How to Apply

We’re here to guide you

Applying to a school should be as easy as possible, and we have a step-by-step checklist to help guide you through the application process.

Walker’s accepts applications through Standard Application Online (SAO). See below to navigate our application requirements and instructions.

If you have any questions about the application process, feel free to reach out to a member of our Admission Team. You may also contact us at +1-860-408-4200.

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View the webinar below for interview tips, featuring Walker’s Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment Pamela Safford ’81.

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How to Apply

Applying to a school should be as easy as possible, and we have a step-by-step checklist to help guide you through the application process. Walker’s accepts applications through Standard Application Online (SAO). See below to navigate our application requirements and instructions.

We ask all prospective families to complete our online inquiry form which helps us to tailor the admission experience to match each student’s situation and unique interests. Submitting the form also prompts one of our Admission Counselor to reach out to connect and to inform you of next steps to help you get to know Walker’s.

INQUIRY FORM

Please call +1-860-408-4200 or email admission@ethelwalker.org to schedule a personalized campus tour and interview. Prospective students and families will explore our campus with a student tour guide. Following the tour, prospective students will have a conversational interview with an Admission Counselor. The visit will conclude with an opportunity for parents to speak with the Admission Counselor. Your personalized visit is expected to last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Standardized testing is required as part of your application for the 2025-2026 school year.*

    • For those applying to grades 7-10, the SSAT (SSAT score report) is required.
    • For those applying to grades 11, 12, or PG, the PSAT (PSAT Registration) or SAT (SAT Registration) is required.
    • For those applying to grade 6, we accept state testing which should be part of your student’s transcript.
    • Exceptions to required standardized testing:
      • If an applicant has had Educational or Neuropsychological testing within the last two years, they may submit that testing along with or instead of standardized testing.
      • If Walker’s is the only school to which the student is applying that requires standardized testing, they may request that we waive the testing and instead submit State testing, Iowas, ERBs, etc.
    • TOEFL: Any applicant for whom English is not their first language OR for whom their primary language of instruction is not English (for current and last two years or more) will need to take a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo Test for English proficiency and submit their score as part of the admission application. Walker’s TOEFL code is 3072.

Candidates for admission to The Ethel Walker School should apply online using the Standard Application Online (SAO) application.  The completed application is due by January 15 to ensure a March 10 decision and is comprised of the following:

      • Biographic Information
      • Transcript: Submitted directly by school (including current fall term or semester grades)
      • Recommendations: Submitted online by current teachers (Required: School Administrator, English Teacher, and Math Teacher; Optional: Personal and Special Interest)
      • Parent Statement
      • Student Essays/Candidate Statement
      • Graded Writing Sample
      • Standardized Tests: See Step 3 above for more information
      • Application Fee: $60 Domestic, $125 International

Once decisions are sent March 10, you may log in to the Blackbaud portal to check on your application status. Blackbaud login is required and is provided to you at the time of your inquiry or application. A reminder is also sent to all applicants one week prior to the release of decisions.

Congratulations on your acceptance to Walker’s! All accepted students should plan to join us for Revisit Day. All information regarding Revisit Day is contained in your decision letter. Your enrollment contract is located in the Blackbaud Admission Portal and is due by April 10.

*Applications received after January 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

Here to Help

Pam Safford
Pamela Safford ’81

Assistant Head for Admission and Enrollment

psafford@ethelwalker.org

Learn More

Requirements

Every applicant is asked to submit the following:

  • General Information
  • Student Information and Essay
  • Parent/Guardian Statement
  • English Teacher Recommendation
  • Mathematics Teacher Recommendation
  • School Recommendation
  • Official School Transcript
  • Standardized Testing for students applying for grades 9-12 or PG, the SSAT, PSAT, or SAT is required as part of your application for the 2024-2025 school year. Submit the SSAT score report (Secondary School Admission Test), the PSAT score report, or the SAT, with two exceptions:
    • If we are the only school to which you have applied that requires testing and you prefer not to sit for the test, we will waive the SSAT.
    • If you have neuropsychological/educational testing that is less than two years old, we will accept this instead of the SSAT.
  • Standardized Testing for students applying for grades 6-8, the SSAT is preferred. However, we will also accept State Testing, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or the ERBs instead. If you have Neuropsychological/Educational testing that is less than two years old, we will accept that as well.
  • TOEFL: If English is not your first language, you will need to take a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or Duolingo Test for English proficiency and send the score as part of your application. Walker’s TOEFL code is 3072.

A personal interview is required for all applicants. You and your child will meet one on one with one of our Admission Counselors. This element of the application allows us to get to know your child as a person and answer any remaining questions that your family have. To schedule an interview, please call the Office of Admission at +1-860-408-4200.