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 Facts (2026)
- 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 107 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1911
1909
Campus Size
175 acres
125 acres
Colors
Purple, Yellow
Student Body
Enrollment
226 students
300 students
% Students of Color
31%
25%
% International Students
30%
20%
% Students Boarding
54%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
88%
70%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$35.5 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$72,900
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)
(Boarding Domestic — $72,900)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$52,000
(Middle School Day — $43,000 Upper School Day — $52,000)
(Middle School Day — $43,000 Upper School Day — $52,000)
$33,500
Tuition international students
$75,900
$53,975
% Students on Financial Aid
56%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
47%
58%
Director of Admissions
Pamela Safford
Associate Director of Admissions
Colin Griggs
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
12
17
Courses
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Calculus
Advanced Calculus - 2Advanced Computer Science
Advanced EconomicsAdvanced English - Literature and Medicine
Advanced Human GeographyAdvanced Latin; Vergil
Advanced PhysicsAdvanced Psychology
Advanced SpanishAdvanced U.S. History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
43
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Art for CharityAsian Club
Astronomy ClubBee Club
Black Student Union (BSU)CHANGE Club
Cicerone SocietyCooking Club
Daemon Club (Art & Literary Magazine)Dance Club
Debate ClubFilm Society
Forte EnsembleFuture Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Gifts from the HeartHabitat for Humanity
Justice LeagueLASO (Latin American Student Organization)
Middle School Garden ClubMulticultural Society
Pepperpot (Yearbook)Photography Club
Random Acts of KindnessRobotics Club (The Wirecats)
Self Defense and Martial Art ClubStep Club
The Wave CafeWalker's Wheelers
Wings (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Outdoor AdventurePersonal Fitness
College Matriculation
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
- 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 -
- School Motto: Truth and Honor
Source: Verified school update
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 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 47%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%.
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 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Riding, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
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 ).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Ethel Walker School vs. Miss Porter's School
People that viewed The Ethel Walker School also viewed these schools: Miss Porter's School, Westover School, Dana Hall School, Stoneleigh-Burnham School and Miss Hall's School.
The nearest boarding school to The Ethel Walker School is Westminster School (3.4 miles away)
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