Applewild School has opened its new, state-of-the-art dormitory for middle school students, marking a significant step in expanding both student and faculty accommodations to meet the growing demand. This new facility will provide day and boarding students with more academic and extracurricular opportunities in a vibrant and supportive environment. The dormitory represents the school’s commitment to offering a world-class educational experience that prepares students for success now and in the future.

The 17,000 sq. ft. dormitory is designed to house 40 boarding students and six faculty families, creating a dynamic residential community that fosters independence and connection. This addition strengthens Applewild's ability to attract talented students from across the U.S. and around the world, further enhancing the diversity and vibrancy of the school.

The completion of the dormitory follows the groundbreaking in January 2024 and is the result of collaborative efforts from MassDevelopment, Enterprise Bank, Lincoln Architects, CSL Consulting, and Bennett Building Corp. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in January 2025, celebrated the culmination of a vision to build a modern, safe, and comfortable space for students.

With a focus on safety, comfort, and community, the new dormitory provides a welcoming space where students can thrive academically and personally. The design supports collaboration among students while offering the independence they need to grow and succeed. This new facility is a key part of Applewild's mission to provide exceptional opportunities and experiences for all students, preparing them for future success at some of the nation’s most selective secondary schools.

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A New Era of Growth and Tradition

Exciting changes are underway as we build a state-of-the-art Athletic & Wellness Center at Applewild! The area around Crocker, Ansin, the View Street Dormitory, and Stone Family Dining Hall has become an active construction zone, marking the next step in our commitment to providing modern, functional spaces for today’s students. While this transformation is in full swing, we’re also preserving Applewild’s history in meaningful ways—honoring the legacy of the Sutton Building and Simonds Gym as we build something truly special for the future.

Our new facility will feature a six-lane regulation-size indoor swimming pool, replacing the old outdoor pool with a more advanced, year-round amenity. This will be a central part of the new center, and we can’t wait for students to dive in!

The journey of replacing these historic buildings has been a careful one. After decades of service, the Sutton Building and Simonds Gym had reached the end of their functional life. Only 50% of the Sutton Building was usable, and the Simonds Gym had suffered significant structural deterioration. But after over 40 years of service, it was time to say goodbye. The new center will not only offer better facilities but will also be energy-efficient and highly functional, ensuring Applewild remains a top choice for students for generations to come.

A Tradition of Hoop Dreams Continues

Basketball is a cornerstone of Applewild’s winter sports tradition, and our new Athletic & Wellness Center will help us continue to nurture that passion. The center will include two full-size basketball courts, allowing boys and girls teams to practice and play simultaneously, while also hosting interscholastic games with varsity and junior-varsity teams. 

The new 49,000-square-foot facility has been designed to fit seamlessly into the existing campus, creating a beautiful, functional space for our students to grow, compete, and thrive. We can’t wait to open the doors and share this exciting new chapter with our community!

Thank you for your support as we continue to build a brighter future for Applewild. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this transformative project!

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A New Era for Applewild's Youngest Learners

The Marshall Building is undergoing an exciting transformation, evolving into a modern, dynamic space that meets the needs of our students and enhances their educational experiences. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we’ve been able to repurpose key areas to create spaces that serve our youngest learners while maintaining a strong foundation for Applewild’s future growth.

The first floor of the Marshall Building has been completely redesigned to better serve our preschool program. This revitalized area now boasts fresh, child-friendly carpeting, new bathrooms (a game-changer for our preschoolers!), and a thoughtful layout that supports learning and play.

After 20+ years of active use, these upgrades were essential in providing our students with the modern facilities they deserve. The improvements include the addition of fire prevention system upgrades, the renovation of the Marshall Library, and the creation of a new Instrumental Music Room. This is just the beginning. 

