The Ethel Walker School

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 (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 236 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $65,916
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $48,474
  • Acceptance rate: 48%
  • 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 99 schools) for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
The Ethel Walker School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-12, PG
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1911
1907
Campus Size
175 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
236 students
310 students
% Students of Color
26%
25%
% International Students
18%
20%
% Students Boarding
60%
69%
Average SAT Score
1250
* National Avg. »View
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1150 - 1375
-
Average ACT score
26
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Shirt with a collar and either tailored pants, fingertip-length shorts, or a skirt from Tommy Hilfiger. Sweaters must be ordered from Walker's Tommy Hilfiger website and include a logo.
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
77%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$24.79 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$65,916
(Middle School 5-Day: $60,834, 7-Day: $65,916)
$64,220
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$48,474
($40148 Middle School Day)
$34,180
Tuition international students
$68,866
$57,000
% Students on Financial Aid
56%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
$24,575
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
48%
60%
Director of Admissions
Pamela Safford
Associate Director of Admissions
Colin Griggs

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
17
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

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
43
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Amnesty International, Anime Club, Art for Charity, Asian Club, Astronomy Club, Bee 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
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

  • Walker`s has a strong reputation in three areas: high academic standards that stretch students and motivate them to direct their own learning, the spirit of our all-girls community, and the individual attention we focus on our students. At Walker`s, girls in our Middle School, Upper School plus our postgraduate program pursue their passions, find their voice, take risks, try new things, and make lifelong friends.
  • The Ethel Walker School accreditations: NEASC, TABS, CAIS
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Ethel Walker School cost?
The Ethel Walker School's tuition is approximately $65,916 for boarding students and $48,474 for day students.
What schools are The Ethel Walker School often compared to?
The Ethel Walker Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Miss Porter's School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School?
The acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School is 48%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does The Ethel Walker School offer?
The Ethel Walker School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Riding, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee 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 Most extracurriculars 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 ).
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 7-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 236 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $65,916
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $48,474
  • Acceptance rate: 48%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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