Where girls are empowered

to lead with integrity,

confidence, courage and conviction.

A D M I S S I O N S M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 1

S I M S B U R Y, C O N N E C T I C U T

Fulfill your dreams; discover your talentsGirls enter The Ethel Walker School energized to learn, empowered to

explore, encouraged to grow. They emerge as young women prepared to

make significant contributions to the global community.

The Upper School (grades 9 to 12) blends the exceptional opportunities for

academic and personal growth of a boarding school with the strengths of a

college preparatory day school. 

The Middle School (for day students in grades 6 to 8) offers a nurturing

and challenging educational experience designed to meet the needs of girls

during these formative years.

At Walker's, every student is encouraged to develop her talents, set goals,

and achieve them; academically, socially and athletically.  The learning

environment is designed exclusively for girls, allowing them to display their

full intelligence without social distraction.  

Leadership opportunities abound, course choice is set by individual

interests rather than gender stereotyping, and learning takes center stage. 

Our missionThe Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding

and day school for girls in grades six through twelve.

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 the joy of friendship are fundamental

principles as the School empowers girls to lead with integrity, confidence,

courage, and conviction.

4 Wellness at Walker’s

12 Academics

14 Creative Expression

16 Leadership

18 Athletics

20 Student Life

24 School Spirit

26 A Look at Campus

28 The Middle School

32 Applying and Visiting

1

“Walker’s students have an appreciationfor the world around them, a commitmentto service, the confidence to make adifference, and the strength to stand forwhat is honorable and just.”

– ELIZABETH C. SPEERS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

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3

Welcome.It is my pleasure to share with you what distinguishes The

Ethel Walker School as a school and community.

Walker’s girls are unique. They are confident, proud of their school

community, and purposeful about their academics as well as the many

other activities they take part in — community service, athletics, arts,

student government, and more. This community has a sense of balance

that is worth paying attention to in a society where finding balance can

be a challenge. Here, real value is placed on a sense of warmth, empathy,

and a “down to earth” quality.

Walker’s hallmark is maintaining the right balance between academic

rigor and compassion. Walker’s students come from many different

backgrounds. We believe in diversity, whether it be socio-economic,

racial, religious, ethnic, or simply of opinion — we are made stronger in

our breadth. With a rich and storied history in girls’ education, we are a

community of loyal constituencies who care passionately about

academics, leadership, and service learning. Our commitments include a

focus on environmental stewardship and community service.

It is our talented and committed faculty who help our students grow,

stretch, laugh, love, achieve, fail, try again, and ultimately become more

of who they already were when they arrived on campus. The ethos of

the School when Miss Walker founded it in 1911 included many of the

same community values we hold dear today. The faces have changed

over the years, yet the commitment to academic excellence remains the

same.

There is no substitute for visiting campus and speaking with our

students and faculty.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth “Bessie” Speers

Head of School

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Wellnessat Walker’s

Our commitment to wellness directs much of what we do at Walker's. From forming lasting friendships

to making contributions to the community, social and emotional learning

concepts are woven throughout our curriculum and our daily interactions.

In this context, a positive outlook and a life full of challenges that provide a

sense of purpose and commitment to social change are key to a strong

sense of well-being. Satisfaction involves a careful balance of fulfillment,

challenge, a connection to others, and a commitment to service.

Our curriculum encourages girls to build cognitive and emotional skills that

will help them develop the resilience and flexibility needed to succeed in

our global society.

5

The overall wellness curriculum at Walker’s places a strong emphasis on

knowing oneself, relating to others, and making healthy choices. The

foundation for this way of thinking is laid in the Middle School program and

is based on the five competencies of social and emotional learning:

• Self-awareness

• Self-management

• Social awareness

• Relationship skills

• Responsible decision-making

Emotional and physical well-being are important ingredients for success in

all areas of life. Our wellness curriculum supports the development of the

skills girls need to navigate life in the 21st century while maintaining a

healthy sense of self, strong connections with others and a commitment to

global responsibilities.

WELLNESS OBJECTIVES:

To flourish, build

resilience, make sense

and find meaning in

our experience.

Formore on Walker’sMiddle School, see

page 28.

6th Grade: The 6th graders meet weekly for a wellness class that focuses on

knowing oneself as a learner and friend. Topics include study skills, learning

styles and health education. In addition, students learn that the

development of healthy self-esteem begins with self-mastery and an

understanding of one’s own strengths, competencies, and resilience.

7th Grade: The wellness curriculum in the 7th grade focuses on the physical

and emotional changes which take place during adolescence. This weekly

class addresses issues such as: healthy boundaries in relationships; the

appropriate use of technology as a communication tool and resource;

dealing with stress; finding balance; developing a healthy life style; and

making responsible choices. The year ends with a group service project

relevant to the Walker’s community.

8th Grade: Walker’s values the following character traits: honesty, respect,

perseverance, empathy, courage and compassion. The School believes that

integration of these traits into all aspects of daily life is critical to character

development and positive leadership among students.  

This course provides a purposeful approach to the cognitive, emotional and

behavioral aspects of character development and leadership acumen.

Specifically, this class will:

• Build and reinforce positive social skills

• Encourage students to create both short and long-term positive goals

• Help students develop strong values and high standards

• Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Ensure students understand the consequences of their actions

Wellness Curriculum

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9th Grade: All of our 9th graders take a seminar with four seven-week units:

Wellness, Digital Identity, Leadership, and Public Speaking.

