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)
- Top-Ranked CT School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 225 students
- Yearly Tuition: $57,600
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- 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% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1911
Colors
Purple, Yellow
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 28, 2026
Last Day of School
Sun. May 30, 2027
Campus Size
175 acres
Student Body
Total Students
225 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
89%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
29 courses
List of Courses Offered
AP/Advanced 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
Average SAT score
1220
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$57,600
% on Financial Aid
49%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$43,500
Acceptance Rate
30%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Pamela J. Safford '81
Admissions Associate
Amy Paul
Application URL
Endowment Size
$45 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
16 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
50 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Amnesty InternationalAnime Club
Art and Literary MagazineArt for Charity
Asian ClubBadminton
BakingBee Club
Black Student UnionCicerone Society Student Tour Guides
Cooking ClubDance
DebateFBLA
Film SocietyGarden Club
Habitat for HumanityJustice League
KnittingLatin American Student Organization
Multicultural SocietyPhotography
Random Acts of KindnessRiding
RoboticsSelf Defense
WINGS Gender and Sexuality AllianceYearbook
Young Democrats ClubYoung Republicans Club
Arts and Music Programs:
A cappellaAfrican Drumming
CeramicsChamber Ensemble
ChoirDigital Media
DrawingGospel Choir
Guitar SocietyHarmonious Bells
ImprovMusic Theory
OrchestraPainting
PhotographyRock Band
Step ClubTextile Design
VideographyVoce Felice
School Notes
- School Motto: Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas (None but golden hours)
- Along with each application, we require students to submit: - SSAT Scores - Transcripts for the past three(3) years - Recommendations from Math, English, and your School Counselor or Principal. We also require students to interview with one of our Admission Counselors and westrongly recommend that an on-campus visit accompany that interview. You can schedule a visit Monday-Friday during the academic day by calling our Admission Office at 860-408-4200.
- 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 $57,600 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School?
The acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School is 30%, which is lower than the national average of 71%. The Ethel Walker School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Connecticut with low acceptance rates.
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.
Does The Ethel Walker School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Ethel Walker School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does The Ethel Walker School offer?
The Ethel Walker School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
What is The Ethel Walker School's ranking?
The Ethel Walker School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
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 ).
In what neighborhood is The Ethel Walker School located?
The Ethel Walker School is located in the Weatogue neighborhood of Simsbury, CT. There are 1 other private schools located in Weatogue.
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