Our mission:

Eastern Mennonite School joins home and church in calling students to faith in Jesus Christ, academic excellence, personal integrity, and compassionate service in the world.

Our educational philosophy:

EMS has served Harrisonburg and the surrounding counties for nearly 100 years, combining an academically challenging curriculum with a strong commitment to Christian discipleship, peace and justice issues, service, and a global outlook.

The K-12 curriculum is designed to foster reading, research, writing and presentation skills that grow student curiosity, creative and insightful thinking, organizational strategies and a moral social conscience.

A strong college preparatory track includes honors, Advanced Placement, and other advanced courses. Regular activities are also designed to help students grow spiritually as well as intellectually. In study, worship, and play, students are challenged to integrate faith with life -- to learn and apply Biblical standards to life's decisions.

A participatory-based co-curricular program at the elementary level encourages exploration of athletics and other interests. Secondary students further refine skills and confidence in performance through a music program, including a choir which tours internationally, drama and musical theater, service opportunities, a wide variety of clubs, and competitive athletics.

EMS at a Glance

Founded: 1917

Community:
•    Located inside Harrisonburg’s northern city limits, EMS is part of a rural and suburban community in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.  

Enrollment: 350

Day School:
•    Bus/transportation options from Bridgewater, Harrisonburg. Staunton  and Waynesboro.

Boarding Students:
•    Homestay arranged by the EMS Boarding Coordinator for up to 15 international students.  

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12

Faculty:
•    Certified teachers, most who hold master's degrees and are involved in profession-related associations, leadership and hobbies.

Special Services:
•    Reading and Study Skills (RSS), Individualized Intensive Instruction (III), and tutoring options are offered to students who need academic assistance.

SAT Averages - 2016 Mean and Score Ranges:
Reading    Writing      Math    
552           554         597   
450-620   490-620   540-670

AP and Honors Courses:
Honors
Advanced Music                 Statistics (AP)
Biotechnology                    Research Writing
Calculus (AP)                     World History (AP)
English Literature (AP)        Molecular Biology (AP)

Optional Honors

Algebra II                      Novel
Biology                          Physics
Chemistry                      Poetry
Creative Writing             Pre-Calculus
Environmental Science   Psychology
Fiction                           Shakespeare
French III/IV                  Spanish III, IV, V
Geometry                     Speech
Global Anabaptism         US History
Global Christianity          World Issues
Lit/Writing 9 & 10           World History