• Wellness: This unit incorporates life/study skills, personality assessments,

and focuses on self-awareness and character strengths. The goal is to help

students develop an understanding of their own personality type along with

the skills necessary to collaborate and communicate well with others.

• Digital Identity: Today’s students face unprecedented access to platforms

for making their voices heard, connecting with others, and sharing

information. The School recognizes the critical need to educate its students

on the potential opportunities and pitfalls inherent in today’s digital

landscape. This unit focuses on digital identity management, media literacy,

and responsible online behavior. Students examine issues surrounding social

networking, privacy (or lack thereof), texting, digital information storage and

exchange, and cyber-bullying. The students collaborate on developing a

“Digital Identity Survival Guide” to successfully monitor and shape their

“digital footprint” and ensure safe, positive, and productive online activity.

• Leadership: The class uses the model of “Inclusive Leadership” and stresses

strong cultural self-awareness, dialogue skills, appreciation for how

stereotypes and prejudice impact perceptions and interaction with others,

and awareness that social systems provide advantages to some social

identity groups and restrict access and opportunity to others.

• Public Speaking: This rotation introduces the girls to the structure of a

persuasive speech, as well as to techniques of strong oral and physical

delivery. Using fact, value, and policy, they learn to construct a coherent,

well-developed argument. Learning how to give and to receive constructive

criticism is critical to their progress and ultimate success.

10th Grade: Every 10th grade student takes a one-semester course that focuses

on women’s health issues, including common illnesses and their prevention,

hygiene, nutrition, the reproductive system, sexuality and decision-making,

sexually transmitted diseases, and emergency preparedness. Students have

the opportunity to become certified in Adult CPR.

The 10th graders also take a one-semester course on international human

rights and wellness. The students research global situations that disempower

women (such as child labor, lack of educational opportunities, child-bearing,

human trafficking, poverty, and employment discrimination) and learn how

they can help make a difference locally, nationally and internationally. With

units on personal finance and micro-financing opportunities along with

projects incorporating public speaking and research, this course builds on skills

covered in the 9th grade seminar. The final project includes development of an

action plan to help an international organization that works to alleviate some

global situation affecting women.

11th Grade: Premised on the belief that character matters as much as

knowledge, the Ethics Seminar focuses on helping students learn to value

individual differences, make sound moral judgements, and live an examined

life. The course provides lenses through which to examine and debate various

moral issues and contemporary challenges.  Students develop critical thinking

skills to make moral decisions and examine their own moral values.

12th Grade: Workshops on time management at the college level, making

responsible choices in social relationships and settings, and achieving a proper

balance between academics, extra-curricular activities and social opportunities

help our seniors manage a successful transition from Walker’s to the college of

their choice. While there is not a designated “senior seminar”, the wide array of

electives at the senior level share a common purpose of helping them focus on

their growing independence and preparedness for college.

Wellness Curriculum

7

Junior/Senior Project

The Junior/Senior Project is designed to provide an opportunity for each

student to pursue an in-depth study of an area of interest outside of the

traditional classroom. Typically the projects include a two-week internship

and require the student to keep a journal during their time off campus and

submit a paper describing the project and evaluating the experience.

However, a student may do a summer long internship to satisfy this

requirement. While students are only required to do one project to satisfy the

graduation requirement, many opt to do one in both junior and senior years.

Recent projects have included community service in Costa Rica, shadowing a

cardiologist at a local hospital including observation of surgical procedures,

developing and tracking an online marketing and sales strategy, working for a

gubernatorial campaign during the fall election season, interning with a sea

turtle conservation group, and coaching a youth sports program.

College Counseling Workshops for Juniors and Seniors

These weekly workshops focus on choosing the right college and work to

ensure that the students can successfully navigate the academic, social,

financial and personal challenges at the college level. Visits with college

admissions officers allow students to learn about the breadth of options

available to them while visits from recent Walker’s alumnae provide valuable

insight about appropriate choices and expectations.

• Internship with an oncology practice atan area hospital

• Shadowing an internal medicinephysician, participating in medicalrounds with medical students in ateaching hospital

• Representing the Barbados EquestrianTeam at the Youth Olympic Games inSingapore

• Shadowing a nurse practitioner on herdaily rounds

• Working with the US Small BusinessAdministration to set up an eco-friendlystart-up business that could produceSchool-required athletic gear

• Analyzing the impact and reach of ablog (set up about our New Zealandexchange program) that conforms withWalker’s Acceptable Use Policy

• Working with a large-animal veterinarypractice dealing with sheep, goats,horses and cows

• Serving as a counselor and mentor at theWalker’s Summer Riding Experience camp

• Writing a children’s book andinvestigating the process of getting itpublished

• Working for a Republican’sgubernatorial campaign and aDemocrat’s congressional campaign

Learning Beyond Campus

8

Recent Junior/SeniorProjects

9

Walker’s Exchange ProgramsSeveral exchange programs are offered at various grade levels at

Walker’s. The School's program with its sister school, St. Catherine’s

in Melbourne, Australia, is an alternating year program where St.