Upstairs, we’ve added three new offices in the library to support teachers and specialists, providing them with spaces to plan lessons and work with students in one-on-one sessions. Additionally, we’ve installed new boilers to improve heating efficiency and ensure the building remains warm and welcoming for years to come. In the new Instrumental Music Room, students now practice music daily in an inspiring new space for creativity that replaces an underused green room.

In Phase II, we’re focused on further elevating the Marshall Building. Plans include new flooring throughout the entire space, as well as updates to the Alumni Center for the Performing Arts—including enhanced lighting, sound, and video equipment—to support our vibrant drama and music programs. A new roof will ensure the building remains protected and functional for the future, preserving this beloved space for generations to come.

One of Applewild’s signature experiences is time spent outdoors, and we’re also focusing on updating our playgrounds. The Marshall Playground and Tree Garden Playground—both over 40 years old—are in need of replacement and upgrades to better support outdoor play and exploration.

With your continued support, we’ll continue to make progress, transforming the Marshall Building and Playgrounds into the best possible environments for our students. These updates reflect Applewild’s ongoing commitment to providing a dynamic and modern educational experience for all.

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Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Crocker House is a cherished and iconic part of Applewild’s history, serving as the heart of our campus for generations of students. As we continue to enhance Applewild for today’s learners, we are committed to preserving the rich legacy of Crocker House, ensuring it stands strong for future generations.

Phase I of the restoration project is complete. This phase included extensive repairs to address pervasive rot, the replacement of 89 windows and doors, remediation of basement water damage, and the installation of new gutters and rubber roofs. These critical improvements have ensured that Crocker House remains a sturdy and welcoming place for our community.

The exterior renovations of Crocker House are nearing completion. By spring, the restoration will be fully realized, with a fresh coat of paint and the return of Crocker's historic balcony and iconic green shutters, preserving the timeless appeal of this beloved space. These updates honor the building’s charm while reinforcing its structural integrity.

Looking ahead, Phase II will focus on transforming the interior spaces to better serve the school’s operational needs. In the Laverack Room, which has long been a central gathering place for prospective families, we’ll be replacing worn-out carpets and furnishings to maintain its welcoming atmosphere. Our health office will also undergo a much-needed update, adding treatment rooms, restrooms, and ensuring privacy for health care services.

Crocker House has always been a symbol of Applewild’s deep commitment to its students and community, and with these renovations, we’re ensuring that it will continue to serve generations of students for many years to come. Together, we are preserving the past while building a future that will support the needs of our vibrant school community.

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Supporting Applewild Faculty Through Professional Development

At Applewild, our teachers are at the heart of everything we do. Their passion, dedication, and expertise create the foundation for the outstanding educational experience we offer our students. As part of the Applewild Forever Capital Campaign, we are excited to provide opportunities to support the growth, development, and career advancement of our incredible faculty through a dedicated Professional Development Fund.

Investing in our faculty is an investment in our students' futures. This fund will enable our teachers to continue refining their craft, learning new methodologies, and staying at the forefront of educational innovation. By supporting Applewild faculty professional development, you are directly contributing to the quality of education and the success of the next generation of students.

As the world of education evolves, so too must our approach. Applewild teachers are constantly seeking new ways to inspire, engage, and challenge their students. With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the resources, training, and opportunities they need to remain leaders in their field. Whether attending national conferences, participating in specialized workshops, or collaborating with peers, our faculty will benefit from experiences that enrich their teaching and, by extension, the entire Applewild community.

This investment isn't just about individual teachers; it's about creating a culture of lifelong learning and professional excellence that benefits every student who walks through our doors. By making a gift to the Professional Development Fund, you are fostering an environment where innovation and passion flourish, ensuring that our educators have the tools they need to shape the minds of tomorrow.

Be a part of this exciting opportunity to invest in the people who make Applewild special. Together, we can continue our long tradition of excellence in teaching and ensure that Applewild remains a leader in education for years to come. Your support makes a lasting impact on our faculty and students—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Give to the Applewild Forever Capital Campaign