Academic Rigor, Balance, and Personal Growth

Eastern Mennonite High School is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and the holistic development it offers its students. This educational 109 year old institution prides itself on excellence and care in every aspect of its vibrant student life.

Theater Students on Stage

At EMS, students are encouraged to excel academically while also participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities. High School Principal Justin King highlights this unique balance, noting,

“Students can seamlessly transition from dominating on the soccer field to performing in the touring choir at Parkview Church.” This ability to juggle diverse commitments is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Joy Anderson, one of the dedicated community members, observes students diligently working on their homework in unexpected places, such as the aisles of the theater.

“They pull out their books and papers whenever they can, preparing for challenging tasks like an AP calculus test, while also immersing themselves in their passions, like the school musical,” she notes.

Students studying in the theater between scenes.

This dedication is mirrored by the teachers and parents, who model the same work ethic and balance.

Despite being a relatively small institution, EMS offers a wealth of opportunities that rival larger schools. With small class sizes and a favorable teacher-student ratio, each student receives personalized attention while still enjoying the benefits of large-scale events. Recent highlights include hosting Apollo5, renowned five-piece vocal ensemble from London and part of the VOCES8 Foundation., organizing a Model UN conference with city schools, and celebrating the girls’ soccer team’s state championship victory.

Model UN is a distinctive feature of EMS, providing students with invaluable experiences in diplomacy and leadership. Dr. Nathan Hershberger, Model UN co-sponsor, emphasizes the impact of these simulations, saying,

“It was great to see students not only step into leadership roles and tackle big issues but also build connections with peers in Harrisonburg.” This program strengthens ties between students and global initiatives, encouraging them to take concrete action in support of UN values and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

One EMS student succinctly captures the school’s ethos:

“You don’t have to specialize year around to try something new here. With hard work and balance, you can succeed or learn from failure. The pursuit of something new is valuable, no matter the outcome.”

This philosophy underscores the EMHS’s commitment to personal growth and exploration.

In nurturing its students’ academic prowess and personal development, Eastern Mennonite High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, providing a nurturing environment where students can discover their passions and prepare for future success. 95% of our student seniors attend the college of their choice.

Recent National Honors Society Induction Ceremony

No matter their goals, they will be prepared for their next steps after high school. 

Some of EMHS recent Grads have gone to John Hopkins, Cornell, Princeton, Oberlin, Deep Springs, UVA, Richmond, VT Engineering. For a list of colleges and universities where we have alumni click here!