Ethel Walker School
The Ethel Walker School 
| |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Simsbury, Connecticut, United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | All girls, independent, college-preparatory, boarding and day |
| Motto | Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas "Nothing But Golden Hours" |
| Established | 1911 by Ethel Walker |
| Head of School | Elizabeth Cromwell Speers |
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Number of students | 264 |
| School color(s) | Purple and Yellow |
| Mascot | Wally the Wildcat |
The Ethel Walker School is a college preparatory school for girls in grades 6 through 12 in Simsbury, Connecticut.
History
Founded in 1911, the school was one of the first college preparatory schools for girls in the United States. The school sits on 300 acres (1.2 km2); an additional 300 acres (1.2 km2) of school land has been preserved as "Walker's Woods". The area is surrounded by forest and residential areas.
The Ethel Walker School was originally located in Lakewood, New Jersey before being moved in 1917 to its present location on the former Dodge Estate in Simsbury, Connecticut.[1] The school's founder, Ethel Walker, was interested in creating one of the first girls' college preparatory schools, as an alternative to the finishing schools that were then in vogue for upper class girls.
The school claims that the students find a caring environment designed for girls and filled with opportunities for discovering and developing their intellectual, artistic, athletic and leadership talents. Teaching girls to lead with "confidence, conviction and courage" is a consistent theme, from the school's mission to its curriculum.
Curriculum
Academics at Walker's, as the school is commonly known, consist of small class sizes and many Advanced Placement programs. The curriculum is diverse and allows room for innovation by faculty. Many classrooms are set up in a style to encourage conversation and communication. The Ethel Walker School's symbol is the sundial, although for athletics Wally the Wildcat has been adopted as a mascot. The school's motto is Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas which translates to "Nothing But Golden Hours". One hundred percent of Walker's graduates continue to four-year colleges, with many receiving post-graduate degrees.
Arts
The arts are an integral part of the curricular and co-curricular content at the school, with choices including oil painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture, digital photography, theatre, music and dance. Performing arts groups perform regularly both on and off campus.
Athletics
In keeping with Miss Walker's conviction that exercise was essential for success in academics, all Walker's students participate in extracurricular sports, dance, or the arts. The Varsity Soccer, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Basketball and Field Hockey teams were have all won their divisions over the past several years, and the school competes in the prestigious Founders League as well as numerous athletic leagues, such as NEPSAC, CISAC, WNEPPSA and more. Athletic offerings include multiple levels of lacrosse, volleyball, field hockey, soccer, basketball, softball, golf, tennis, squash, swimming and skiing. Outdoor Adventure, personal fitness, dance and the performing arts are offered to supplement competitive athletics.
Ethel Walker is also recognized for its world-class equestrian program,[2][3] with students competing at both regional and national levels. The equestrian program has been an integral part of the school since its founding. The school's grounds include miles of horse trails, a full cross-country course, a large outdoor arena, indoor arena, spacious turnout, and large barn.
Notable Alumnae
- Frances Beinecke, President, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
- Juanin Clay, Actress
- Mimi Gardner Gates, art historian, Director Emeritus of Seattle Art Museum and Yale University Art Gallery
- Judith Peabody Socialite and Philanthropist
- Georgia B. Ridder
- Sigourney Weaver, Actress
- Abra Prentice Wilkin, Philanthropist
Notes
- ↑ Federal Writers' Project. Connecticut: A Guide to Its Roads, Lore and People. US History Publishers. p. 498. ISBN 978-1-60354-007-0. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
- ↑ "The Ethel Walker School Appoints Champion as Equestrian Head Trainer". The Chronicle of the Horse,. September 2, 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
- ↑ "Ethel Walker School appoints equestrian trainer". foothillsmediagroup.com,. August 20, 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
External links
Coordinates: 41°50′59″N 72°50′08″W / 41.8497°N 72.8356°W