Ethel Walker SchoolFor generations, young women have come to The Ethel Walker School to discover their capabilities in a community that cherishes learning and curiosity. At Walker’s, girls in grades 6–12 grow in their confidence and sense of higher purpose. They flourish, with each girl knowing that she will become the person she is meant to be.
Intellectual life at Walker’s is structured to leave room for exploration — and joy. Our master faculty expertly design the curriculum to be meaningful, challenging and inspiring. A robust offering of courses stretch students to become reflective, analytical thinkers who are motivated to direct their own learning.
In their quest to master content, Walker’s students pose challenging questions to test norms and disrupt the gendered mindset that informs traditional methods of teaching. Walker’s girls are the intellectual leaders and stewards of their own education.
My favorite class is English because it challenges me the most. Each novel is a lesson for me to know more about the world.
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Hands-on activities enable us to see in action what we’re learning. Open discussions allow everyone’s voices to be heard.
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By taking arts classes at Walker’s, I have grown to realize how to express myself through art and create a work of beauty.
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All of my teachers are so excited about what they’re doing and show us how much they like to teach us.
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No matter what topic we cover in History, I’m always able to make parallels with the changes I can make in the world.
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One of my favorite classes is math. Math is a great resource for my future — I aspire to become a neonatologist.
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Walker’s has immersive language classes that have allowed me to become more fluent and a more outspoken student.
Learn more about World LanguagesThis week, the Walker’s community welcomed Brooklyn Poet Laureate and author Tina Chang as our Fall 2021 Visiting Writer. During Wednesday’s assembly, the entire school community convened in the chapel…
Added to: Academics, English, News
In front of students, families, and colleagues during Family Weekend on October 22, science faculty member Dr. Emma Mitchell was awarded the Anastasia Payne Rooke ’48 Chair in Science, Math,…
Added to: Academics, Math, News, Science
Science faculty member Dr. Emma Mitchell, who teaches honors physics in the ninth grade, was selected to participate in a grant program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) which…
Added to: Academics, News, Science
Walker’s Language Department Chair and French faculty member Dr. Chris Semk has been selected as a 2021 University of Chicago Outstanding Educator. Dr. Semk was nominated by recent graduate Vané Lois ’21,…
Added to: Academics, Language, News
Horizons at The Ethel Walker School hosted a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Olympics Exposition (Expo) on Friday, July 30 at Walker’s Simsbury campus. The Expo was part…
Added to: All School, News
Walker’s student Le (Sarah) You ’22 has created Chat-Pal, a new community partnership at The Ethel Walker School that was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chat-Pal is an international peer…
Added to: All School, News, Student Life
Senior Kate Weiss knows how to seize every opportunity and moment. And this last year, despite a pandemic and a host of challenges around it, was no different.
Added to: All School, News, Upper School
Amidst the waning days of the global pandemic, guests gathered on Sunday, May 30 to celebrate the 109th commencement exercises of The Ethel Walker School. “We didn’t know what the…
Added to: All School, Alumnae, News
During the weekend of May 20-23 more than 300 alumnae from around the globe gathered virtually for a “reimagined” Reunion 2021 to participate in more than forty activities.
Added to: Alumnae, News
Written by Victoria Llanos ’21 In early autumn, I spoke with Mrs. Kimberly Thacker P’24, ’27, Walker’s archivist. Mrs. Thacker took me and a group of other girls on a…
Added to: Academics, Alumnae, Arts, History, News
Walker’s alumna and Nichols College senior Liza Phillips ’17 was named the field hockey program’s co-captain for the 2020-21 campaign. Liza was a tri-sport athlete at Walker’s, where she earned…
Added to: Alumnae, Field Hockey, News
Nadine Stetzelberg ’23 has been playing the cello since she was four years old and has aspirations of playing in college and beyond. “I want to play in college and…
Added to: Arts, News
Elisa Dey says her time at Walker’s helped her fall in love with dance all over again. Trained in ballet, modern, and improvisation, Dey began dancing at the age of…
Added to: Arts, News, Upper School
Thirteen Walker’s students have received Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12 (artandwriting.org). Those earning Gold Keys are…
Added to: Academics, Arts, News
When juniors Olivia Johnson and Olivia Dargis got the idea to stage Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in the middle of an ongoing pandemic, they knew there would be hurdles. But the…
Added to: Arts, News
Walker’s will host the fifth annual Holiday Basketball Tournament in the Centennial Center on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18. Other schools attending the tournament include Hotchkiss, Cheshire Academy,…
Added to: Athletics, Basketball, News
Walker’s Head Varsity Field Hockey coach Mimi Duran, a New Agenda: Northeast Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, recognized the gaps between opportunity and access to sports in underserved communities and…
Added to: Athletics, Field Hockey, News
Walker’s 2017 field hockey co-captains Keeley Duran ’18 and Brianna Duba ’19 faced off in a two-day double-overtime duel. On a stormy September 8, Hamilton College Continentals Captain Duran ’18…
Added to: Athletics, Field Hockey, News
Nora Griffiths is a serious student-athlete. She steps onto the court and into the classroom with determined focus to always achieve her very best. But at Walker’s, she also found…
Added to: Athletics, Basketball, News
Alumna Mariah Dunn ’19 reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT. While at Walker’s,…
Added to: Alumnae, Athletics, Basketball, News
Read more for the winter squash, basketball, skiing and swimming awards given to noted players during the winter sports award ceremonies this year.
