SCHEDULE A TOUR

From Humble Beginnings

In 1973, our founder, Jean Navarre recognized that there was a great need for quality education that provided a warm and caring environment, excellent and accessible faculty, strength and diversity of academic opportunities and positive nurturing of the individual. To meet this need in the community, she founded Emerson School. A lot has changed as the school has grown from 11 students to more than 300, but our commitment to providing a flexible, creative curriculum that brings out the most in students remains steadfast.

A Brief History

Emerson School, a non-profit organization, began in 1973 as an educational alternative for gifted and academically talented children. Originally located in Plymouth, Michigan, Emerson eventually moved to a leased educational facility of an Ann Arbor church. As the school grew and its reputation for quality education became known throughout the region, it became obvious that to meet the demand for the special kind of educational benefits Emerson provides, expansion was the only answer. Through the overwhelming support of its families and friends, Emerson School opened the doors of its new building on Scio Church Road in Ann Arbor, in 1983.

Milestone Moments

Here are some key milestones in the history of Emerson School.

  • 1973

    Emerson School opens with two faculty and 11 bright and curious students.

  • 1974

    Emerson moves to the basement of the Westside Methodist Church in Ann Arbor and is designated an educational institution for K-6 students by the State of Michigan.

  • 1983

    Construction is completed on Emerson’s current facility, which had eight classrooms, a central multi-purpose space for all-school functions and performances, two specials rooms, and a small school office.

  • 1988

    A new “specials wing” is completed and provides dedicated rooms for Lower School art, music, science, and computers.

  • 1991

    Emerson becomes accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Emerson’s Middle School opens with 42 students and four new classrooms. The new addition also includes a gymnasium, science lab, and additional office space.

  • 1997

    The Middle School continues to grow and two additional classrooms are added for science, math, and art.

  • 2004

    Much-needed space is added to the Middle School, including the drama room, a science lab with a greenhouse, a pottery room, bathrooms, and a faculty workroom.

  • 2006

    Six new classrooms are built as part of the K-2 wing.

  • 2009

    The Library Media Center is renovated.

  • 2014

    The successful Building STEAM Campaign provides the resources to build four new Middle School classrooms, dedicated Band and Orchestra classrooms, a Middle School lunch area, and a 16,000-square-foot Arts and Innovation Center.

SCHEDULE A TOUR