The Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades 7 through 12 plus a postgraduate year.
Boarding is offered for students in grades 7 through 12, including postgraduate 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 (2025)
- Grades: 7-12, PG
- Enrollment: 226 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $76,900
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,300
- 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 96 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Faculty Education
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1911
1907
Campus Size
175 acres
125 acres
Colors
Purple, Yellow
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
Last Day of School
Sun. May 31, 2026
Student Body
Enrollment
226 students
315 students
% Students of Color
25%
26%
% International Students
23%
21%
% Students Boarding
54%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
27
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
83%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$35 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$76,900
(Boarding Domestic (7th-8th) — $78,000 Boarding Domestic (9th-PG) — $76,900)
(Boarding Domestic (7th-8th) — $78,000 Boarding Domestic (9th-PG) — $76,900)
$66,920
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$55,300
(Middle School Day — $46,000 Upper School Day — $55,300)
(Middle School Day — $46,000 Upper School Day — $55,300)
$35,900
Tuition international students
$79,900
$58,650
Summer Program Cost
$750
% Students on Financial Aid
56%
39%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
47%
64%
Director of Admissions
Pamela Safford
Associate Director of Admissions
Colin Griggs
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
27
18
Courses
Advanced Biology, Advanced Calculus 1, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Contemporary Issues in Sports, Advanced English Seminar: Feminism and Literature, Advanced English Seminar: Gender-Bending Literature, Advanced English Seminar: Literature and Morality, Advanced English Seminar: Literature and Science, Advanced English Seminar: Literature of Girlhood, Advanced English Seminar: Octavia Butler, Advanced English Seminar: The Mind in Literature, Advanced English Seminar: The Poetics of Space, Advanced Feminism and Women's History in America, Advanced French, Advanced History Independent Research: Archival Studies, Advanced Human Geography: Population and Migration, Advanced Latin, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Music Theory, Advanced Scientific Research in Molecular Genetics, Advanced Spanish, Advanced Statistics Using R, Advanced Studio Art, Advanced Supreme Court, Advanced Topics in Calculus, Advanced Topics in Philosophy, Advanced Topics in Psychology
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
26
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Architecture Club, Archives Club, Asian Student Collective, BeYouTiful Body Positivity Club, BSU (Black Student Union), Classics Club, Daemon (Literary Magazine), Faith and Foundation, Fashion and Crochet Club, HiFly Birding Club, Investment Club, JSU (Jewish Student Union), Justice League, LASO (Latinx American Student Organization), Model United Nations, STEAM and Research Club, Students Demand Action, Sundial Press (School Newspaper), Sustainability Club, Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
Bell Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Chinese Traditional Dance Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, Orchestra
Architecture Club, Archives Club, Asian Student Collective, BeYouTiful Body Positivity Club, BSU (Black Student Union), Classics Club, Daemon (Literary Magazine), Faith and Foundation, Fashion and Crochet Club, HiFly Birding Club, Investment Club, JSU (Jewish Student Union), Justice League, LASO (Latinx American Student Organization), Model United Nations, STEAM and Research Club, Students Demand Action, Sundial Press (School Newspaper), Sustainability Club, Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
Bell Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Chinese Traditional Dance Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, Orchestra
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
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
- School Motto: Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas
- 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. 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 she defines her perspective and explores new vantage points, students revel in the confluence of spirit generated from this joyful nexus of connection, collaboration, and creation. While at Walker's, girls are inspired to lead with confidence and conviction. This strength will imbue each graduate throughout her life. Walker's alumnae carry themselves with grace and a certainty that empowers them to influence and inspire.
- We're all for girls and have been since 1911.
- The Ethel Walker School accreditations: NEASC, TABS, CAIS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Frances Beinecke '67 - President of the National Resources Defense Council
- Sigourney Weaver '67 - Actress
- Sarah Prager '04 - LGBTQIA+ Author and Activist
- Sydney Satchell '10 - Member of the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team at the 2024 Olympics
- Annie Peavy '15 - Member of the U.S. Para-Dressage Team at the 2016 Olympics
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Ethel Walker School cost?
The Ethel Walker School's tuition is approximately $76,900 for boarding students and $55,300 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 64%.
Who are famous alumni from The Ethel Walker School?
The Ethel Walker School famous alumni include: Frances Beinecke '67, Sigourney Weaver '67, Sarah Prager '04, Sydney Satchell '10 and Annie Peavy '15.
What sports does The Ethel Walker School offer?
The Ethel Walker School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Riding, Skiing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis and Volleyball.
Does The Ethel Walker School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Ethel Walker School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
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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The nearest boarding school to The Ethel Walker School is Westminster School (3.4 miles away)
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