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. Guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach® and a deep commitment to student-empowered learning, we honor every aspect of a child’s development. Our constructivist model fosters active engagement and supports the development of strong academic foundations through rigorous thinking, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful challenges. 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 creates a joyful environment where students become learners who approach challenges with perseverance and develop the 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 the foundation of education is centered around the student — their engagement, passions, and understanding, coupled with strong relationships, a shared lens of child development, and inviting, defined classroom spaces, children are able to maximize their unique potential. They will demonstrate curiosity as a social and academic learner, care for peers and adults, respect for the environment, autonomy, and the ability to represent their needs and feelings. I believe it is the role of every member of a school community to help guide, support, encourage, listen, and advocate for each child by being attentive to the whole child and their complete well being."
Meet Emma Ferek
Emma was selected from a diverse pool of candidates following a comprehensive national search led by our highly regarded consultants at TEG. The 12 members of the Search Committee—composed of members of the board, past and current parents, and members of the administration—deserve our deepest thanks for their diligence, care, and integrity throughout the selection process. We are also deeply grateful for the support and trust of the entire community during this journey.
Emma comes to us from Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas, where she worked as the Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management & Community Engagement. She has 16 years of experience in independent schools, both as a classroom teacher and an administrator. Emma brings a deep commitment to the Reggio Emilia Approach® to education, along with a well-developed skill set in operational leadership, growth, fundraising, and strategic management.
