The Ethel Walker School

Simsbury

Connecticut

United States

Overview

The Ethel Walker School is an independent college preparatory day and boarding school for girls in grades six through 12 plus a postgraduate year. 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. Walker's welcomes boarding students in grades 7-12 and day students in grades 6-12. A one-year postgraduate program is also available to students who hold a high school diploma.

Academics

Summary: Students learn to identify real-world challenges and create solutions while developing the skills that are essential for college, career and citizenship. Learners take intellectual risks through which persistence and resilience help them improve and grow. Ultimately, wisdom is gained through experience, mastery, and reflection. We recognize that learning is greatly impacted by social interaction. Central to teaching and learning at Walker’s is the development of deep and lasting relationships within our community. These connections, formed within a culture of respect and trust, enable individual growth and enhance our girls’ understanding of their potential to affect those around them. At Walker’s, we believe that demonstrated skills are the best measure of learning. These essential skills include: literacy, critical thinking, global perspective, initiative, leadership, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Department Director

Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1

Average Class Size: 12

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 38

Number of AP Courses Offered: 0

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 77%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Noteworthy Information:
Competed at 2016 Robotics World Championships

English

Classics
Creative Writing
Honors
Literature
Poetry

History

Asian History
Classical History
European History
Honors
Medieval History
United States History

Foreign Languages

French
Latin
Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

Ethics
Philosophy
Social Justice
World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics
Psychology

Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Environmental Science
Health
Physics
Physiology

Math

Algebra
Calculus
Functions
Geometry
Honors Math
Probability
Statistics
Trigonometry

Computer Studies

Computer Applications
Multimedia
Computer Programming
Computer Science

Music

Band
Choral Music
Composition
Individual Instructions
Music Appreciation
Music History
Music Theory
Orchestra
Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

Acting
Art History
Ballet
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Fiber Arts
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Printmaking
Production
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Textiles
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art
Modern Dance
Theater History

Special Programs

Study Abroad
Community Service
Exchange Programs
Independent Study
Internships
Leadership
Outdoor Education

Distinctive or New Programs

Courses Of Note For The 2009-2010 Academic Year Include: Chinese And Equine Science.

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 3

Average Students Per Dorm: 50

Number of Girls Dorms: 3

Number of Boys Dorms: 0

Dorm Amenities

Game Room
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Vending Machines
Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Netflix; Full Kitchen

Student Life

Day and boarding programs are integrated in terms of on and off campus activities. Tremendous opportunity for weekday and weekend involvement - clubs, outings, athletics, equestrian, game nights, social events with other boarding schools. Local area attractions include shopping, movies, fine and casual dining and outdoor exploration.

Facilities

Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Pool
Technology Center
Volleyball Court
Softball Diamond
Tennis Courts

Other Facilities

Equestrian Center; Turf Fields; Squash Courts; Dance Studios; Theatre

Clubs & Organizations

Amnesty International
Animal Rights Club
Asian Club
Community Service
Debate Club
Diversity Club
Dorm Proctors
Drama Club
Environmental Club
Food Council
Foreign Language Clubs
Gardening Club
Habitat for Humanity
Horseback Riding
International Club
Jewish Student Organization
Literary Magazine
Math Club
Model UN
National Honor Society
Newspaper
Peer Counseling
Peer Tutoring
Photography Club
Sexualities Club
Student Activities
Student Government
Student Publications
Theater Club
Yearbook
Yoga Club
Young Democrats
Young Republicans

Arts & Athletics

Summary: Founders League and CISAC competition. League and Division Champions in Field Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse, Volleyball. Nationally recognized equestrian program.

Arts Department Director:

Athletics Department Director:

Arts

Acting
Art History
Ballet
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Fiber Arts
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Printmaking
Production
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Textiles
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art
Modern Dance
Theater History

Interscholastic Sports

Alpine Skiing
Basketball
Cross Country Running
Equestrian
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball

Recreational Sports

Alpine Skiing
Cross Country Running
Dance
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Outdoor Education
Rock Climbing
Squash
Swimming
Table Tennis
Weight Lifting

Graduates

Summary: 100% of Walker's grads go on to four year colleges, with many pursuing advanced degrees.

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Carnegie Mellon: 3

Boston College: 3

Bates: 2

Wellesley: 1

Dartmouth: 1

Cornell: 1

University of Virginia: 3

Mount Holyoke: 4

Skidmore: 4

Brown: 1

Harvard: 3

Trinity College: 3

Boston University: 8

Northeastern University: 3

Smith: 4

Wesleyan: 2

Notable Alumni

Sigourney Weaver

Class of 1967

American actress

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 5%

Average Merit Scholarship: 10,000

Current Endowment Amount: $24,079,000

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Vital Information

Student Body Type: All Girls

Total Boarding: 119

Total Day: 132

Total Enrollment: 251

Boys: 0

Girls: 251

Boarding Grades Offered: 7-12

Day Grades Offered: 6-12

School Type: Middle, High School, Post-grad

Dress Code: Casual

Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep

Application Deadline: January 15th

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $65,916

5-Day Boarding: $60,834

Day Tuition Fee: $48,474

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 56%

Average Awarded: $35,000

School Finances