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The elementary program for Kindergarten to 5th grade at Applewild is extraordinary among private schools in North Central Massachusetts. Our students actively engage in advanced curricula in language arts, math, and social studies. They work in science labs through inquiry-based learning experiences. They sing as part of our chorus, explore music and movement, discover new languages and cultures, create art, and enjoy many more outlets for creative expression.
Academics
K-3 uses a structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading to make learning to read fun while laying the groundwork for lifelong literacy. The program’s research-based approach and extensive materials allow K–3 teachers to confidently present a carefully structured reading, spelling, and handwriting curriculum that uses engaging, multisensory techniques. In mathematics, we use the Bridges curriculum, where we focus on math facts, numerical thinking, and problem solving. Our science curriculum utilizes inquiry, investigation, and exploration, helping students understand and communicate about the scientific world around them. Students study World Languages to build cultural competencies and felicities with language. In social studies we design our curriculum to help students understand our Core Values and connect them to ourselves, our community, the state of Massachusetts, and the history of the United States.
In 4th and 5th grade, students move to our Crocker building where they have dedicated space for their growing needs. Taking on more agency, they utilize the school library, the art studio, science labs, and the large gymnasium. Academically, students transition to completing work on Chromebooks. They are now taught by a teaching diad, with a language arts / social studies teacher and a math teacher. At this age students are moving from learning to read to reading to learn. Language arts focuses on core reading and writing skills. In social studies, they learn about westward expansion, as well as early civilizations.In math they continue to use the Bridges curriculum. In science class, students begin to carry out experiments using the scientific method. Additionally, they begin the study of Spanish.
What makes us unique
We encourage childhood and we meet children where they are, both socially and academically.
- Design thinking / maker space
- Sledding
- Nature walks
- Yoga
- Multi-age buddies activities
- Responsive Classroom / social emotional learning
- Multiple recesses
- Outdoor space for classes and exploration
- A deep and abiding commitment to a creative arts curriculum
Hands-on Learning
We use a multi-sensory approach to learning to challenge and engage students through the use of visual, auditory and kinesthetic methods. In all classes, students have the opportunity to explore, question, challenge and create. Using a metacognitive approach, students learn to plan, monitor, and reflect on their own growth and learning.
Room To Explore
We offer ample play through physical education classes and daily recesses on our expansive 26-acre campus and outdoor classrooms. All students have access to outdoor space including playgrounds, fields, and nature trails.
Jennifer Buck is in her 22nd year of teaching at Applewild! Having taught at various elementary grade levels, including many years in the 4th grade, she is now the K-3 Coordinator, as well as a member of the Learning Support team. Jenn is passionate about making sure each student has the tools necessary to be self-assured and successful and is certified as an Orton-Gillingham practitioner. Outside of school, Jenn lives in Princeton, MA with her mother and her adult son, who is an Applewild alumnus. She enjoys travel, live music, and comedy shows.
Brenda Koperniak grew up locally, in Rindge, NH. She earned her bachelor’s degree in History and French from Williams College. Brenda has been teaching since 2007. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Keene State College with a focus on Social Justice and Diversity. When she is not teaching, Brenda enjoys playing tennis, practicing yoga and going for nature walks with her family. At Applewild she loves teaching songs in sign language, leading design challenges and taking her students to the Fitchburg Art Museum.
Margo is a dedicated educator with a passion for hands-on learning. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Salve Regina University and a Master's degree in Art Education from Lesley University. With teaching experience in various settings, including South Korea, Margo brings a global perspective to her classroom. As a second-grade teacher at Applewild, she creates dynamic and engaging lessons that inspire students to explore and discover. Outside of the classroom, Margo enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys art, tennis, kayaking, and discovering new hiking trails.
After receiving her Masters degrees in both education as well as visual arts from the University of New England, Sara Sanford has dedicated her forty year career to being an educator. She has been an elementary homeroom teacher, an english teacher as well as an art instructor grades Kindergarten-12. She is a certified Responsive Classroom teacher. She has been a dorm parent and taught in both private and public school settings all over New England. When she isn’t working in the studio at school, she is writing or painting in her studio at home, or hiking and spending time with her husband Conrad, her 6 adult children and her dog Nutmeg.
Carly Ricard is the first-grade teacher here at Applewild. She has a diverse background of 20+ years of teaching (preschool through 3rd grade), including several years in special education with a focus on students with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. Carly grew up locally in the Ashburnham/Westminster area, where she currently lives with her husband, 2 children, and dog, Gus. Carly is a current graduate student at Fitchburg State University and a graduate of UMass Amherst with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
Zachary Berard has dedicated the last four years of his professional career trying to work with as many different kinds of students as possible. Zachary Berard received his undergraduate degree from Fitchburg State University in History, then continued on to receive his Masters in Education at the same school. He loves painting miniatures, as well as many other hobbies, and spending time with his two cats Reeses and Tucker at his home in Pepperell.
Sarah Powell is an art teacher and dorm parent here at Applewild. Prior to teaching, she received her bachelor’s degree in studio art at Willamette University. She is particularly interested in printmaking, painting, and textile art. She loves spending time in nature, and discovered her passion for teaching while working as an outdoor educator at YMCA Camp Willson in Ohio. Another interest of hers is traveling. She spent the past two years working as an assistant English teacher at a local elementary and middle school in Yamanashi, Japan. Sarah is so excited to finally combine her love of art and teaching.
Patrick Dee is the fifth grade homeroom teacher at Applewild. Patrick also teaches Social Studies and English Language Arts for fifth grade. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in history, specializing in Ancient and Medieval studies. Patrick then went on to complete a master’s degree in Elementary Education at Rivier University. Patrick has worked with elementary students throughout his time as a graduate student over the past 2 years. He is an avid skier and enjoys hiking in the White Mountians.
Emily Goodrich is a graduate of Worcester Academy (‘19) and Boston University (‘23) where she received a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology. She is Second Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, where she serves as a Military Intelligence Officer. Emily is fluent in Mandarin and enjoys traveling, going to the gym, and caring for her numerous plants. She loves being a dorm parent and spending time with students of all ages on the Applewild campus.
Emily Hamberger is the 4th/5th grade Foundations homeroom teacher here at Applewild. She teaches Foundations English Language Arts as well as Social Studies. Emily received her B.S. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Social Studies from the University of Vermont. For the last 4 years she has worked with students of all ages both in Vermont and here in Massachusetts. Emily enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and spending time with her cat Mia.
Liana began her career in education in 2018, joyfully teaching students from kindergarten to senior year. Growing up in a loving Spanish-speaking household with roots in the Dominican Republic, she developed a deep passion for the Spanish language. Liana's goal is to inspire her students to embrace Spanish and appreciate the beauty of being bilingual. Residing in Fitchburg with her husband, their spirited three-year-old son who attends Applewild Preschool, and their furry friends, Mishu the cat and Buck the chinchilla, Liana cherishes her vibrant family life. She is dedicated to helping her students connect with their culture and discover the incredible opportunities that language can bring.
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