Walnut Hill School for the Arts is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience purposefully designed for student artists in grades 9–12, and a postgraduate year.

Fast Facts

• 291 students enrolled
• 34% international students; 76% boarding students; 24% day students
• The only high school program linking a major conservatory (New England Conservatory – NEC) with an independent school.
• Focus on classical instrumental, composition, jazz, or voice. Courses include chamber music, composition, diction for singers, ear training, jazz, music theory, solfege, and vocal training.

We offer unparalleled training in dance; music; theater; visual art; and writing, film & media arts, complemented by a robust and innovative academic curriculum. Every aspect of our program promotes our students’ growth as bold artists, curious learners, and mindful citizens. Students from across the country and around the globe come together to form a dynamic community on our scenic campus located just west of Boston in Natick, Massachusetts.

Walnut Hill offers:

–Innovative performance projects,
–Master classes by dynamic guest artists,
–Contemporary topics like entrepreneurship and civic engagement,
–Proximity to Boston and world-class concert halls and performances,
–A community of like-minded artists

Our program, offered within an inspiring creative community, prepares graduates to thrive in a conservatory, university, or college setting.

“Walnut Hill is a magical place for me. It is the most supportive community I know; it is a place that makes you believe that anything is possible. There are no judgments; there is only creativity, and more creativity. Knowing that ‘one can do no wrong’ is so empowering for a young artist, and for that I will forever be grateful to Walnut Hill.”

— Gloria Chien ’95, Steinway Artist since 2009