Added to: Athletics, Basketball, News, Skiing, Squash, Swimming
Read more for the spring softball, golf, tennis and lacrosse awards given to noted players during the spring sports award ceremonies this year. Congratulations to all athletes on a great…
Added to: Athletics, Cross Country, Field Hockey, News, Volleyball
Pictured: Seniors Madi Knapp ’21 (captain), Erin Corbett ’21 (captain), Sophia Botero ’21, and Jordana Doshna ’21 Article written by Erin Corbett ’21 Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight…
Added to: Athletics, Cross Country, News
On July 15, the heads of school and athletic directors of the Founders League met to make a decision and craft a statement regarding fall interscholastic competition.
Added to: Athletics, Cross Country, Field Hockey, News, Riding, Soccer, Volleyball
Alumna Mary McNally ’17 reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Siena College (NY). Mary is a captain and three-sport athlete,…
Added to: Alumnae, Athletics, Cross Country, News
On Wednesday, Walker’s hosted members of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Commission on Diversity in Independent Schools (CODIS), an educators network focused on diversity, as well as training…
Added to: Diversity and Social Justice, News
Congratulations to Head of Middle School Isabel Ceballos, who was invited by Vice President for Equity and Justice for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Caroline Blackwell to deliver the…
Added to: Diversity and Social Justice, Middle School, News
Dear Members of The Ethel Walker School Community: I am pleased to inform you that we have selected the members who will be representing the various communities of the school…
Added to: All School, Alumnae, Diversity and Social Justice, Middle School, News, Upper School
Happy Juneteenth! Though the Emancipation Proclamation was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1st, 1863, for various reasons that declaration did not reach all parts of the country at…
Added to: All School, Diversity and Social Justice, News
Earlier this year, Walker’s juniors participated in the Harvard Alumni for Global Women’s Empowerment annual essay contest which invites students to think critically about the status and rights of women. Students…
Added to: Academics, English, News
Article by Claire Garceau The Visiting Writer Seminar at Walker’s is a course where students dive deep into studying a specific author for one semester. During the semester, we get…
Added to: Academics, English, News
Shermya Dover-John ’21 has earned the title of Poetry Out Loud Connecticut State Champion following her virtual performance at the regional competition on February 26. While Walker’s has had several…
Added to: Academics, English, News, Upper School
Isabella Bontatibus ’22, McKenzie Connors ’21, Kathryn Mason ’21, and Claire Shemo ’21 were all named to the Keith Waldman – Optimal Performance Associates / National Field Hockey Coaches Association…
Added to: Athletics, Field Hockey, News
Read more for the spring softball, golf, tennis and lacrosse awards given to noted players during the spring sports award ceremonies this year. Congratulations to all athletes on a great…
Added to: Athletics, Golf, Lacrosse, News, Softball, Tennis
Read more for the spring softball, golf, tennis and lacrosse awards given to noted players during the spring sports award ceremonies this year.
Added to: Athletics, Golf, Lacrosse, News, Softball, Tennis
Our signature Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes students who excel at the highest levels, both athletically and academically. These athletes balance a rigorous class schedule with practice and competition nearly every day,…
Added to: Athletics, Golf, Lacrosse, News, Riding, Skiing, Soccer, Uncategorized
By Ned Edwards, Director of Walker’s Capabilities Approach Program “The moment came when I wanted more freedom of expression and action, and the opportunity to create something of my own…I…
Added to: Academics, History, News
On Saturday, June 6, the Walker’s community gathered virtually to celebrate the awarding of prizes to students in the Upper School. In her opening remarks, Head of School Dr. Meera…
Added to: Academics, All School, Arts, Athletics, English, History, Language, Math, News, Science, Upper School
Lacuna 2020 wrapped up this week, with Middle and Upper School students delving into a variety of classes outside the typical curriculum.
