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.

"Though I had heard excellent things, the EMA event in Seoul, Korea was my first interaction with Mary and John and the Enrollment Management Association in general. Indeed, their professionalism, efficiency, and hard work were leaps and bounds above these references. From the moment we connected to the day itself and the care shown afterward, the decision to continue was made very easy. If you are looking for a reliable partner to support your overseas recruitment who knows the industry inside and out and genuinely takes time to understand your school, EMA is all that and more."

Remco Weeda
Remco Weeda
Director of Marketing and Admissions
Scarborough College (UK)

"The Character Skills Snapshot has become an indispensable tool in our admission process, helping us identify students who not only possess academic excellence but also demonstrate the emotional intelligence necessary for fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. The Snapshot enhances our ability to make informed decisions, ensuring we admit students who will contribute positively to our school community while providing insight to support their growth."

Amy Sayfie Zichella
Amy Sayfie Zichella
Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, Ransom Everglades School, FL
Ransom Everglades School (FL)

"I was fortunate enough to travel with EMA this year to several International Recruitment Fairs, they were fabulous! I built an incredible database of top quality agents and met families and students from around the world. Ross has enrolled at least 6 six students who are mission aligned and their outstanding attributes will truly enhance our boarding program. Mary and John’s professionalism, organization and inside knowledge about markets and school communities is exceptional.I was fortunate enough to travel with EMA this year to several International Recruitment Fairs, they were fabulous! I built an incredible database of top quality agents and met families and students from around the world. Ross has enrolled at least 6 six students who are mission aligned and their outstanding attributes will truly enhance our boarding program. Mary and John’s professionalism, organization and inside knowledge about markets and school communities is exceptional."

Nina Waechter
Nina Waechter
Director of Enrollment
Ross School (NY)

"I was fortunate enough to travel with EMA this year to several International Recruitment Fairs, they were fabulous! I built an incredible database of top quality agents and met families and students from around the world. Ross has enrolled at least 6 six students who are mission aligned and their outstanding attributes will truly enhance our boarding program. Mary and John’s professionalism, organization and inside knowledge about markets and school communities is exceptional.I was fortunate enough to travel with EMA this year to several International Recruitment Fairs, they were fabulous! I built an incredible database of top quality agents and met families and students from around the world. Ross has enrolled at least 6 six students who are mission aligned and their outstanding attributes will truly enhance our boarding program. Mary and John’s professionalism, organization and inside knowledge about markets and school communities is exceptional."

Nina Waechter Copy
Nina Waechter Copy
Director of Enrollment
Ross School (NY)
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!