Joshua B. Good, Head of SchoolSteve’s story illustrates this commitment. School never came easily to him. Traditional academics weren’t his comfort zone and he came close to quitting more than once. He needed a school that understood him and offered the structure to grow.
EMS through differentiated assessments, regular feedback and a tailored plan, built his skills. When it came time to plan for life beyond school, EMS’s Work-Based Learning program helped him train for a career that matched his strengths. By graduation, he had earned his CDL and found a clear direction.
Many students at EMS share a similar journey. The Learning Support team uses research-based programs such as the Barton system to build reading skills and the teacher teams stay involved at every step. Teachers take ownership of each child’s growth and support is woven into every part of school life.
“We believe learning belongs to all. Each child is a unique creation of God with potential that flourishes when identified and nurtured. With the right structure and love, every child can grow into their potential and that’s our job,” says Joshua B. Good, head of school.
This philosophy shapes everything at EMS, from morning Bible meditation and prayer to a restorative approach to discipline. Rooted in the peace church tradition and the literal application of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, the school aims to form capable students who live out their faith through service, humility and community, living up to realizing its tagline, ‘Learning to Serve.’
The moment a student steps onto campus, these intentions show up. Female students wear skirts, likewise female teachers wear skirts and prayer veils; outward signs of an inward commitment to simplicity and devotion. The school’s newly designed facility is also functional, uncluttered and built for shared learning and quiet reflection, reflecting that same spirit.
Students learn solfege and shape-note singing in the Harmonia Sacra tradition. By middle school, weekly four-part a cappella singing becomes a discipline that brings voices together in unity and worship. Those drawn to more contemporary styles join the full praise band, finding new ways to express faith through song.
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We believe learning belongs to all. Each child is a unique creation of God with potential that flourishes when identified and nurtured. With the right structure and love, every child can grow into their potential and that’s our job
Students balance advanced academics with real-world skills. They may choose Advanced Placement or dual enrollment courses or follow vocational training in carpentry, masonry, electrical work or HVAC. These paths help students apply their gifts with purpose. Teachers meet regularly to review each student’s progress, using tools like Acadience and the PSAT/SAT suite to spot gaps and respond early. The Learning Support team works closely with teachers to build personalized plans, ensuring help arrives before small struggles become larger barriers. This commitment to individual care supports every learning style and career direction.
Athletics echo this same emphasis on character. EMS recently qualified for the state tournament and earned the Best Sportsmanship award in its Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) district, reflecting how students are coached to compete with integrity on the court and in the classroom.
EMS partners with Freie Christliche in Neuwied, Germany and students can join exchange trips and biannual mini-terms have taken them to Switzerland, Italy and other sites to study history in context, complete internships and visit colleges.
Senior students complete a Capstone Project, researching real-world challenges and presenting solutions rooted in Anabaptist values to panels of teachers, pastors, community leaders and peers. These projects become part of the school’s scholarship record. Paired with practical service, seniors raise funds, partner with an NGO and travel to Jamaica to build a home for a needy family. For many, it is the moment when knowledge and calling meet. This expresses the idea of ‘Learning to Serve’.
After graduation, students like Steve put these lessons to work. He joined harvesting crews out west and then returned to his community, using his CDL and trade skills in work that strengthened both the local economy and God’s Kingdom. He represents what EMS hopes to see in every graduate: a life shaped by purpose, integrity and service.
At EMS, that kind of outcome is the goal.