Catherine's students attend classes at Walker's, take field trips (to

museums and football games!), and live with host families in

Connecticut. The following year, Walker's girls travel to Australia and

become St. Catherine's students. They travel throughout Australia, visit

with koala bears and kangaroos, and learn to like Vegimite! Other

schools participating in exchange programs with Walker's are Nge Tawa

School in New Zealand, and Scotland’s Dollar Academy.

Other travel learning opportunities include the School's annual

Habitat for Humanity and ServCorps trips, Middle School team building

at Camp Jewell in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, an annual trip for

eighth graders to Washington, DC, and trips to enhance the learning of

specific curriculum, such as a recent trip by students studying Prairie

Literature to a working farm. Learning is certainly never confined to the

classroom at Walker's;  the adjacent Walker’s Woods are used for

science and literature study on a regular basis. 

Students recently traveled toGhana to perform communityservice at a children’s camp.

A kangaroo encounter during theAustralian exchange in 2010

• Local government internshipshadowing the First Selectmanand Town Treasurer

• Music industry internship with aprofessional musician/engineer/production mixer

• Work at an art gallery helping tomount an exhibition of thestudent’s original work

• Participate in a Spanish languageand cultural immersion program inCosta Rica

• Sales and marketing internship fora Hong Kong-based manufacturer

• Shadowing a cardiologist,including observing open-heartsurgery

• Work with the CT Department ofEnvironmental Protection doingregional water sampling andlearning about fisheriesmanagement

• Internship with a commercialphotography studio

• Assisting in a middle school,working with a student withcerebral palsy

• Shadowing a pathologist andworking in the hospital’spathology lab

• Law office internship with a Paris-based law firm

• Architectural design firminternship

• Study of wind power and a windfarm’s electrical output

• Work with an accounting firmassisting with audit reports

Spring break usually has Walker’s students and faculty chaperones

traveling to build and rehabilitate homes for Habitat for Humanity and for

ServCorps, a Hartford-based service organization founded by alumna Ruth

Grobe ’69 and her husband, Richard. Recent destinations have been

Columbus, GA and Galveston, TX.

Walker’s was the first high school ever to volunteer on a build in Columbus;

our girls joined 135 college students from five colleges. Together, they helped

build six new Habitat homes. Jenna Truglio ’12 said, “I had no idea how much

a house, something I often take for granted, could mean to someone.”

In Galveston, ten Walker’s girls worked with ten students from Avon Old

Farms School to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina on a trip

organized by ServCorps. The Walker’s group cleaned and did site work and

finish work, which allowed homeowners to finally move out of FEMA trailers

and back into their homes after Katrina.

Students at the School are required to fulfill an annual community service

requirement. Most of the service is performed in the Greater Hartford area,

and includes ServCorps, Habitat for Humanity, Fidelco, Farmington River

Watershed Association, Connecticut Riverfront Recapture, The Community

Farm of Simsbury, and many more.

“Building houses for Habitat for Humanity has taught

me that the smallest act of kindness can make a

difference, and that there are many people less fortunate

than I am. The lessons I have learned and the work ethic

I developed will stay with me forever.”

MELODY ALTSCHULER ’12

Service Learning

STUDENTS BUILD HOMES IN GEORGIA AND TEXASDURING SPRING BREAK

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The Green Cup Challenge

As part of its effort to reduce waste

and conserve energy, Walker’s

participates in the Green Cup

Challenge, during which schools are

challenged to reduce their energy

consumption over a period of several

weeks. The winner is the school which

has reduced usage by the highest

percentage.

Today, the Green Cup Challenge

includes 150 day and boarding, and

public and private schools, in over 24

States and Canada.

Environmental StewardshipThe Board of Trustees adopted the following policy toreflect the School’s commitment to the environment:

The Ethel Walker School is committed to

protect and enhance the environment through

education, research, community service and

responsible administration. We seek to foster a

community that teaches environmental awareness, local action, global

responsibility, and the necessity of sustaining ecological systems.

Environmentally-sound practices are a core value of the School, and we endorse

the following fundamental principles which will enhance health, comfort and

productivity while enhancing the earth for future generations:

• Educate our students, faculty and staff to be responsible stewards

of the earth, encouraging good environmental practices and

sustainability through leadership and action

• Protect our natural resources, particularly within our local

community and the land that defines the School campus

• Seek and evaluate opportunities to build or renovate campus

buildings in ways that protect the environment and nature

• Partner with local energy providers to conserve and reduce the

consumption of natural resources

In support of this statement, Walker’s has put into effect a number of

environmentally-conscious programs and initiatives, and continues to be active

in research and implementation of such undertakings. Recycling and energy

reduction are the focal points of many on-campus programs. The School

participates in the annual Green Cup Challenge, has implemented tray-free

dining, and installed automated light switches, among other environmental

initiatives. This publication is printed on recycled paper and uses

soy-based inks.

Our Green Cup Challenge video wonfirst place in the national competitionfor GCC videos. Students have beenincreasingly encouraged to use video asa vehicle for their messages.

11

Walker’s is a founding partner of The Community Farm of Simsbury,an alliance whose goal is to producecrops via sustainable farming practices,to provide resources for learning topublic and private schools andcommunity groups, to “provide food tothe poor of Simsbury” as in the Farm’soriginal deed, and to offer communityservice opportunity and outreach.Service learning opportunities haveincluded cleaning up the site, trimmingshrubbery, and removing brush.

