south as far as Staunton and east of Harrisonburg. Details are available as interest level is gathered toward the end of each summer, and processed with other families. There is an additional charge for bus service that varies, depending on location.
No, but students K-12 are asked to consider their clothing selection in light of suggested guidelines. Read more in the handbooks which contain information on clothing guidelines.
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