December 9, 2025

By Amy Jolly, Head of School

For families who’ve chosen Montessori education, the decision was about more than academics. It was about nurturing curiosity, independence, and confidence - raising a child who loves learning and takes ownership of it.

But when Montessori schools end at 6th grade, many parents find themselves searching for the right next step. They want a school that feels like a continuation - not a departure - and a school that values the whole child, not just test scores.

That’s exactly what Applewild School’s Grades 7–9 Program offers.

Located an hour west of Boston, Applewild blends the “spirit” of Montessori learning with the opportunities of a well-rounded middle school. With options for day, 5-day, and 7-day boarding, it’s a gentle and intentional bridge between the nurturing Montessori environment and the independence of a secondary school.

Why do so many Montessori families choose Applewild as the next step?

1. Shared Philosophy: Respect, Independence, and Purposeful Learning

At its core, Applewild shares the same educational DNA as Montessori — a commitment to educating the whole child.

Both approaches center on intrinsic motivation and experiential learning. Applewild students are active participants in their education, not passive recipients. Teachers serve as facilitators and mentors, encouraging curiosity, reflection, and growth.

In both Montessori and Applewild classrooms:

• Learning is hands-on and inquiry-driven.
• Students are treated with respect and given voice and choice.
• Character, empathy, and community matter as much as academic success.

Applewild cultivates curiosity, belonging, and confidence that beautifully mirrors Montessori ideals. It’s an environment where learning feels alive, individuality is celebrated, and students grow into capable, kind, and responsible young people. Applewild students have the opportunity to choose elective courses (some recent offerings include: Cryptography, Frankenstein & Modern Monsters, Titanic, The History of Street Art, Intro to American Law) and each trimester students organize and run clubs which occur during the school day (Manga, Chess, Sunshine Service, Math League, etc). The entire program is constructed to give students the opportunity to expand their interests and connect deeply with each other. 

2. The Montessori Three-Year Cycle and Applewild’s Perfect Continuum

Montessori education is built on three-year developmental cycles — a rhythm that gives students time to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally within a consistent community.

At Applewild, this pattern continues seamlessly through Grades 7–9.

The 7th–9th grade years at Applewild function as a cohesive three-year journey, intentionally structured to meet the evolving needs of early adolescents. Students remain within a small, stable community, guided by teachers who understand their strengths and developmental stage.

Just as in Montessori, this continuity allows students to:

• Build deep relationships with peers and mentors.
• Develop a clear understanding of their strengths and challenges in a supportive environment where everyone is on the same personal journey.
• Learn leadership skills that will propel them to success in future endeavors.

By the time Applewild students complete 9th grade, they’re not only academically prepared for top secondary schools — they’re emotionally and socially grounded, ready for life’s next chapter. Our advisory program gently guides students to build leadership and resilience skills, and students have the opportunity to mentor younger students in our Big Buddies program.

3. A Purposeful Middle School Experience Without the Pressures of Older Teenagers

Middle school can be one of the most formative, and sometimes challenging, times in a child’s life. Early adolescence (ages 12–15) is a critical window for developing self-understanding, confidence, and healthy independence.

At Applewild, we believe students thrive best when they can focus on their own growth without the social pressures that often come from sharing a campus with older teenagers.

Because Applewild serves students only through 9th grade, our students grow up in an environment where it’s safe to be their age; to explore interests, take risks, and make mistakes without the influence of high school culture or “teen-normative” behavior.

This structure helps Applewild preserve childhood while nurturing maturity. Students can still enjoy play, imagination, and creativity, the very things that fuel intellectual growth and emotional resilience, while learning to take on increasing responsibility.

The result is a school experience that’s both age-appropriate and developmentally intentional. Applewild gives middle schoolers space to grow into confident, independent young adolescents before stepping into the larger world of high school.

4. Academics that Build Curiosity and Confidence

Montessori families value deep understanding over rote memorization — and Applewild’s academic program continues that tradition.

Through project-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and critical thinking, students engage deeply with concepts rather than simply preparing for tests.

Key features include:

• Small class sizes that allow for personalized instruction.
• Integrated learning support as needed (including a renowned Orton-Gillingham-based dyslexia program).
• Inspiring classes and electives across math, science, humanities, and the arts.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and make real-world connections. The result? Confident learners who understand not just what to learn, but how to learn — the very essence of Montessori education.