Added to: Academics, All School, Arts, History, Math, Middle School, News
Clockwise from top left: Daphne Peterson ’21 and Athletic Director/Swim Coach Kati Eggert, Head of School Meera Viswanathan and Olivia Webster ’21, Jordana Doshna ’21 and Abby Grimaldi ’21 with…
Added to: Athletics, Lacrosse, News, Soccer, Swimming
Alumna Maisie Smith '19 reflects on her participation in Walker's athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Haverford College, PA. Maisie recently completed her freshman year there…
Added to: All School, Athletics, Lacrosse, News, Soccer, Squash
Amanda Naimie, head JV field hockey coach and assistant varsity lacrosse coach, was inducted into the New England College Athletic Hall of Fame last month.
Added to: Athletics, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, News
Sydney Satchell '10, Paralympic athlete for the USA Women's Sitting Volleyball team, traveled back to Walker's from Lima, Peru with her gold medal in hand and passed it around to…
Added to: Alumnae, Athletics, Lacrosse, News, Volleyball
For Noël Grisanti, the sudden pivot to online teaching was one marked by lots of flexibility. She was in the middle of teaching Latin grammar and Roman love poetry when…
Added to: Academics, Language, News
On a regular school day in a normal year, Dr. Chris Semk has his French and Latin classes set up in a circle. The format enhances conversation, and, as a…
Added to: Academics, Language, News
Kate Weiss '21, a member of Walker's CyberStrong club, has qualified Walker's for nationals in the Girls Go Cyberstart competition.
Added to: Academics, Math, News, Science, Student Life, Upper School
Walker’s Middle School Debate Team had another successful tournament on Saturday, April 24. The motion was “This House, as the United States Federal and State governments, would require standardized testing…
Added to: Middle School, News
Walker’s Middle School Debate Team had its second tournament of the year on February 27. The motion was, “This House would ban law enforcement from genetic genealogy searches of consumer databases.”…
Added to: Middle School, News
The New York Times has a weekly installment called “By the Book” which is a series of questions and answers about the reading habits of notable writers. This chapter features…
Added to: Academics, All School, English, News, Riding
Several members of Walker’s equestrian team traveled to Wellington, Florida to compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. As a result of…
Added to: Athletics, News, Riding
Madison Olvert ’21 Places Second in The 2020 Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Equitation Championship Madison “Maddie” Olvert ’21 had an impressive finish as Reserve Champion this past weekend…
Added to: News, Riding
Pictured: Chloe Fares ’24 placed 12th in the USHJA Hunt Seat Medal Final out of 154 competitors at the New England Equitation Championships Each week throughout the fall, we will…
Added to: Athletics, News, Riding
Walker’s alumna Kelsey Ballard Rogers ’11, STEM Career and Programs Coordinator at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, visited Walker’s 10th grade Coding Seminar in the Steelcase Active Learning Center…
Added to: Academics, News, Science
Over the summer, while Science Department Chair Dr. Suzanne Piela was mostly in lockdown, she began mapping out how to translate what was happening with the global pandemic into her…
Added to: Academics, News, Science, Upper School
Kyla Birk ’23 joined her teammates in keeping Walker’s skiing on the podium this winter with her second place win in the U16 age group while competing on February 7…
Added to: Athletics, News, Skiing
Alex Faucher ’23 continues to keep Walker’s skiing on the map this winter. Competing in the Seibert U16 Cup at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Massachusetts on Sunday, January…
Added to: Athletics, News, Skiing
In the first race of the winter season, Anneliese Sonju ’21, four-year member of the Walker’s varsity ski program and captain of the 2020-2021 team, claimed first place overall in…
Added to: Athletics, News, Skiing
Photo by Emmy Vitali ’20 This past August, Lizzy Strapp ’21 was a coach at the Connecticut Olympic Development Soccer Camp. Lizzy’s positive attributes as a leader and soccer player…
Added to: Athletics, News, Soccer
Olivia (Liv) Webster ’21 was one of just over a dozen independent school student-athletes to receive the All-State Award honor by the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association. Each season, upwards…
Added to: Athletics, News, Soccer
Pictured: Alizeh Mohsin ’21, Ku Paw ’22, Vané Lois ’21, Allison Wall ’22, and Patricia Sackor-Blamah ’22 Article written by Allison Wall ’22 and Alexia Grech ’23 Each week throughout…
Added to: Athletics, News, Soccer
Continue reading for more on junior shortstop Reagan Kerecz.