12AVERAGE

CLASS

SIZE

12

Academics

CLASS SCHEDULE

Each class meets three times a week for one 80-minute and two 50-

minute blocks. This rotating block schedule allows students to engage in

more focused and purposeful studies, expands possibilities for in-depth

instruction and provides opportunities for both teachers and students to

work creatively and collaboratively. On Wednesdays, classes end at

midday following non-denominational Chapel, a weekly time for discussion

and reflection on important community issues. The academic day begins

at 8:00 and ends at 3:15, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Visit a class at Walker’s, and you’ll witness a lively, interactive learning environment.

Free from the distractions inherent in a coed classroom, girls eagerly explore, question, analyze, take

intellectual chances, speak up and rise enthusiastically to each new challenge.

Learning at Walker’s extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Students and teachers here form

genuine connections, and often continue their classroom conversations over meals, walking across

campus, or while attending athletic events. This vibrant community doesn’t shut down at 3 p.m.;

it’s a way of life that continues long after classes are over.

13

167Walker’s offers 167 middle and upper school

courses, including 16 Upper School

AP courses, 20 honors courses, additional

workshops, off-campus study, independent

projects, junior and senior internships and

foreign exchange programs.

TECHNOLOGY @ WALKER’S

A wireless campus, classrooms equipped with SMART boards, updated science

and computer labs, curriculum covering digital responsibility, encouragement

to use multi-media resources for learning and presentation, and a state-of-the-

art library add to the foundation for scholastic excellence which ensures

Walker's graduates find themselves superbly prepared to succeed at the finest

colleges in the nation. 

Visit www.ethelwalker.org for an overview of the Upper School curriculum

14

Every student is involvedin the arts at Walker’s. Many discover previously untapped

talents; for some a door is opened to a career or lifetime

passion. Students with a strong artistic interest may

pursue an arts concentration, delving deeply into one area

of the visual or performing arts to develop skills at an

advanced level: preparing a portfolio for college

admission or working with a master teacher in

choreographing original dance works. Under the guidance

of teachers who are gifted artists, musicians, theatre

directors and dancers/choreographers, Walker’s girls

refine and develop their special talents and learn to

appreciate the varied talents of those around them. They

learn to express their unique creative spirit and to see the

world and its possibilities through different lenses.

expressioncrea

tiv D

AN

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•

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HE

AT

RE

M U S I C • V I S U A L A R T S

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Art for a Cause

Walker’s hosts an Empty Bowls

Project, with students, faculty, parents,

alumnae and friends of the School

pitching in on the pottery wheel to

produce hundreds of handcrafted

bowls which are offered for sale.

Proceeds from this annual event

benefit the Manna Food Pantry and

the Connecticut Humane Society.

expression

Walker’s commitment to

the arts is apparent in

extensive curricular offerings

in addition to extra-curricular

options in theater, dance and

music. A sampling of arts

courses includes:

Dance Workshop 

Dance Ensemble

Playwriting

Shakespeare for the Stage

Acting Techniques

Music Theory

Music Major

Drawing (6 courses)

Painting I-III

Photography I-III

Digital Imaging

Ceramics & Sculpture

Graphic Publication

2-D & 3-D Design

16

THE BIG 7:President of the Student Body

Vice President of the Student Body/

Head of Proctors

Head of Judiciary

Head of Activities

Head of Day Students

Head of Community Service

Senior Class President

Other organizations are the

Cicerone Society (admissions

tour guides), the Walker’s

Activities Board and the Ethel

Walker Athletic Council. Class

officers, club presidents, team

captains and junior and senior

proctors are among the

individual leadership positions

available to Walker’s students.

Leadership atWalker’s

As stated in Walker’s mission, girls here are empowered

“to lead with integrity, confidence, courage and conviction.”

Training for leadership occurs at various points in the academic

curriculum in units designed to enhance the growth of individual

awareness, self-esteem and responsibility. Both formal and informal

opportunities arise through participation in stewarding student

government, captaining an athletic team, leading a club or a community

service project.

Walker’s firmly believes that one of the most important elements of

leadership is responsibility. We teach our girls to listen well, to be

empathetic, and to be inclusive.

A sampling of the leadership opportunities available to Walker’s students

is listed below.

STUDENT SENATEStudent Senate, composed of representatives

from each class, meets regularly to develop

and consider proposals that will improve

student life.

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE The Judiciary Committee includes both

faculty and student representatives. This

committee reviews disciplinary matters and

determines actions which are reviewed by the

Dean of Students and the Head of School.

