The Ethel Walker School (2025 Profile)

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 (2025)

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:

School Overview

| 2024 School Data

The Ethel Walker School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered (Boarding)

7-12, PG

9-12

Grades Offered (Day)

6-12, PG

6-12

School Type

All-girls

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1911

1907

Campus Size

175 acres

125 acres

Colors

Purple, Yellow

Student Body

Enrollment

226 students

319 students

% Students of Color

31%

27%

% International Students

30%

21%

% Students Boarding

54%

67%

Average SAT Score

1221
(Out of 1600)

* National Avg. »View

Offers Post-Grad Year

Yes

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Average Class Size

12 students

* National Avg. »18

Student : Teacher Ratio

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

88%

72%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size

$35.5 million

$30 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$72,900
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)

$66,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$52,000
(Middle School Day — $43,000 Upper School Day — $52,000)

$35,500

Tuition international students

$75,900

$58,300

% Students on Financial Aid

56%

40%

Avg. Financial Aid Grant

$35,000

$25,000

Merit Scholarships Offered

Admissions

Application Deadline

Jan. 15 / rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

SSAT Required

Yes

Acceptance Rate

47%

64%

Director of Admissions

Pamela Safford

Associate Director of Admissions

Colin Griggs

Application URL

Online Application

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

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

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Sports

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

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

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

UConn

Bates College

Suffolk University

Trinity College

Mount Holyoke College

New York University

Northeastern University

Southern Methodist University

Skidmore College

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

School Motto: Truth and Honor
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
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Sarah Prager '04, LGBTQIA+ author and activist -
- Emma Simon '89, Managing Director at Virtus Investment Partners -

Source: Verified school update

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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 64%.

Who are famous alumni from The Ethel Walker School?

The Ethel Walker School famous alumni include: Sarah Prager '04, LGBTQIA+ author and activist and Emma Simon '89, Managing Director at Virtus Investment Partners.

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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