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 Facts (2026)
- Grades: 7-12, PG
- Enrollment: 225 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $82,900
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $57,600
- 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 20 boarding schools (out of 273 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1911
1907
Campus Size
175 acres
130 acres
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 28, 2026
Last Day of School
Sun. May 30, 2027
School Motto
Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas
Student Body
Enrollment
225 students
320 students
% Students of Color
25%
27%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
60%
66%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
29
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
89%
73%
Summer Program Details
Accreditations
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
29
18
Courses
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Calculus 1
Advanced Computational Modeling: 3D Models and AnimationsAdvanced Computational Modeling: Data Science and Machine Learning Models
Advanced Contemporary Issues in SportsAdvanced English Seminar: Black Women Writing the Unseen
Advanced English Seminar: Literature and EcologyAdvanced English Seminar: Migrant Literature
Advanced English Seminar: Queer LiteratureAdvanced English Seminar: The New Futures Neighborhood: Afrofuturism
Advanced English Seminar: Visiting Writer SeminarAdvanced French
Advanced Global Cold WarAdvanced Human Geography: Land Use
Advanced LatinAdvanced Macroeconomics
Advanced MicroeconomicsAdvanced Multivariable Calculus
Advanced Music TheoryAdvanced Physics
Advanced Politics and GovernmentAdvanced Scientific Research in Molecular Genetics
Advanced SpanishAdvanced Statistics Using R
Advanced Studio ArtAdvanced Topics in Calculus
Advanced Topics in PhilosophyAdvanced Topics in Psychology
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$45 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$82,900
$69,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$57,600
$38,700
% Students on Financial Aid
49%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$43,500
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
47%
64%
Director of Admissions
Pamela Safford
Associate Director of Admissions
Colin Griggs
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
20
17
Colors
Purple, Yellow
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
26
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Architecture ClubArchives Club
Asian Student CollectiveBeYouTiful Body Positivity Club
BSU (Black Student Union)Classics Club
Daemon (Literary Magazine)Faith and Foundation
Fashion and Crochet ClubHiFly Birding Club
Investment ClubJSU (Jewish Student Union)
Justice LeagueLASO (Latinx American Student Organization)
Model United NationsSTEAM and Research Club
Students Demand ActionSundial Press (School Newspaper)
Sustainability ClubWings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Year: 2026
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Northeastern University
3
Union College
3
University of Saint Joseph
3
Fordham University
2
Tufts University
2
University of Denver
2
University of Southern California
2
Wheaton College
2
Swarthmore College
1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
1
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. 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.
- 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 $82,900 for boarding students and $57,600 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 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, 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 # of AP/advanced courses offered.
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 ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Ethel Walker School also viewed these schools: Miss Porter's School, Westover School, Dana Hall School, Miss Hall's School and Chatham Hall.
The nearest boarding school to The Ethel Walker School is Westminster School (3.4 miles away)
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