The Ethel Walker School
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
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
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
Special Programs
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
- Exchange Programs
- Independent Study
- Internships
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
Distinctive or New Programs
- C
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
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:
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
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
Merit Scholarships: Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 5%
Average Merit Scholarship: $10,000
Current Endowment Amount: $24,079,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Aline Rossiter
Admissions Phone: 860 408 4200
Fax: 860 408 4201
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ethelwalker.org
Nearby Schools
- Westminster School - 3mi / 5 km
- Miss Porter’s School - 9mi / 14 km
- The Loomis Chaffee School - 10mi / 16 km
- Suffield Academy - 13mi / 21 km
- Forman School - 20mi / 32 km
- The Taft School - 23mi / 37 km








