We are the Enrollment Management Association

Our vision is to champion transformational education journeys. Our tools and resources provide insights beyond academics so schools can empower students to seamlessly navigate their unique paths to success.

EMA CEO Heather Hoerle speaking on the main stage at EMA's annual conference.

Together, let's champion transformational education journeys.

EMA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 1957. We are the leading resource dedicated to helping independent school leaders with their enrollment needs. Most know us for pioneering the gold-standard SSAT, administered to 50,000 potential students each year. 

We have since evolved beyond traditional testing services, offering timely data, insights, and digital solutions to help sustain the independent schools of the future. We've grown from admissions professionals to a vast network of experts and advocates—developing the industry-standard Character Skills Snapshot, leadership tools like Learning Pass, and first-rate recruitment resources, like the Standard Application Online and Student Prospect List.

Today, EMA’s commitment to helping students break down barriers and navigate the admission process to access the independent school community is more important than ever. As a nonprofit, a cornerstone of our commitment to access, inclusion, and diversity has included contributing millions of dollars in fee waiver services to thousands of students on their education journey. 

To continue to deliver on our mission, we are calling on you—our partners to support our Fee Waiver Program, which directly benefits students demonstrating financial need. 

Let's break down barriers to independent school enrollment.

Donate Now

#LetsChampionTransformation

The generous financial support we receive will make it possible for us to expand private school enrollment opportunities for free services in assessment, online preparation, education, and application processes for students of limited economic means globally.

Here's how we empower you for success.

It’s our mission to provide unparalleled leadership and service in meeting the admission assessment and enrollment needs of schools, students, and families.

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Provide personalized support and leadership development.

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Connect you with a vast network of experts and professionals.

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Support schools and families through the full enrollment journey.

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Offer compelling insights and comprehensive knowledge.

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Address your specific needs and advocate for your success.

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Earn and keep your seat at the school leadership table.

We’re stronger by association.

We support more than 1,300 independent schools across the globe, empowering both school leaders and students to navigate their journey toward success. This path is unique and requires transformational support at every stage that evolves with them as they learn, grow, and shape the future.

It's time to champion transformational education journeys. Let's do it together.

Partners and Sponsors

A Better Chance logoViewpoint School logoProctor Academy logoRansom Everglades School logoRiverdale School logo

See what admissions professionals have to say about EMA.

"At a time when we are trying to reduce barriers, create access, and alleviate unnecessary stress on families, the value of the SAO has never been more evident."

Quentin McDowell
Quentin McDowell
Head of School
Mercersburg Academy (PA)

"We leverage EMA in various ways. Certainly, we use the SAO and the SSAT. And the daily Member Community emails that come through my inbox early in the morning remind me that the entire school community is thinking through the same questions we are. And it's exciting to have those conversations and know that we're not in this by ourselves. To remind ourselves that we're hundreds and thousands strong is impactful and important, particularly from a professional development opportunity for my staff."

Josh Labove
Josh Labove
Director of Enrollment Management, Kimball Union Academy, NH
Kimball Union Academy (NH)

"Not being an EMA member is not an option. It's where I get so much information, professional development, and support. Every newsletter that goes out, every visit we get from the EMA team, and every resource provided by EMA help us do our job and do it well."

Talia Mullen
Talia Mullen
Director of Admissions, Riverside Presbyterian Day School, Jacksonville, FL
Riverside Presbyterian Day School (FL)

"What brings me to EMA as a member is collaborative professional development. It's the idea that we are all in this together, whether it be data gathering or resource sharing, or professional development; EMA encompasses all those things and allows enrollment management professionals to have a centering of where they're at, both at their school and also at their larger communities."

Keenan Kurihara
Keenan Kurihara
VP of Enrollment Management and Chief Communications Officer, CA
Lasalle College Prep (CA)
Members of the EMA marketing team posing for an photo at an annual conference reception.

Careers at EMA

Educating our future is no simple task. Your success factors are complex, and an ever-changing education landscape presents new challenges each step of the way. Learn how we can help.

Interested in learning more about EMA? Let's chat!