Added to: Athletics, News, Softball
Varsity lacrosse, softball and tennis all came out on top for spring season openers.
Added to: Athletics, Lacrosse, News, Softball, Tennis
Alumna Caroline Smith reflects on her participation in Walker’s athletics and how it has shaped her college experience at Haverford College, PA. Caroline has recently completed her freshman year playing…
Added to: Alumnae, Athletics, News, Squash
High School Squash Nationals took place last weekend at Westminster School and the Walker's team was in Division VI.
Added to: Athletics, News, Squash
Jordana Doshna spent her years at Walker’s taking advantage of every moment — and getting others to do the same. She kept a dizzying schedule, balancing varsity athletics, student leadership…
Added to: News, Student Life, Upper School
Natasha (“Tash”) Thompson was accepted at Vassar, her top-choice college, when a torn ACL sidelined her from her senior year of soccer. It was then that she knew a gap…
Added to: Academics, News, Student Life
As we conclude our fifth week of classes since the start of this unprecedented school year, please enjoy this video message from Head of School Dr. Meera Viswanathan about opening days and the…
Added to: Academics, All School, News, Student Life
Walker’s 13 Upper School varsity swimmers have been honored as a National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Silver Level Scholar team with Daphne Peterson ’21 named as an Academic All-American.…
Added to: Athletics, News, Swimming
On Thursday, March 18, seniors Claire Shemo ’21 and Daphne Peterson ’21 were recognized at the final swim meet of the season against Hotchkiss. The Walker’s swim team found great…
Added to: Athletics, News, Swimming
Walker’s twelve varsity Upper School swimmers have been honored as a National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) Bronze Level Scholar team. The NISCA/SwimOutlet.com Scholar Team Award recognizes teams achieving high…
Added to: Athletics, News, Swimming
Watching this year's Boston Marathon, Dorothy "Dotty" Ferguson Corbiere '64 reminisced about her completion of the race in 2018.
Added to: Alumnae, Athletics, News, Tennis
We are fortunate to have a talented group of new faculty joining the Walker’s family this year! Read more for an overview of the new members of our community: Dr.…
Added to: Uncategorized
Jenessa Lu’s talent for storytelling has many roots but one important one may be her willingness to look at life from different perspectives. She started exploring her craft early on…
Added to: Uncategorized
Jenny Belknap ’90 recalls her time as a Walker's Equestrian and how the lessons she learned impact her life today.
Added to: Alumnae, News, Riding, Uncategorized
Jordana Doshna ’21 has a unique view on the world, literally. She recently received her pilot’s license to fly solo and spends any chance she can soaring thousands of feet…
Added to: Uncategorized
Walker's student government, the Big 7, were inducted for the 2021-2021 school year on Monday, May 3.
Added to: All School, News, Upper School
Jenna Rubin is joining Walker’s in her first season as the head varsity volleyball coach. Coach Rubin played at Smith College for the 2014 and 2015 seasons before transferring to…
Added to: Athletics, News, Volleyball
Pictured: 2020 varsity volleyball team Article written by Sarah Shaw ’23 Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight one of our nine teams that normally have a very traditional…
Added to: Athletics, News, Volleyball
Pictured: Captains and seniors Olivia Dargis ’22, Kate Weiss ’21, and Kayla Sudol ’23 Article written by Jordana Donshna ’21, EWAC Member Each week throughout the fall, we will highlight…
Added to: Athletics, News, Volleyball
Located in the heart of New England, our stunning 175-acre campus sits amidst farms and meadows abutting 427 acres of preserved land. From the gold of autumn to the white of winter snow until the green of spring awakens, each change of season reinvigorates the lives of all in the Walker’s community. We invite you to visit to tour our campus, sit in on our classes, meet current students and faculty, and talk with us about beginning your journey at Walker’s.
Treasured traditions handed down from generation to generation are a cornerstone of Walker’s history and the student experience … many originating with Ethel Walker herself! Participating in these traditions deepens the meaning of being here, creates lifelong relationships with alumnae and builds a connection to the school.
Imagine yourself at Walker’s! We are committed to making the application process as seamless as possible. Learn more about application requirements, important deadlines, affording Walker’s, and what it means to be a Walker’s girl.
