The Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades six through 12 plus a postgraduate year.
Boarding is offered for students in grades seven through twelve, including Post Graduate students.
Since 1911, The Ethel Walker School has excelled at preparing students to make a difference in the world.
Members of this diverse community are dedicated to scholarship, the arts, athletics, wellness, and service.
The satisfaction of achievement and joy of friendship are fundamental principles as the School empowers girls to lead with integrity, respect, confidence, courage, conviction and a love of learning.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Top Rankings
The Ethel Walker School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 98 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Faculty Education
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1911
1906
Campus Size
175 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
226 students
315 students
% Students of Color
31%
26%
% International Students
30%
20%
% Students Boarding
54%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
88%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$35.5 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$72,900
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$52,000
(Middle School Day — $43,000 Upper School Day — $52,000)
(Middle School Day — $43,000 Upper School Day — $52,000)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$75,900
$57,650
% Students on Financial Aid
56%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
47%
60%
Director of Admissions
Pamela Safford
Associate Director of Admissions
Colin Griggs
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
18
Courses
Advanced Biology, Advanced Calculus, Advanced Calculus - 2, Advanced Computer Science, Advanced Economics, Advanced English - Literature and Medicine, Advanced Human Geography, Advanced Latin; Vergil, Advanced Physics, Advanced Psychology, Advanced Spanish, Advanced U.S. History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
41
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Art for Charity, Asian Club, Astronomy Club, Black Student Union (BSU), CHANGE Club, Cicerone Society, Cooking Club, Daemon Club (Art & Literary Magazine), Dance Club, Debate Club, Film Society, Forte Ensemble, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Gifts from the Heart, Habitat for Humanity, Justice League, LASO (Latin American Student Organization), Middle School Garden Club, Multicultural Society, Pepperpot (Yearbook), Photography Club, Random Acts of Kindness, Robotics Club (The Wirecats), Self Defense and Martial Art Club, Step Club, The Wave Cafe, Walker's Wheelers, Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
African Drumming, Choir, Choristers (Middle School), Gospel Choir, Grapes a cappella, Guitar Society, Harmonious Bells, Orchestra, Voce Felice
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Outdoor Adventure, Personal Fitness, Yoga
Anime Club, Art for Charity, Asian Club, Astronomy Club, Black Student Union (BSU), CHANGE Club, Cicerone Society, Cooking Club, Daemon Club (Art & Literary Magazine), Dance Club, Debate Club, Film Society, Forte Ensemble, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Gifts from the Heart, Habitat for Humanity, Justice League, LASO (Latin American Student Organization), Middle School Garden Club, Multicultural Society, Pepperpot (Yearbook), Photography Club, Random Acts of Kindness, Robotics Club (The Wirecats), Self Defense and Martial Art Club, Step Club, The Wave Cafe, Walker's Wheelers, Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
African Drumming, Choir, Choristers (Middle School), Gospel Choir, Grapes a cappella, Guitar Society, Harmonious Bells, Orchestra, Voce Felice
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Outdoor Adventure, Personal Fitness, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2003 - 2018
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Boston University
29
UConn
22
Bates College
13
Suffolk University
13
Trinity College
13
Mount Holyoke College
12
New York University
12
Northeastern University
12
Southern Methodist University
10
Skidmore College
9
School Notes
- The Ethel Walker School is far more than a traditional all-girls school. It is a place where mentor educators galvanize students to harness their creative energies and embark on lives of impact.Unconstrained by gender-biased thinking, Walker's students are encouraged to test boundaries in the classroom, on the fields, on stage, and in pursuit of knowledge. And, they embrace that knowledge to build their affluence of mind through a visionary academic approach.Together, in a community where each individual is supported as they define their perspective and explore new vantage points, students revel in the confluence of spirit that is generated from this joyful nexus of connection, collaboration, and creation. While at Walker's, students are inspired to lead with confidence and conviction. This strength will imbue each graduate throughout their life. Walker's alumnae carry themselves with grace and a certainty that empowers them to influence and inspire.
- The Ethel Walker School accreditations: NEASC, TABS, CAIS
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Ethel Walker School cost?
The Ethel Walker School's tuition is approximately $72,900 for boarding students and $52,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School?
The acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School is 47%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does The Ethel Walker School offer?
The Ethel Walker School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Riding, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is The Ethel Walker School's ranking?
The Ethel Walker School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percent faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Ethel Walker School?
The application deadline for The Ethel Walker School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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