5. Ready for More: Arts, Athletics, and Leadership

By the time a student enters 7th grade, they are developmentally ready and eager for increased opportunities not only to develop their rapidly growing bodies, but to grow leadership and personal interests. We offer a program that allows students to lead rich, balanced lives. Weekdays and weekends are filled with opportunities to discover new passions through athletics (in our new 50,000 sq ft Athletic & Wellness Center that includes a 6-lane indoor pool and squash courts), skiing at Wachusett Mountain, equestrian, clubs, jazz band, theater, or visual arts. The overall vibe is “try it” and our students thrive having broad and deep opportunities for growth. 

Leadership development is woven throughout. Students mentor younger peers, participate in community service, and learn to advocate for themselves. Because the community is exclusively composed of middle school students, leadership roles aren’t reserved for older teens. Every Applewild student is encouraged to step forward, take initiative, and shine.

In this environment, adolescents learn that their voice matters — and that leadership is about integrity, collaboration, and courage.

6. A Diverse and Global Community

Applewild’s junior boarding program brings together students from across the United States and around the world. Our students make friends with students from Ghana, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Spain, Miami, Seattle, and many more places. This rich mix of students from across the country and around the world creates a vibrant learning environment. 

Montessori families value cultural competence, so this community feels like an extension of this value. Students form friendships across backgrounds and perspectives, gaining global awareness and empathy which are key traits for success in an interconnected world.

7. 5-Day and 7-Day Boarding Opportunity: A Gentle Step Toward Independence

For Montessori students who have thrived in warm, connected communities, the idea of boarding school might feel like a big leap. That’s why Applewild offers day, 5-day, and 7-day junior boarding options which offers families flexibility and supports each student’s readiness for independence. We curate a homey, comfortable atmosphere in our residential program where technology is restricted to certain times and during others, “family fun” prevails when kids are just being kids: playing chess or poker, creating hideouts out of sheets and pillows, or outside playing pick-up games with friends. With our students hailing from 11 countries and half a dozen states, residential life is a major opportunity to expand a student’s horizons in an organic way that feels a lot like sleep-away camp! 

5-Day Boarding

Students live on campus during the week and return home on weekends, creating an ideal balance between structure and family connection. They gain valuable life skills such as managing routines, collaborating with peers, and building confidence, while parents remain closely involved.

This model is especially popular with families within driving distance who want their children to grow in independence without feeling far from home. 

7-Day Boarding

For students ready for more independence, 7-day boarding offers a vibrant, family-like community. Residential faculty live on campus, providing 7x24 supervision, mentorship, and care.

In both 5- and 7-day programs, evenings include shared meals, structured study time, and fun social activities. For the 7-day program, our weekends feature outdoor adventures, skiing, volunteering, and trips to local cultural destinations.

The boarding experience at Applewild is not about separation — it’s about supported independence. Students leave more capable, confident, and ready for what comes next.

8. Preparing for What’s Next — Academically and Personally

Applewild graduates go on to excel at top independent and boarding schools or seamlessly back into their local public or charter school. But what truly sets them apart is who they are: grounded, adaptable, and self-assured. Through our Secondary School Advising program, we help with this important transition and view this process as our last gift to our students. 

They’ve learned how to balance independence with responsibility, and curiosity with discipline. They enter high school not just ready to perform, but ready to lead.

For Montessori families, this outcome reflects the natural evolution of their child’s journey — from joyful learner to confident young adult.

9. A True Partnership with Families

Just like Montessori schools, Applewild believes that education is a partnership. Faculty and families communicate frequently and openly. Parents are welcomed to campus events and receive regular updates on their child’s growth. Middle school is a tumultuous time for every student so we counsel our parents to never worry alone…if you have a question or concern, we want to discuss it with you.  

Whether your child is a day student, a 5-day boarder, or a full-time resident, you’ll always feel connected and part of the same caring community that’s guiding your child toward independence.

Visit Applewild and See the Continuum for Yourself

Montessori families often describe Applewild as “the school we didn’t know existed — but wish we’d found sooner.”

It honors the same principles of respect, independence, and exploration that Montessori families hold dear, while preparing students for the complexity and excitement of adolescence.

The best way to understand this bridge is to experience it. Visit Applewild’s campus to meet the students, talk with faculty, and feel the energy of a community that truly knows and values each child.

For Montessori families seeking the next right step, Applewild’s Day or Junior Boarding Program offers continuity, confidence, and connection — the natural evolution of the Montessori journey.

Schedule your visit