17

The highly individual process of choosing a college is one of the

most significant adventures that await you. Our college advising

program, which begins junior year, ensures that each student will

discover the schools that she determines will best fit her aspirations

and talents, and that will continue to challenge her with the kind

of rigorous education she has received at Walker’s.100100% of our

graduates attend

four-year colleges

18

Athletic and EquestrianHighlightsBelow, some highlights from recent years:

Basketball• Seven consecutive winning years

Field Hockey• CISAC Champion• League Champions• New England Qualifiers

Golf• Individual Match Winners• Winning Seasons

Soccer• New England Class #1 seeds• WNEPSA Tournament Qualifiers• CISAC Champions• All-State Players

Volleyball• WNEPSA Class B• Ranked League Champions• Graduates play at NCAA levels

Lacrosse• CISAC Champions• WNEPSA Class C Champions• Players named to Academic

All American Team• Players participated in National

Tournament for Lower New England

• Alumna Susan S. Ford inducted into Lacrosse Hall of Fame

• Graduates compete at NCAA levels

Softball• CISAC League Champs• WNEPSA Tournament Qualifiers• Premier team participants,

off-season

Ski Team• Top girls league ranked• Individual skiers participate in

USSA and Junior Olympics• Individual New England

Class B Champion

Riding• Programs at all levels, from

recreation through national competition

• Extensive equestrian facilities with hundreds of trails

• Alumnae competing at Division I and professional levels

Athletics at Walker’sThe School believes that the teaching and learning environment extends to

the sports and activities arenas. Sports teach time management, instill a

commitment to lifetime fitness, and challenge participants to win with

humility and lose with grace.

Every student at Walker’s participates in a sport or activity as an essential

part of our holistic approach to education. Walker’s offers programs for the

novice as well as the athlete being recruited to play at the collegiate level,

with varying levels including Varsity, Junior Varsity, 3rds and Middle School.

Sportsmanship, leadership and discipline are emphasized at every level.

Walker’s is a member of the Founders League and competes against schools

including: Choate Rosemary Hall, Hotchkiss, Kingswood-Oxford, Loomis

Chaffee, Miss Porter’s, Taft and Westminster. Walker’s also participates in the

Connecticut Independent School Athletic Conference (CISAC), which includes

Chase Collegiate, Hamden Hall, MacDuffie, Westover and Williams.

Our coaching staff has extensive experience and is comprised of faculty

members as well as outside coaches and instructors, many of whom are

former Division I and III coaches and/or players.

The Middle School program follows the same philosophy and includes

basketball, dance, field hockey, lacrosse, riding and soccer.

Interscholastic teams:Basketball • Field Hockey • Golf

Lacrosse • Riding • Skiing • Soccer

Softball • Squash • Swimming

Tennis • Volleyball

Non-traditional teams:Dance – ballet, hip-hop, jazz and

modern • Outdoor Adventure – hiking,

trail works, bicycling, rock climbing,

canoeing • Dance Ensemble

Seasonal, non-competitive athletics:Dance Class • Musical • Personal Fitness

Riding lessons • Theater • Yoga

Riding at Walker’sRiding has been an integral part of life at Walker’s since

the School’s founding. In the decades since, thousands of

riders have explored hundreds of miles of trails on campus,

gained new skills under the watchful eyes of accomplished

instructors and felt the thrill of a hard-earned win.

Our nationally-acclaimed riding program accommodates

all levels of riding, from the absolute beginner to the most

experienced, competitive rider. Students may board their

own horse at Walker’s or utilize the School horses available

for the lesson program and for lease.

Every Walker’s rider can be involved in all aspects of

equestrian pursuits from equitation, hunters/jumpers,

dressage and combined training, to horse care and

stable management. We also offer a very unique equine

science class.

Walker’s riders compete in numerous local shows and

travel to the top A-rated circuit shows in New England.

During the winter months, riders have traveled to Florida

to compete in the Wellington circuit. Walker’s also hosts

their annual Fall and Spring Shows at the School’s

equestrian facility.

The Ethel Walker School is an active participant in the

Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The IEA

program has developed nationally as a springboard to

collegiate riding.

National and regional competitions dominate the

Walker’s equestrian program throughout the year, for

hunter/jumper/equitation riders, eventers, and IEA

riders alike.

Walker’s riders placed in prestigious competitions such as

the Maclay Regionals, Platinum Performance USET Talent

Search, PESSOA/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals, New

England Equitation Finals and the American Eventing

Championships. Riders have been in the ribbons at

Wellington, Lake Placid, The Hamptons, Syracuse,

Saratoga, Southern Pines, and Vermont as well as the

many local shows attended.

Our Interscholastic riders at both Middle and Upper School

levels have placed in the top ten at Zone Finals, and have

also been ranked as Regional Champions, in several cases

qualifying for Nationals. 19

Student

LifeWalker’s welcomes girls to a warm and closely-knit

community where they are accepted and valued, feel the

support of close friends, and thrive under the caring attention

of dedicated adults.

Walker’s is a friendly place where new students quickly feel at home and

individuals are warmly welcomed. All our faculty are more than just teachers:

they are advisors, mentors, confidantes, and on-campus family.

Girls develop deep and lasting friendships here that continue throughout their

lives. The bonds that develop through shared living are profound, and

whether you’re a day or boarding student, the connections you’ll make will be

a fundamental part of your Walker’s experience.

Students come from around the world and from many different background,

states, coun tries, religions, races and economic classes. Classmates and

roommates from Illinois and El Salvador, New York and Mexico, Kentucky and

Germany connect across cultural boundaries and forge friendships and

understanding that last a lifetime.

Living on Campus

The main focus of Residential Life

is to create an environment that

feels like home. While dorms

provide structure and have rules

in place to help keep students

safe, we also want to provide a

caring atmosphere. Housefaculty

in each dorm act as “parents away

from home.” It is not unusual for

them to invite students to their

apartments to play board games

or bake cookies. Proctors, a

specially selected group of juniors

and seniors, are often seen as “big

sisters” to the younger girls,

offering a liaison between

housefaculty and boarding

20

21

Residential Houses

Smith and Cluett, our two student residences, house more than 100 boarding

students. Both residences have lounges, kitchenettes and laundry facilities.

