WELCOME TO WALKER’S People who know Walker’s will tell you that when girls first arrive here, they fall in love with the all-girls environment, the serene beauty of our campus, and the power of learning in our classrooms that elevates academic performance and produces lifelong relationships. But in truth, other schools may have similar attributes. So, as you consider different schools, consider the following: Walker’s has developed a strong reputation in three areas: the spirit of our all-girls community, the individual attention we focus on our students, and the overall quality of student life.
Head of School Dr. Meera Viswanathan
THE WALKER’S ETHOS
Dr. Viswanathan, or “Ms. Vis” as she’s known to students, joined Walker’s in fall 2016 from Brown University, where she was an Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and East Asian Studies. A lifelong educator and scholar, Meera holds her undergraduate degree, her M.A. and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.
Walker’s is guided by the principle and pursuit of integrity. By this we mean that we are a school where every aspect of a girl’s life – academic, athletic, social, and personal well-being – comes together.
WALKER’S AT A GLANCE* campus 175 acre adjcacent to
Simsbury, Connecticut
of 425 acres preserved land
Grades 9-12,
Upper School Boarding and Day Grades 6-8,
Middle School Day
7:1
student/ faculty ratio
per 12 students average class
43% day
57%
boarding
from Hartford 20 minutes from NYC and Boston 2 hours 30% students of color 18% international students 73% of faculty and administration hold advanced degrees *Data from 2016-2017
THE ARTS AT WALKER’S VISUAL ARTS
MUSIC
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Drawing Painting Printmaking Sculpture Ceramics 3D design Textile arts Digital photography
THEATER
Choir • Acting techniques Gospel choir • Acting values Grapes (a cappella) • Playwriting Chamber ensembles African drumming Group keyboard Harmonious bells Orchestra Private lessons
DANCE • • • • •
Modern, ballet/pointe, jazz, tap and cultural dance forms Improvisation and composition Master classes with guest artists Dance Workshop (varsity level) Dance Ensemble (intermediate level
ATHLETICS AT WALKER’S FALL
WINTER
SPRING
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Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer Volleyball Dance Riding
Basketball Skiing Squash Swimming Dance Riding
Golf Lacrosse Softball Tennis Dance Riding
FITNESS • Outdoor Adventure (rock climbing, hiking, biking and paddling) • Personal Fitness • CrossFit • Yoga
RIDING AT WALKER’S Walker’s equestrian training lasts a lifetime. Located on our 175-acre campus, the Frank O.H. Williams Barn and Henderson Riding Ring is a state-of-the-art equestrian training facility. It has the capacity for up to 65 horses. There are work areas for vets and farriers, two heated wash stalls, and three tack rooms. The Henderson Riding Ring is a lighted indoor arena with dust-free footing and a viewing gallery. The multi-purpose outdoor riding ring is 175’ x 350’. There’s easy access to winding trails and extensive turnouts. It’s a remarkable facility with great energy. Our staff is composed of accomplished professionals with decades of training experience, and they make our hunter-jumper-equitation program among the best in the country. They work directly with our girls to help them succeed competitively in the program and academically in the classroom.
WHY ALL-GIRLS? THE GIRLS’ SCHOOL ADVANTAGE*: • More than 80% of girls’ school grads consider their academic performance highly successful • 93% of girls’ school grads say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than peers at coed schools • Girls’ school grads are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in science, math, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools. • 2/3 of students at all-girls schools expect to earn a graduate or professional degree. • A majority of girls’ school grads report higher selfconfidence over their coed peers. *Source: National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
LEARNING AT WALKER’S Across every area of instruction, we place a strong emphasis on doing. The curriculum at Walker’s combines the traditional areas of liberal arts studies – science, math, history, English, world languages, and the arts – with electives that are relevant to the world today. Unique, skill-based course offerings include Honors Biochemistry, Equine Science, Women in Literature, Art History, and Inequality in the U.S. The faculty, including both exciting new educators and welltenured teachers, animate the coursework with discussion-based exploration and project-based learning.
Learn more: www.ethelwalker.org/academics
LIFE ON CAMPUS Our three dorms feel like home for a number of reasons.
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It’s the security of live-in faculty dorm parents. It’s fireplaces and friendship. Movie marathons, karaoke, game nights and shopping trips and the smell of brownies in the dorm kitchens all add to the sense of shared space and shared experience. For the more than 60% of girls who live on campus, dorm life plays a huge role in defining the Walker’s experience, while social spaces – including a cafeteria that serves delicious, healthy food – enable day students and boarders to share daily life.
I love that our school is a mix of people from everywhere. A diverse community is very important and what makes our school so special. - Helena, Class of 2019
A PERSONALIZED JOURNEY Our small school size means our College Counseling team gets to know you on a personal level. You will receive focused direction and support throughout the entire college search and application process. We help you identify and apply to schools that are well-suited to your abilities and interests. While you will determine the schools and programs to which you want to apply, we’re here to provide guidance, answer questions and alleviate any concerns. As your partners throughout the process, we will advocate for you and serve as your liaisons to the colleges of your choice.
See where our recent graduates are attending college: www.ethelwalker.org/matriculation
The Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades six through 12. 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.
230 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 • (860) 408-4200
www.ethelwalker.org