Applewild Forever

Applewild School is thrilled to announce significant progress on our new 17,000 sq ft dormitory, designed to accommodate 40 students and six faculty members. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance our junior boarding program, attracting students from around the globe and supporting a diverse, vibrant community.

Key Highlights:
- Rapid Construction: Thanks to Bennett Construction and favorable conditions, the dormitory is set to be completed six months ahead of schedule, a testament to Applewild’s commitment to excellence and cooperation.
- Strategic Growth: Our enrollment strategy aims to gradually increase our residential student body from 30 to 70 by 2029, enriching our educational offerings and extracurricular programs.

- Community Impact: The new dormitory not only benefits our students but also positively impacts the local Fitchburg economy. Mayor Sam Squailia recently visited the site, expressing excitement about our growth.

Bonus Update:
Our school mascot, a majestic hawk, has taken an interest in the construction, keeping a watchful eye on the progress from atop the Crocker Building!

In early June, our community gathered to say goodbye and express gratitude to our Sutton Building, Harlan Simonds Gymnasium & classroom space, Simonds ‘Big Gym,’ and Crocker Annex. These will be replaced by our new 49,500 square foot Applewild Athletic & Wellness Center.

Engaging Students in the Transition

Each class had the opportunity to paint their names inside the gym while discussing our Core Value of Civic-Mindedness. Teachers highlighted the generosity of past donors who provided our current gyms and the anonymous donors funding the new center.

End of Year Celebration

Our Trustees and Senior Administration celebrated in the Simonds Gymnasium, sharing memories of dances, games, and community events. Bill Marshall, head of school from 1979 to 2001, and his wife Donna joined us as our guests of honor, enjoying a tour of campus and the new dorms.

Athletic & Wellness Center Update

The project team received site plan approval from the Fitchburg Planning Board, allowing us to begin the design process. The new building will be energy-efficient and feature a solar panel-covered roof.

Preparations for Construction

We relocated the instrumental music program to the Marshall Building and moved ornamental plantings throughout campus. The memorial cherry tree and benches are being relocated, and athletic equipment is stored in new sheds. Utilities are being moved in preparation for demolition, and alternative locations are secured for our basketball and PE programs.

Estate Planning

If the generosity of these gifts inspires you, please consider including Applewild in your estate planning. Such gifts provide vital support for our programs, scholarships, and facilities, ensuring an exceptional education for future leaders.

For more information, contact Leo Hiertz at lhiertz@applewild.org or visit Applewild Giving.

Thank you for your continued support!

As the school year ended, we celebrated our graduates with the traditional Advisor Dinner in the Laverack Room, followed by an off-campus celebration. Our graduates are heading to prestigious schools like Dana Hall, Concord Academy, and Middlesex School. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and already miss them!

Now that the campus is quiet for the summer, our contractor, Old Time Restoration, has started renovations on Crocker House. Their expertise in historic buildings ensures our beloved house is in good hands.

Tackling Moisture Issues

Phase I of the project aims to safeguard Crocker House from moisture, crucial for preserving its structural integrity. Addressing rot improves insulation, reduces utility costs, and enhances the environment. Our comprehensive approach ensures Crocker House remains a cherished part of our campus for generations.

Historic Renovations and Discoveries

Renovations reveal fascinating relics from the past, like an old textbook with the amusing statement, "GEORGE BUSH GIVES ME CRAMPS!" We welcome your memories of the Crocker basement lockers—share your stories to preserve our heritage!

Seaweed Insulation

Workers discovered seaweed insulation, a historic method used in New England homes. This discovery adds $20,000 to our project cost, so we hope for no more surprises! We'll also address electrical problems while the siding is off.

Preserving the Georgian Style

We are restoring unique features of Crocker House, like the wood gutters, rubber roofs, and chimneys; new windows will be installed, and ornate ones restored. A border of crushed rock and other water-directing methods will protect against future moisture damage.

Embracing Crocker's Spirits

Crocker House's enchantment includes happy spirits that fill the air, a tradition we cherish. Our respectful renovation aims to honor history and teach our students the importance of appreciating the past.

Thank you for your continued support and stay tuned for more updates this summer!

With boundless enthusiasm, we are launching the Applewild Forever Capital Campaign—a historic initiative aimed at elevating our students' experience and securing the future for generations to come.

The Applewild Forever initiative will bring to life vibrant athletics and outdoor recreation spaces, revitalized Crocker House and Marshall Buildings, new housing for faculty and students, and a significant investment in faculty development. 

We've been quietly working on this campaign, and you may already know from previous communications that Applewild is constructing a new 17,000 square foot dormitory, solidifying our position as a national and global educational leader. Today, we are thrilled to announce yet another milestone—plans to construct a 49,000 square foot Athletic & Wellness Center! This incredible facility is made possible by anonymous philanthropists who deeply care about Applewild and are inspired by the School's growth and innovation.