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.

"We know that many families find the school application process complex and daunting...The SAO is a rich application platform that is both family-friendly and provides admission officers with ample information on each applicant.”

Doug Price
Doug Price
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
Middlesex (MA)

“In some cases, the Snapshot brought to light areas of a student’s character we hadn’t considered. In other cases, the Snapshot report helped us fill in missing pieces. Beyond the assessment piece, the Snapshot has also given us a profile of our incoming class—the strengths and challenges.”

Angela Elledge
Angela Elledge
Associate Director of Admission, Marist School, GA
Marist School (GA)

“The Prospect List gives you lots of bang for your buck, focused on a market that is already looking at independent schools, so that part of the work is already done for you! It's an opportunity to widen the top of your funnel, with dynamic lists that are super easy to filter."

Elizabeth Connelly
Elizabeth Connelly
Senior Associate Director of Admission
Dana Hall School (MA)

"The Character Skills Snapshot balanced our decision-making process when it came down to building our cohorts. We read applications as files, but we're building a class of humans, and figuring out who will thrive in a group together, which is essential to a student's success. The Snapshot allowed us to do that. Diving deeper into how students learn and, mainly, how they see themselves helps build a balanced cohort for us."

Victoria Kimball
Victoria Kimball
Associate Director of Admissions, Keys School, CA
Keys School (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!