Welcome from the Head of School
Welcome to Sabot School!
I’m delighted you’ve found our website and look forward to sharing what makes this community such an inspiring place for children to learn and grow.
Few schools offer what Sabot does: a truly immersive education rooted in respect, curiosity, and student agency. Here, children are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning, empowered to wonder, explore, and contribute with confidence.
Sabot is defined by its warmth, inclusivity, and intentionality. The Sabot Approach, innovative in its commitment to children as researchers, integrates the Reggio Emilia philosophy and a deep dedication to student-empowered learning. It encourages students to grow freely as their authentic selves, finding joy in learning and tackling challenges with confidence. Our hands-on, inquiry-based model fosters active engagement and builds strong academic foundations through rigorous thinking and thoughtful dialogue. Students cultivate independence, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in school and beyond.
A distinctive strength of our school is our deep connection to nature. With the 106-acre Larus Park as an extension of our campus, students experience daily opportunities to engage with the natural world. This connection enriches their learning, deepens their sense of place and wellness, and nurtures environmental stewardship.
Sabot’s holistic approach cultivates a vibrant learning environment where students grow as persistent, curious learners and strengthen their ability to communicate thoughtfully with adults and peers alike. Our eighth-grade graduates are regularly accepted into Richmond’s most competitive high school programs and go on to lead in their schools and communities. More than a school, Sabot is a collaborative community of educators, students, and families working together to honor children and prepare them for what lies ahead. As someone who leads with relationships at the center of my work, I value open dialogue and partnership. My door is always open, and I look forward to getting to know your family.
I invite you to learn more about Sabot and what makes this community so extraordinary. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at
eferek@sabotschool.org. I’m eager to support your family’s journey.
Warm regards,
“When education centers on the student–their passions, curiosity, and understanding–supported by strong relationships and thoughtfully designed learning spaces, children thrive. They explore boldly, care deeply, respect the world around them, and express themselves with confidence.
Every member of the school community has a role in guiding, supporting, and advocating for each child, attending to their whole self and fostering their full potential.”
- Emma Ferek
Meet Emma Ferek
A John Carroll University alumna, Emma Ferek completed her undergraduate and graduate studies there, laying the groundwork for her extensive experience in independent schools in both teaching and administration. She began her career as a classroom teacher at Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio, inspired by project based learning and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. She later transitioned into an administrative role as Early Childhood and Lower School Learning and Teaching Specialist, supporting faculty development and aligning curriculum across grades. Building on this experience, Emma moved into admissions and enrollment leadership, discovering the joy of connecting families to mission-driven school communities and shaping growth strategies that reflect a school’s values.
Following her leadership roles at Hawken School, Emma joined Allen Academy in Texas as Assistant Head of School, providing strategic direction across admissions and enrollment, financial aid, faculty mentoring, and professional development. She collaborated with each division—from Early Childhood through Upper School—to align curriculum, enrich the student experience, and strengthen family engagement through initiatives such as a school-wide Parent Series and a comprehensive faculty professional development program. During her tenure, enrollment reached record levels, programming expanded to enrich student and parent experiences, with a culture of collaboration cultivated across the school community.
As Sabot’s Head of School, Emma is dedicated to advancing the school’s mission by supporting faculty, partnering with families, and ensuring students thrive in a joyful learning environment. She is deeply inspired by The Sabot Approach and the school’s Reggio Emilia heritage, as well as its core values—Wonder, Learn, Care, Grow—which place children at the center as capable, creative thinkers and honor the natural world as a vital part of learning. Recognized as a thought leader in independent education, she has presented at national conferences, collaborated with leading voices in the field, and contributed her expertise to advisory boards and leadership committees.