Student rooms have wireless access to the School’s computer network.

Weekends at Walker’s

Weekends are filled with activity options, thanks to the Head of Activities (a

member of the Big 7 student government), the Activities Committee, faculty,

The Ethel Walker School Parents Association and surrounding schools. While

some time each weekend is spent studying and doing homework, students

have time for fun. They often attend football games at Avon Old Farms or

Salisbury, travel to dances at other schools, visit nearby New York and Boston

via School-arranged and chaperoned outings, go shopping or to the movies

at nearby malls, or enjoy on-campus bonfires complete with s’mores.

Cheering on Walker’s Wildcats at home or away games is a big priority also.

Other nearby activities include skiing, ice skating at the International Skating

Center in town, or cooking or baking in the dorms with housefaculty. Often,

day students will stay overnight in the dorms with their friends, or a boarder

might spend a weekend at the home of a day student. No two weekends are

alike at Walker’s!

55%Approximately

55% of Upper

School students

live on campus.

Clubs, Organizations & Affinity Groups

Meals at Walker’s

Boarding and day students alike

find that meals at Walker’s form a

central part of their social life.

Friendships are developed and

classroom discussions are often

continued over meals in Abra’s, the

School dining hall.

On a daily basis, meals in Abra’s

abound with delicious options. With

access to an extensive salad bar,

freshly prepared vegetables, whole

grains and vegetarian options, students are encouraged to try new things

— not only by the School’s food service staff but by other students! The

food service team also offers regular special tastings, such as a freshly

prepared sushi bar, an olive bar, a locally harvested apple bar and more.

The connection between nutrition and a healthy body is of course

addressed within the wellness curriculum and at Advisor Lunches.

The student-friendly menu in Abra’s is varied and appealing, designed to

meet the cultural and dietary needs of a diverse community. Vegetarian

options, salad bar, sandwich fixings, cereals and fresh fruit supplement the

daily specials, which include traditional, contemporary and ethnic favorites.

Food that tastes good and is good for you is a priority.

With more than two dozen organizations to choose from,

students are certain to find one that matches their interests or

talents or simply sparks their curiosity.

All clubs and organizations are led by students, for students, with the guidance

of a faculty advisor. Don't see a club of interest? Start one! The Dean of

Students oversees the creation of new clubs and organizations.

A sampling of popular groups:

Amnesty International

Art Club

BAWA Health Initiative

Black and Latina Student Union

(BLSU)

Chemistry Club

Daemon Literary Magazine

Dance Club

Habitat for Humanity

International Foods Club

Multimedia Production

Photography

Step Club 22

Members of BLSU (Black & Latina Student Union)

Dress Code

Walker’s has a flexible dress code and its guidelines leave plenty of room for improvisation and

personal preference while maintaining a sense of appropriateness and personal dignity. “School Dress”

events require girls to wear a uniform skirt, tailored pants or shorts and a solid collared shirt. Each

student also is required to have one gray skirt in one of three styles and a white, collared shirt, which is

worn to certain events and banquets throughout the year. On occasion, students are invited to wear

“Special Event Dress,” which consists of dress slacks, skirts or dresses with dress shoes. There are also

“Dress Down Days” throughout the year, when students can dress more casually.

Skirts (at least fingertip length please)allow many options. Choose from threestyles — knife pleat, box pleat, or kilt —and seven colors: pink, blue, green,khaki, navy blue, dark gray and lightgray. One gray skirt is required forspecial occasions.

On certain occasions, students maydress up in their spirit club colors —often in the craziest ways they cancome up with — to show theirenthusiasm and support. Suns wearyellow, red and orange, and Dialswear purple, blue and pink.

Wear a solid-colored shirt witha collar. Small emblems, nolarger than a quarter — arefine. It’s that simple!

On chilly days, pull on a solid-coloredcrew neck, V-neck or a cardigansweater, vest or fleece, or a solid-colored crew neck sweatshirt. No hoodsplease, and no writing or logos —except for Walker’s!

Tailored shorts may be worn untilNovember 1 and after SpringBreak, and tailored pants almostany time. They can be khaki, black,gray, navy blue or brown.

Flip-flops are permitted — andpopular! — until November 1 andafter Spring Break — otherwise, slipinto any closed-toe footwear that’sclean and in good repair. Socks andtights need to be a solid color.

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Walker’sspirit!Walker’s Fun Fact:

The School’s two spirit clubs,

the Suns and the Dials, get

their names from the School

symbol, the sundial. The

sundial also gives rise to the

school motto, Nullas Horas Nisi

Aureas, which translates as

“None but Golden Hours.”

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Walker’s girls celebrate

their School spirit in grand

fashion at the annual

Dogswood Day celebration.

Suns and Dials compete in

a variety of challenges,

where having fun is the

primary objective.

SUNSWear these colors �

DIALSWear these colors �

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Chapel

This lovely nondenominational

chapel is used for all-School

gatherings and other programs.

The lower level houses the

Business Office.

