The Ethel Walker School Photo #15

The Ethel Walker School

230 Bushy Hill Road
Simsbury, CT 06070
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)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-12, PG
  • Grades: (Day Students) 6-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 226 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,900
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $52,000
  • Acceptance rate: 47%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Ethel Walker School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 98 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
The Ethel Walker School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-12, PG
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12, PG
PK-12
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
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%
Average SAT Score
1221
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
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)
$72,900
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$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

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

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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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-12, PG
  • Grades: (Day Students) 6-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 226 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,900
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $52,000
  • Acceptance rate: 47%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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