Walden School Photo #0 - WE ARE WALDEN a K-12 independent school community where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our students benefit from personalized learning, hands-on experiences, and connections to nature in an environment that celebrates individuality.

Walden School

MISSION STATEMENT In partnership with families, Walden School provides an educational environment- both academic and social- that fosters a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and challenges individual students to reach their full potential so they may flourish in a diverse and changing world.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT Walden School fosters a community of inclusion that respects, celebrates, and compassionately champions the culture, ethnicity, race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender identities of our LGBTQ community, and the personal diversity of each member of the Walden family. Walden strives to promote cultural competency and understanding through its curriculum, instruction, programming, and community outreach.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked KY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 286 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,950
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Walden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1975

Student Body

Total Students
286 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 12%
Students by Grade
Walden School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
87%
Average Class Size
11 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP 2-D Art, AP 3-D Art, AP African American Studies, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Drawing, AP Economics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Modern World History, AP Precalculus, AP Psychology, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP U.S. History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition for 2024-25 • KINDERGARTEN - $15,950 • GRADES 1-4 - $20,875 • GRADES 5-8 - $21,975 • GRADES 9-12 - $22,950
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Stacy Nickle

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
24 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Teams, Allies for Racial Equity, Banned Book Club, Builder’s Club, Chess Club, Chinese Club, Dance Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Environmental Club, Girl Up, K-Kids (4th Grade), KIVA Club, KY United Nations Assembly (KUNA), KY Youth Assembly (KYA), National Honor Society, Pride Club, Quick Recall, Science Club, Spanish Club, Walden Literary Journal, Walden Student Council, Y-Club, Yearbook Staff

Arts and Music Programs:
K-12 Musical

School Notes

  • Walden School is designed to accommodate the different rates of growth in students by providing small classes, a carefully planned and frequently reviewed college preparatory curriculum, and professional excellence in the faculty. Our unique and individualized educational experience is designed to nourish all aspects of a student's educational and personal growth.
  • A Walden Student...
    • Demonstrates a willingness to work hard
    • Appreciates and respects diversity in classmates
    • Responds well to personal attention from teachers
    • Is respectful and consistently demonstrates sensitivity to others
    • Is open to trying new academic and social pursuits
    • Understands the importance of being a good global citizen
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Walden School cost?
Walden School's tuition is approximately $15,950 for private students.
What sports does Walden School offer?
Walden School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, E-sports, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Walden School's ranking?
Walden School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Kentucky for: Most AP courses offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Walden School?
The application deadline for Walden School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (15 reviews)
5  
Walden is a compassionate and inclusive educational community. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated faculty, who sees each student as their authentic self while working diligently to meet each student where they are on their educational journeys. Walden is a school that not only lives it's mission of partnership and lifelong learning, but one sees value in individualism. Walden embodies Thoreau's message of "hear(ing) a different drummer"; this allows each student and faculty member to "step to the music" of their own hearts and minds. Walden is an outlier among schools; it's a special place to be.
- Posted by
5  
My high school daughter came home from a year in residential treatment and wasn't doing very well. The best thing we ever did for her to was to enroll her in Walden. The administration was kind and thorough in making sure they could meet her needs, the teachers and student body are AMAZING. Thanks largely to them, she is THRIVING and excited about going to college (which she wouldn't even consider before Walden)!
- Posted by
5  
Walden is an amazing community that embraces individuality; the teachers are compassionate and innovative; through personalized attention, Walden fosters the social-emotional growth of every student. Kids discover hidden talents, make lifelong friends, and grow to their true potential at this small but incredible school.
- Posted by
5  
Walden has been an amazing K-12 school for all three of my children. When we chose Walden for our children's education, we knew that our children would flourish due to the incredible, personalized attention in support of their academic, social, and emotional growth. What we didn't realize is how supportive, engaging, and close-knit the Walden community is as a whole. My husband and I have made lifelong friends in addition our children becoming confident, lifelong learners. We highly recommend Walden to anyone who is looking for a school that is inclusive, compassionate, and who will eagerly partner with you in your child's educational journey.
- Posted by
5  
I could not be happier with the education and experience both of my children are receiving at Walden. They are challenged academically while being cultivated socially and emotionally. Our family loves Walden.
- Posted by
5  
I have had a wonderful experience at Walden. The partnership they provide to parents and the education that my children have received has been excellent. Highly recommend the school!
- Posted by
5  
My son has been at Walden since 1st grade, and he is currently in 7th grade. There are many, many reasons why I am thrilled my son is getting a Walden education, but the top two are probably community and individuality. My son knows that each one of his teachers care deeply for him and are always inspiring him to be the best version of himself. I also like the way they celebrate the individual - it's not a cookie cutter cultural. Everyone gets to be themselves and are celebrated for their uniqueness.
- Posted by
5  
I am writing as both a former student and current parent. Walden has been the perfect place for our child with the small class sizes and Teacher-student ratio. My daughter has grown so much in the years she has been at Walden, and I know her experiences will stay with her through her life as mine have.
- Posted by
5  
My oldest daughter has been at Walden for 4 years, and my youngest has started school there this year. We have found Walden to be a warm, welcoming community where every child is appreciated for who they are while being challenged to do their best and reach their fullest potential. Both of my daughters love Walden and are very sad if they ever have to miss a day. Every teacher we have had thus far has been outstanding, with the low student to teacher ratio they are really able to get to know your child and the learning style that works best for them. There are lots of ways for kids to get involved in clubs, sports, a K-12 play, etc. We are very happy in this community!
- Posted by
5  
Walden has been great since day one. The facilities, faculty and staff and the best there is. It always feels like home.
- Posted by
5  
Being a small school allows for a lower student to teacher ratio, giving my son more confidence when asking questions and engaging him in group activities. The teachers are passionate about seeing their students succeed. The school truly is like a big family. The teachers are truly invested in my son's education and his growth as a learner. My son's love of learning is still strong, even in middle school, and I really think it is because of Walden who feeds this love of learning and acknowledges his individuality. We love everything about Walden!
- Posted by
5  
I have four children at Walden School. Here they have found a warm, loving community that places equal importance on academic excellence and compassionate citizenship. Each child has been allowed to embrace their true selves and teachers, faculty and administration work hard to know each child and support their social, emotional and educational needs. We love Walden.
- Posted by
5  
In an evolving global landscape, Walden students are instilled with a genuine love for learning and passion to better themselves, each other, and the world.
- Posted by
5  
My child has been at Walden for several years. The teachers (and administrators) are passionate about the students being successful and make learning fun! Each grade is like a family unit. The school has amazing academic accomplishments, communicates to parents well and fosters a warm and inclusive environment! Each child is encouraged to think independently and creativity is nurtured. The school supports understanding the world around you and offers many opportunities to volunteer and connect with community.
- Posted by
5  
We have found Walden to be warm, nurturing environment that makes learning fun. My daughter went to a good school before Walden and did not like school, she LOVES Walden.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked KY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 286 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,950
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Louisville, KY is $10,327 for elementary schools and $11,345 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Louisville, KY is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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