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Beaver Brook Academic Center

Beaver Brook houses the classrooms,

science labs, visual arts studios, two

computer centers, Learning Center,

dining room and social centers, Dean

of Students Office, administrative

offices, campus store, and the

Admission Office.

Constance Lavino Bell Library

The library houses 30,000 books, a

digital library, seminar rooms,

archives, tutorial rooms, computer

lab and the Counseling Center.

A Look at Campus

The main campus is situated on 300 acres,adjacent to the permanently conserved Walker’s Woods, containing the remaining acreage of the

School’s original 600 acre parcel. These Woods are utilized for environmental education, walking,

hiking, cross country and equestrian activities, and are permanently dedicated as open space through

an agreement between Walker’s and the Town of Simsbury.

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Walker’s EquestrianCenter

Facilities include more than

50 stalls, lighted outdoor ring,

full-size indoor arena, three

heated tack rooms, miles of

wooded trails and multiple

turnout pastures.

Walker’s Fun Fact:The School store, “Diddle’s

Depot,” is affectionately named

for the founder’s nickname,

Diddle, which grew out of her

young niece’s mispronunciation of

Ethel. Diddle’s sells school

supplies, snacks, stamps, Walker’s

T-shirts and sweatshirts, and

arranges laundry services.

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�

van Gemeren Observatory

The Observatory, situated atop a

ridge on campus, interacts with

classroom computers for astronomy

courses. It includes a retractable roof,

and houses a 16" Meade telescope

with a professional-grade optical

system and a wireless link for remote

operation. The solar powered facility

is used regularly by students, faculty,

alumnae and the community.

Ferguson Auditorium

Our Middle School facilities adjoin a

350-seat auditorium, choir and

practice rooms, and amphitheater.

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�

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Middle School

Walker's Middle School houses

classrooms, a large social

center and computer lab, and

the School's music and

rehearsal spaces.

Russell Health Center

An infirmary and medical consulting

area (not pictured).

Galbraith Activity Building

This multi-purpose facility houses the

gymnasium, training rooms, locker

rooms, fitness center and dance

studio.

27

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Walker's Middle School program is designed to foster a love of

learning and to provide opportunities for girls to expand their

unique talents (and even discover some they didn’t even know they

had), explore new ideas, and develop the creativity and higher-

order thinking skills needed to succeed in secondary school.

Our Middle School fosters connections, empathy, confidence and

intellectual curiosity. We know that when Middle School girls feel connected

to something larger than themselves, they discover their strengths and focus

on the joy of discovery (rather than on the drama of adolescence).

At The Ethel Walker Middle School the visual and performing arts are

considered a core academic subject. Girls dominate class discussions

without social distractions. A girl who excels in math has the opportunity to

accelerate, taking Algebra I, Geometry or even Algebra II. A student adept at

a specific language may take Upper School level courses in that language. 

English, Ancient and Modern Cultures, U.S. History, Ecology, Human Biology

and Earth Science, and Visual and Performing Arts form the core of the

Middle School curriculum. The emphasis is on project-based interactive

learning that is one of collaboration between students and teachers. Math

courses are differentiated, offering sections in Math Fundamentals, Pre-

Algebra and Algebra in a project-based setting.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Girls also take classes in study skills,

time management and wellness, and participate in class meetings and

community service activities. They learn to think creatively and to believe in

themselves, respect their peers and develop the confidence to strike out in

the world on their own as leaders, learners, caregivers and friends.

For a detailed look at our

Middle School curriculum, visit

www.ethelwalker.org

The Ethel Walker Middle School

29

Tending the School’s organic garden,

mentoring elementary school

children, running book and food

drives, helping a village in Africa

acquire access to clean water: all of

these are opportunities for our

students to learn about the world

while they are changing it for the

better. The best part is, if you have

an idea, share it, and you can

make it happen!

At Walker’s,

we teach girls

about their

opportunity to

make a difference

Music, dance, theater, andespecially the visual arts atWalker's are vibrant, interactiveprograms where students willdiscover their inner artist.Play in the orchestra, sing with the

Choristers, create artwork for display in

student art shows. Make a bowl on the

pottery wheel as a gift, or to donate to

our Empty Bowls project. Star in the

Middle School Play or help design the

colorful set.

Middle School Nightof Excellence

Each spring the Middle

School celebrates a year of

excellence in academics and

the arts with a special event

showcasing student

accomplishments.

The Ethel Walker Middle School

30

In keeping with the

School's commitment to

women in leadership roles,

the Middle School has its

own student government,

with students serving as

Middle School President,

Vice President, Treasurer

and Secretary. 

Athletics offered at The Ethel Walker Middle School:

Basketball

Field Hockey

Lacrosse

Riding

Soccer

Softball

Riding

Eighth graders enjoy a special "Promotion Ceremony" each year before

moving on to the ninth grade. Families and friends attend this special event

which includes distinguished prizes, faculty addresses, student

performances and much pride!

When you complete your Walker’s Middle School

experience, you will emerge prepared to meet the

challenges of high school head on.

Walker’s Middle Schoolathletic program provides

not only great training and

competition, but FUN! Walker’s

Middle School softball, lacrosse,

field hockey, soccer, basketball

and riding teams all have great

records and allow you to learn

the sport but also to enjoy great

team spirit.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

The beginning of each school year

is highlighted by a Middle School

retreat to Camp Jewell in nearby

Litchfield County. Sixth and

seventh graders spend an entire

day at the camp, and eighth

graders an overnight. The entire

Middle School participates in team

building activities while enjoying

an outdoor getaway. 

