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 (2025)
- Top Ranked CT School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 226 students
- Yearly Tuition: $52,000
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 7 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
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
Last Day of School
Sun. May 31, 2026
Campus Size
175
Student Body
Total Students
226 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
88%
Average Class Size
7 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
ChemistryComputer Science
EconomicsEnglish
Human GeographyLatin
PhysicsPsychology
SpanishUS History
Average SAT score
1221
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
26
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$52,000
Tuition Notes
Middle School Day — $43,000
Upper School Day — $52,000
Boarding Domestic — $72,900
Boarding International — $75,900
% on Financial Aid
48%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Pamela J. Safford '82
Admissions Associate
Amy Paul
Endowment Size
$35 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
51 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Amnesty InternationalAnime Club
Art and Literary MagazineArt for Charity
Asian ClubAstronomy Club
BadmintonBaking
Bee ClubBlack Student Union
Cicerone Society Student Tour GuidesCooking Club
DanceDebate
FBLAFilm Society
Garden ClubHabitat for Humanity
Justice LeagueKnitting
Latin American Student OrganizationMulticultural Society
PhotographyRandom Acts of Kindness
RidingRobotics
Self DefenseWINGS Gender and Sexuality Alliance
YearbookYoung Democrats Club
Young 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:
- Dr. Meera Viswanathan, Head of School and renowned educator -
- Sarah Johnson ’78, P’10, Managing Partner, NY Carbon -
- Cynthia T. Vega ’82, Managing Partner, C.T. Vega & Asociados, SRL -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Ethel Walker School cost?
The Ethel Walker School's tuition is approximately $52,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School?
The acceptance rate of The Ethel Walker School is 25%, 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: Dr. Meera Viswanathan, Head of School and renowned educator, Sarah Johnson ’78, P’10, Managing Partner, NY Carbon and Cynthia T. Vega ’82, Managing Partner, C.T. Vega & Asociados, SRL.
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 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, 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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