Emma Diamantis, Andover School of Montessori Class of 2020, graduated from Central Catholic High School in 2024 and is a proud member of the Northeastern University Class of 2028. We recently caught up with her to get insights into her high school journey and transition to college. Emma joined ASM’s Middle School (grades 7-8) for the smaller environment, more personal attention, and co-curricular opportunities. It is evident that her time at ASM played a significant role in shaping her into a confident individual, fully prepared to embrace the challenges of high school and beyond!
Emma’s transition from ASM to high school was seamless. The advanced academics and organizational techniques provided at ASM more than prepared her for the challenges of high school classes. Additionally, the social skills she developed at ASM made it easy for Emma to get involved in sports, activities and make new friends. Moving from a small school like ASM to a larger school was significant. However, the confidence gained at ASM allowed Emma to join a fall sport and participate in a few new clubs right from the start, which helped in making friends easily and adjusting smoothly.
Since leaving ASM, Emma recently graduated from Central Catholic High School with high honors and will be attending Northeastern University in the fall, majoring in accounting. Looking back, she recognizes that ASM undoubtedly provided strong preparation for her academic endeavors in high school. The accelerated math at ASM allowed Emma to place out of basic classes and take advanced courses like Calculus CD, or multivariable calculus, in her senior year. Although English was not always her strongest subject, the essay-writing skills learned at ASM helped her excel in challenging AP English classes. The study and organization habits developed at ASM were crucial for managing her time, especially when taking a total of 11 AP classes.
Reflecting on her experiences, several aspects of Emma’s ASM education stand out as particularly invaluable. The annual science fair, for example, was a significant learning experience. Emma had to research, conduct, and analyze her own experiment, which provided a new way of thinking and the satisfaction of completing a long-term, practical project. Presenting her findings to the community also helped Emma build strong presentation skills. Additionally, an important lesson learned at ASM was the importance of utilizing resources. Weekly advising and extra help sessions were incredibly useful and Emma carried this skill by seeking advice from her guidance counselor, participating in Zoom study sessions, and engaging in peer tutoring, all of which helped her succeed academically.
Certain experiences at ASM had a lasting impact on Emma. The fall trips in middle school, such as those to Red Gate Farm and The Leadership School at Kieve, were particularly significant. The team building activities during these trips brought Emma closer to her classmates, creating long-lasting memories. A core group of friends remain close to this day. In high school, Emma’s favorite subject was definitely math, but she also thoroughly enjoyed taking art for two years. Emma also explored new experiences, such as joining a club rowing team, Greater Lawrence Rowing, as a coxswain and rowing throughout four years. Additionally, her participation in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), a national business club, fueled Emma’s interest in pursuing business in college.
Emma’s experience at ASM also contributed significantly to personal growth and character development. Initially a quiet student, Emma grew more confident over time and developed leadership qualities. This growth led her to lead Coffee Houses and classroom discussions, which carried over into high school, where she became a captain of the varsity girls swim team and the Greater Lawrence varsity girls rowing,
president of GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association), and president/founder of Central Catholic’s Hellenic Club. Emma was also on the Executive Boards of Central Catholic’s Student Alumni Association and Student Ambassadors.
To current students and their families, Emma advises taking full advantage of the small classroom size, dedicated faculty, and unique learning experiences at ASM. These elements play an important role in a child’s education and contribute to lifelong benefits. For Emma, ASM is truly a special place that will have a lasting impact on her personal growth and academic journey.
