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Practicum

In Practicum, students explore ideas and passions through personalized, independent study.

Whether investigating emergency medicine, exploring a career path in architecture or law, teaching literacy, learning how to fence, or continuing an athletic pursuit not offered in the athletic program at Emma, Practicum serves a wide variety of interests and levels of expertise. Students partner with mentors, faculty advisors, coaches, peers, alumnae, and others to guide their learning through hands-on experiences on and off campus.

Interested in more information about Practicum? Contact:

Bridget McGivern

Bridget McGivern

Director of Practicum, Assistant Crew Coach, 11th Grade Class Dean
Ava and her second place ribbon
Ava O. ’24 Earns Honors in Kentucky

Practicum equestrian Ava O. ’24 placed 2nd in the Vitalize 1.3m Final at the prestigious Splitrock Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park earlier this month. Congrats to Ava and her horse Ultimo Des Natices Z!

students in athletic uniforms waving pom poms

We started our week with a rousing pep rally introducing this spring’s athletic teams and Practicum athletes. 

Ava O. ’25 earlier this month on her new mount Colombia de Beaufour

Dedication is a mandatory requirement for any athletic endeavor, but for equestrians there are unique challenges presented in a sport with equine teammates. Practicum, Emma Willard School’s independent study program, eliminates the hurdles riders face, allowing them to participate in the sport they love. Practicum equestrians Ava O. ’25, Caroline G. ’23, and Isa J. ’23, reflect on their time with the program.

Photo of an alum holding ice skates next to a current student figure skating.

We continue our series of stories (originally printed in the Spring 2022 edition of Signature magazine) highlighting connections between Emma students past and present with ice dancers Polly Sidford Hodgkins ’56 & Victoria H. ’23. 

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