The young children who come to Applewild are eager to explore the world and find their place in it. In the Lower School, we present students with a range of experiences and opportunities commensurate with their boundless energy and talent. Each September the Lower School quickly becomes a caring, energized community of learners.

The Lower School community is a happy and supportive one where children learn to develop a positive sense of self and sensitivity to the needs of others. The curriculum in the self-contained classroom emphasizes sequential development in reading, writing, math, and social studies. Each child is encouraged to read as much as possible; develop thinking skills; write clearly; practice computational skills; work independently with accuracy; and respect oneself, others, and the environment. Ample opportunities for creative expression are provided. Beyond the self-contained classrooms, students receive carefully planned daily instruction from at least two of the specialists in science, art, music, French, drama, woodworking, library skills, and physical education.

As the students grow and mature, the Lower School program allows for accelerated academic demands within a nurturing, small group environment. Lower Schoolers are increasingly challenged to expose and explore connections within and among the disciplines. They are asked to reflect on what they learn and how it relates to them. They leave our Lower School confident and eager to continue to learn, see connections, and make a contribution.

The Upper School prepares students for the transition to independent learning, secondary school and their years as teenagers. We recognize that early adolescence is a time when students are considering their own personal ideologies, becoming more autonomous, and developing more sophisticated cognitive skills. The Upper School program is structured to assure academic progress with these important developmental stages in mind.

The departmental system of study fosters insight into the depth and breadth of each academic discipline and allows students to receive the benefit of each teacher’s area of expertise. Students and teachers pursue a rigorous curriculum and set high academic standards for themselves. As in the younger grades, students continue to study music, art, drama, shop, and physical education in addition to the traditional academic subjects. Each student is guided by a faculty advisor who closely follows the academic, social, and emotional development of his/her advisees.

Sixth grade provides a transitional year into the discipline-specific approach, with additional support from advisors. Both sixth and seventh grade students are honing their basic skills, learning more about themselves and the world around them, improving their study and organizational skills, and developing stronger work habits. These skills are essential to their academic success. In keeping with their growing maturity, eighth graders are taught increasing responsibility and leadership.

 They have the opportunity to take on leadership positions in activities and student government; participate in art, woodworking, and writing mentor programs; travel as a part of our foreign language travel programs; and help lead our athletic teams. Eighth graders create the yearbook and plan their graduation ceremony. On the playing fields, interscholastic athletic competition underscores the importance of individual accountability within the context of a team.

By the time they graduate, Applewild students have not only learned a great deal, they have accomplished a great deal. In the arts, on the playing fields, in the classrooms, or in the community at large, they can point with pride to tangible achievements. They know they are ready for the challenges of secondary school and are confident that they will make a contribution.