Ethel Walker School
Encyclopedia
The Ethel Walker School is a college preparatory school for girls in grades 6 through 12 in Simsbury, Connecticut
.
s 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 The Ethel Walker 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. The school's founder, Ethel Walker, was interested in creating one of the first girls' college preparatory schools, as an alternative to the finishing school
s 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 intellect
ual, art
istic, 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.
Ethel Walker is also recognized for its world-class equestrian
program, 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.
Simsbury, Connecticut
Simsbury is a suburban town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 23,234 at the 2000 census. The town was incorporated as Connecticut's twenty-first town in May 1670.-Early history:...
.
History
Founded in 1911, the school was one of the first college preparatory schoolUniversity-preparatory school
A university-preparatory school or college-preparatory school is a secondary school, usually private, designed to prepare students for a college or university education...
s for girls in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The school sits on 300 acres (1.2 km²); an additional 300 acres (1.2 km²) of school land has been preserved as The Ethel Walker Woods. The area is surrounded by forest and residential areas.
The Ethel Walker School was originally located in Lakewood, New Jersey
Lakewood Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 60,352 people, 19,876 households, and 13,356 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,431.8 people per square mile . There were 21,214 housing units at an average density of 854.8 per square mile...
before being moved in 1917 to its present location on the former Dodge Estate in Simsbury, Connecticut. The school's founder, Ethel Walker, was interested in creating one of the first girls' college preparatory schools, as an alternative to the finishing school
Finishing school
A finishing school is "a private school for girls that emphasises training in cultural and social activities." The name reflects that it follows on from ordinary school and is intended to complete the educational experience, with classes primarily on etiquette...
s 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 intellect
Intellect
Intellect is a term used in studies of the human mind, and refers to the ability of the mind to come to correct conclusions about what is true or real, and about how to solve problems...
ual, art
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
istic, athletic
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
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 "None 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
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
program, 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 BeineckeFrances BeineckeFrances Beinecke is the current President of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the nonprofit conservation group, serving since 2006.She was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling...
, President, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - Juanin ClayJuanin ClayJuanin Clay was an American actress who appeared in the 1983 drama-thriller film WarGames. She was one of the contenders for the role of Wilma Deering in the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century TV series, but lost the role when Erin Gray returned to reprise her role from the theatrical release...
, Actress - Mimi Gardner GatesMimi Gardner GatesMary 'Mimi' Gates is an American art historian who is the recent Director of the Seattle Art Museum. She married William H. Gates, Sr., father of Bill Gates, in 1996.Gates has a B.A...
, art historian, Director Emeritus of Seattle Art Museum and Yale University Art Gallery - Sigourney WeaverSigourney WeaverSigourney Weaver is an American actress. She is best known for her critically acclaimed role of Ellen Ripley in the four Alien films: Alien, Aliens, Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection, for which she has received worldwide recognition .Other notable roles include Dana...
, Actress - Abra Prentice WilkinAbra Prentice WilkinAbra Prentice Anderson Wilkin is an American philanthropist. She is the daughter of John Rockefeller Prentice and his wife, Abbie Cantrill Prentice. Wilkin is the great-granddaughter of the Standard Oil tycoon, John D. Rockefeller .Wilkin attended both The Latin School of Chicago and The Ethel...
, Philanthropist