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. 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.
Guided by master teachers and supported by peers from a variety of artistic backgrounds, Walnut Hill students graduate prepared to succeed in college and beyond. Learn more at www.walnuthillarts.org or follow us @WalnutHillArts.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 284 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $64,460
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $48,680
- Acceptance rate: 47%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1893
1907
Campus Size
30 acres
125 acres
Colors
Red, Purple
Student Body
Enrollment
284 students
315 students
% Students of Color
17%
27%
% International Students
36%
21%
% Students Boarding
80%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
84%
72%
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$16 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$64,460
$68,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$48,680
$36,400
% Students on Financial Aid
38%
39%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$36,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
47%
64%
Director of Admissions
Kevin Smith
Application URL
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
20
23
Extracurriculars
Agonies, AIDS Action Committee, Black and Hispanic Awareness (BHA), Campus Players, Environment Club, Foreign and American Student Organization, Gargoyle - yearbook, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Gold Key Club, International Club, Junior Singing Group (JSG), Mischords, Mixed Nuts, SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, The Blue Pencil
Club or Organization:
College Matriculation
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- 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 912, and a postgraduate year. 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. Guided by master teachers and supported by peers from a variety of artistic backgrounds, Walnut Hill students graduate prepared to succeed in college and beyond. Learn more at www.walnuthillarts.org or follow us @WalnutHillArts.
- Walnut Hill School for the Arts accreditations: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Zan Berube '16: Interviewed for Daily Actor for her role on the Back to the Future: The Musical tour -
- Jimmy Fowlie '04: Writer for Saturday Night Live, featured in SNL50 Documentary -
- Soleil Vailes '24: Performed at the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship with Spelman Glee Club -
- Tia Maria Apicella '20: Appeared in Sister Act at Seacoast Repertory Theatre -
- Bailey Moon '11: Subject of a feature in Vogue Magazine as wardrobe advisor to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden -
- Joshua Holden '01: Nominated for an Emmy Award for work as a Puppet Wrangler on Sesame Street -
- William Yang '19: First Prize winner of the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition -
- School Motto: Non Nobis Solum — Not for Ourselves Alone
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Walnut Hill School for the Arts cost?
Walnut Hill School for the Arts's tuition is approximately $64,460 for boarding students and $48,680 for day students.
What schools are Walnut Hill School for the Arts often compared to?
Walnut Hill School for the Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Idyllwild Arts Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Walnut Hill School for the Arts?
The acceptance rate of Walnut Hill School for the Arts is 47%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Walnut Hill School for the Arts?
Walnut Hill School for the Arts famous alumni include: Zan Berube '16: Interviewed for Daily Actor for her role on the Back to the Future: The Musical tour, Jimmy Fowlie '04: Writer for Saturday Night Live, featured in SNL50 Documentary, Soleil Vailes '24: Performed at the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship with Spelman Glee Club, Tia Maria Apicella '20: Appeared in Sister Act at Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Bailey Moon '11: Subject of a feature in Vogue Magazine as wardrobe advisor to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Joshua Holden '01: Nominated for an Emmy Award for work as a Puppet Wrangler on Sesame Street and William Yang '19: First Prize winner of the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition.
What sports does Walnut Hill School for the Arts offer?
Walnut Hill School for the Arts offers 2 interscholastic sports: Ballet and Dance.
When is the application deadline for Walnut Hill School for the Arts?
The application deadline for Walnut Hill School for the Arts is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The arts focus of Walnut Hill made it so the students were all artistically passionate, creative, and motivated. Also the classes were catered towards this kind of thinking, so it was engaging to take part. . .
As our school is an art school, it was unique that all academic classes end at 2pm and resuming art classes from then. . .
Walnut Hill School for the Arts Alumni #3
Class of 2005
5.0012/4/2016
University of Southern California
Class of 2005
5.0012/4/2016
University of Southern California
Walnut Hill is - as the name suggests - a school for the arts. This not only means that each student is immersed in both academic classes typical of any high school and also rigorous. . .
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Popular comparisons: Walnut Hill School for the Arts vs. Idyllwild Arts Academy
People that viewed Walnut Hill School for the Arts also viewed these schools: Idyllwild Arts Academy, Besant Hill School, Interlochen Arts Academy, Phillips Academy Andover and Deerfield Academy.
The nearest boarding school to Walnut Hill School for the Arts is Dana Hall School (2.9 miles away)
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