The fine and performing arts program is extremely varied and is designed to encourage students to formulate 
standards of artistic appreciation, develop natural talents, and express creativity and feelings through the arts. Applewild considers the arts fundamental and therefore requires all students to take part in the program throughout their years at school.
Under the aegis of the visual arts department, students receive instruction in drawing, printmaking, clay, collage, three-dimensional construction, ceramics, digital photography, weaving, and puppetry. Students in our woodworking program learn to use hand tools during their Lower School years as they practice measurement and fractions that they are learning in mathematics and sometimes execute projects that connect to their science study. As they move into Upper School, they begin to use power tools and draw and construct their own designs and furniture as they become more proficient. Our ninth graders have earned awards at the Mt. Wachusett Community College regional high school furniture show.
Music education at Applewild is based on active participation through listening, expressing, and performing. Our students are introduced early to vocal and instrumental music and are afforded continuing opportunities to study and perform in both fields. Starting in the fourth grade, students receive instrumental instruction on the recorder and then choose an instrument starting in fifth grade; in Upper School they can opt to study guitar. Our bands and choruses are featured regularly at school assemblies. We also offer two levels of jazz band in Upper School, and our Jazz Band has earned several gold medals in recent regional jazz competitions.
Theater is also a staple of the curriculum at Applewild. It is a powerful way for students to develop sensitivity toward others and perspective on our common humanity in addition to developing greater comfort presenting in front of groups. Through sixth grade students participate in drama class and take part in at least one theatrical performance a year. The drama program’s emphasis is on acting and improvisation, and Upper School students (grades 7 – 9) can audition for the winter play each year and/or choose the scene study elective.
A unique endowment, the Marshall Fund for the Arts, funds an artist-in-residence program each year. Both students and faculty learn a wide range of additional art, poetry, and music from practicing artists. These supplement our already rich curriculum in the visual and performing arts and often are purposefully integrated into other curricula such as science and English. 
All of these artistic pursuits reflect the school’s commitment to fostering personal exploration, growth, and expression in its students. These elements – far from frills at Applewild – are integral parts of our comprehensive education.