If you’re a rider or

interested in learning to ride,

Walker’s nationally

recognized, championship

program gives you every

opportunity.

31

Learn moreabout The Ethel Walker

School by visiting us online

at www.ethelwalker.org —

and then visit us in person!

Experience part of a day at

Walker’s: observe classes,

athletics and activities in

progress, tour the campus, see

how the students interact, have a

meal in Abra’s dining room.

Only by visiting can you truly

understand the exceptional

experience Walker’s offers young

women. Whether you attend one

of our scheduled Open Houses or

would like an individual family

tour, we welcome your call at

860.408.4200 to arrange

your visit.

ADMISSIONS TIMETABLE

Fill out our online informationrequest or contact the School toindicate interest.

October/November/JanuarySchedule a visit to Walker’s or makea reservation to attend an OpenHouse.

October–January Take standardized testing.

February 1 Deadline for applying to Walker’s.

March 10 Candidates are notified of theadmission decision.

April 10 Enrollment contract and deposit due.

We look forward to meeting you!

Applying to Walker’sFinding the right school — the right fit for you — is essential.The interview and application process is designed to help you gain insight into

the Walker’s experience. In turn, we want to learn more about you as a student

and as a person. Together we can help you determine whether Walker’s is a good

match for your goals and interests.

Walker’s welcomes applications from girls who seek a vibrant and challenging

education in a friendly and dynamic community — one that welcomes students

with a variety of talents, interests, outlooks and backgrounds.

We carefully consider each student’s complete profile to determine her potential

for success at Walker’s. Through the application process, including the required

personal interview, we try to assess a student’s academic performance and

aptitude, character and citizenship, adaptability, talents and potential outside

the classroom.

The Ethel Walker School is committed to building a strong and diverse

community of students. We recognize that not every family has the financial

ability to pay the full cost of a Walker’s education. Our financial aid program is

designed to help make Walker’s affordable to all qualified students who are

offered admission. All financial aid is based on demonstrated need and is subject

to the availability of funds. The financial aid application is available at

www.sss.nais.org.

We welcome your visit and your admissions application. Our priority application

deadline is February 1. If you have any questions about the application process,

please call the Admission Office at 860.408.4200, or email

admission@ethelwalker.org.

To be considered for admission, the Admission Committee assesses whether a student will benefit from and contribute to the Walker’s community.

Elements of an application include:

• Application form and Student and Parent Statements

• Academic Transcript

• English & Math Recommendations

• SSAT Scores (TOEFL Scores if non-English speakers)

• Personal interview (via telephone or Skype if necessary)

32

Contact the Admissions Office

Telephone860.408.4200

Fax860.408.4201

Emailadmissions@ethelwalker.org

Webwww.ethelwalker.org/admissions

The Ethel Walker School230 Bushy Hill RoadSimsbury, Connecticut 06070

www.ethelwalker.org

The Ethel Walker School admits students of anyrace, color, religion, and national and ethnic originto all the rights, privileges, programs, and activitiesgenerally accorded or made available to students atthe School. The School does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, religion, or national or ethnicorigin in the administration of its educationalpolicies, scholarship and loan programs, athleticsand other school-administered programs.

RIHartford

Boston

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New York City

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Walker School

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Finding Walker’sThe Ethel Walker School is located in Simsbury, Connecticut. We are an easy drive from Boston or New York. The closestairport is Bradley International Airport, which is just 20 minutes away. Detailed directions to campus can be found on our website at www.ethelwalker.org.

In 2010, Simsbury was

selected as the first and only

town in Connecticut for the

National Trust for Historic

Preservation’s list of Dozen

Distinctive Destinations.

Walker’s campus is situated on

300 acres of forest, playing

fields, and pastures, with

academic, arts and residential

buildings. The original campus

encompassed 600 acres; in

2007, 300 acres were

permanently conserved as

Walker’s Woods.

Walker’s Celebrates its Centennial in 2011

230 Bushy Hill Road

Simsbury, Connecticut 06070

p 860.408.4200

admissions@ethelwalker.org

www.ethelwalker.org

Who was Ethel Walker?The Ethel Walker School was founded in 1911 by Miss Ethel Walker, a graduate ofBryn Mawr College. In 1917, Ethel Walker acquired over 600 acres of land in Simsburyand moved the School to its present location from its original site in Lakewood, NJ.

First and foremost, Ethel Walker believed girls’ education must be academicallyrigorous, providing a sound preparation for college and imparting lifelongintellectual curiosity and a love of learning. In fact, during the School’s earlyyears, Miss Walker required that students pass the entrance exam to Bryn MawrCollege in order to receive an Ethel Walker School diploma. This commitment toa challenging academic program with a focus on college preparation remains centralto the Walker’s mission in the 21st century.

Miss Walker was also a great believer in the sound body/sound mind approach tolearning. Horseback riding and other forms of athletics held an important place inSchool, as did theater and creative art.

The legacy of Ethel Walker remains alive today via the School’s commitment toacademics, the arts, athletics and riding.

Ethel Walker (right) with students.