The Ethel Walker School is stunning, historic, and stately on the outside, yet feels like a warm “Walker’s” hug on the inside. In the beautiful campus chapel, you’ll find a community of young women who joyfully share and applaud one another’s achievements in all-school morning meetings. While Renee was primarily seeking academic rigor-which she certainly found-she also gained unexpected and invaluable gifts at Walkers: inclusivity, emotional safety, and an environment that genuinely affirms her developing sense of self.  Rather than the typical teenage experience of staying within an insular social circle, we were surprised and delighted to see Renee enjoying a diverse web of friendships across different grades, sports, and clubs at Walkers. Her friends include both day and boarding students.  As a day student, she loves the community so much we practically have to coax her off campus in the evenings (a shared experience for many Walkers’ day-student parents!).

Renee’s experience is a testament to the research that all-girls schools truly foster leadership.  She has grown from a new student into a leader on the student council Honor Board and a writer/editor for the school newspaper.  Between running cross country, performing with the dance ensemble, and seeking out completely new experiences like squash, African drumming, and volunteering with community partnerships, Walkers hasn’t just educated her; it has helped her discover and celebrate who she is.

Hello! My name is Kara Lucht and my daughter, Hallie, is a day student and member of the Class of 2029. Hallie and I live in Cheshire, CT with my husband, Justin, and son C.J. who is part of the Class of 2027 at Avon Old Farms. In addition to being a Parent Ambassador, I am involved in the EWS Parents Association which plans various events for the girls during the year, participate in various prospective and new student events, and am always eager to help in any capacity that I can.

As a Walker’s graduate, the school has been special to me for over 25 years. However, when the time came to start talking about options for high school, the decision was 100% Hallie’s. She chose Walker’s not only for the strong academics that will prepare her for college and beyond, but because she wanted to be part of a diverse and supportive community that offers endless opportunities to try new things. From the first moment Hallie stepped on campus, she was welcomed and embraced by the community, and she knew there was no other place she wanted to be.

At Walker’s, Hallie has found a place where she can grow and be confident both academically and athletically. She is not afraid to ask questions or seek extra help when needed. Hallie has stepped out of her comfort zone both in and out of the classroom and developed close bonds with students, teachers, and coaches along the way.

At Walker’s, Hallie started dance again for the first time she was 8 years old.  Even though she was basically back to being a beginner, she felt comfortable that she could explore something “new” without feeling self-conscious. Hallie is also part of Grapes, the school’s A Capella group. Without the encouragement and the right amount of pushing she needed from her Chorus teacher, she would never even have auditioned for the group much less felt confident enough to perform a solo part at their recent competition.

We love just being on the Walker’s campus whenever we can! Aside from the beautiful grounds and facilities, it is a warm and welcoming atmosphere where faculty, students, and parents always make us feel like a part of the community.