Red Wagon Rocket

Class IV Physics students create a homemade propulsion system to launch themselves across the South Tennis Courts. These students then use video software analysis to measure accelerations, net Forces, and frictional forces acting on these propulsion systems.

Learning by Doing, Always

Humans have an innate curiosity about scientific exploration, about how the world works.At Milton, we fuel this spirit of inquiry—teaching sophisticated concepts and research skills—through doing science from day one. Introducing students to foundational scientific concepts and laboratory techniques, we provide the tools, shifting from teacher-directed learning to student-driven discovery. Students formulate their own research questions based on what they’ve learned; they develop experiments to test these questions—gathering evidence, analyzing data, communicating findings, and discovering the next round of important questions that rise from that work.

Through this work, students learn to deconstruct a problem, formulate a plan, observe with a critical eye, and identify what they don’t yet know. They develop the skills and confidence to execute intricate and complex research experiments that help them develop scientific knowledge and understanding that builds as they progress through the program—from Physics to Chemistry to Biology, and to advanced electives in Molecular Genetics and Organic Chemistry.

Milton scientists bring their skills to bear in the favorite “DYO” (Design Your Own) research experiment, the culmination of all full-year science courses. Students in advanced electives hone their presentation skills in the annual Science Symposium—a showcase of capstone projects that invites the entire School community to celebrate and learn from the work of Milton’s most accomplished science students.

View photos from the last Science Symposium in Milton’s Pritzker Science Center.

Choreographed by Students

More than 60 student dancers show their energy and creativity on stage in the Winter Dance Concert. Student choreographers begin work mid-autumn: preparing dance pieces, submitting proposals to director and dance teacher Kelli Edwards, auditioning and choosing dancers, rehearsing.

Watch this short video clip of student-led rehearsals in the dance studio, or view photos from the Dance Concert performance in King Theatre.

Performing Arts at Milton

Performing arts classes at Milton are grounded in collaboration and respect. Students and faculty learn together—by coming up with an idea, testing it, getting feedback, adapting, and trying again. This iterative “learning by doing”means that risk-taking is part of the plan. The ultimate goal is to share the art—acting, drama, dance, speech, design for the theatre—and to perfect the performance (in class and in rehearsal), students learn to trust one another. Faculty—skilled professionals in their field—model the work they want their students to take on, tapping into creativity and imagination, willing to fail and accept honest feedback. They create safe and exciting places—on stages and in studios—for students to take their love of performance to the highest level, or to try something new for the very first time.

Storytelling through performance takes many forms, both in and out of the classroom at Milton. Staging at least ten major productions each year including major ensemble musicals, the traditional Class IV Play, the beloved 1212 productions, the favorite Winter Dance Concert, and Improv Night—Milton offers myriad opportunities for students to test their acting, dancing, directing, or theatre design skills, and grow over theirMilton years.

Students also take advantage of the time-honored and nationally recognizedMilton speech and debate programs—learning the fundamentals of performance, literary interpretation, public address, and debate, all as part of a supportive team. Performing in tournaments around the country,Milton “speechies” earn awards ranging from individual state and national championships to team honors.

Jammin’ in the Jazz Room

Milton’s jazz students love practicing their craft in Kellner’s jazz room.

Music at Milton

New students at Milton quickly learn to relish the music that weaves through campus life. The jazz combo may open Monday morning assembly, the chapel choir may entertain a visiting dignitary, the chamber orchestra’s selections filter into the hallways of the Kellner Performing Arts Center, and students wildly applaud the highlight of each Friday’s assembly, a Miltones or Octet performance. Whether you are an instrumentalist, a vocalist or an avid listener, you will enjoy the prominent role music plays in school life and culture at Milton.

Milton brings together a talented and devoted faculty, outstanding resources and an enthusiastic community to help each musician participate in a rich, memorable high school experience. The music program welcomes students of all levels and fully develops individual skills. Milton is well-known, however, for helping serious musicians fully develop their potential. All three facets of the program, choral, orchestral and jazz, offer coursework from the beginner level through advanced, and focus on diverse performance opportunities.

The School’s proximity to Boston provides connections with the city’s renowned institutions, as well as opportunities to see and hear musical events. In addition, the School’s historical commitment to excellence in music education has led to many gifts from alumni and parents that enhance the program year in and year out. Performance opportunities truly distinguish the Milton program. Students in all music groups perform on campus frequently to enthusiastic audiences. In addition, all have traveled to performance sites throughout the United States, as well as Europe, Asia and Africa.

Student Art on the Walls

Art shows throughout the year feature work by Milton students. In the Mid-Year and End-of-the-Year Student Art Shows, Milton students exhibit their work in the Arts Commons of the Kellner Performing Arts Center. Student art projects are also showcased in Milton’s Nesto Gallery and viewed on the walls of our academic buildings and Student Center.

View photos of students’ work on display in the annual Drawing and Sculpture Show.

Making Art, Using Every Sense

At Milton, art is everywhere, and that creation begins with a course of study incorporating hands-on learning, problem-solving, creativity, and expression.Talented and passionate faculty—accomplished artists in their own right—guide students in traditional, contemporary, and cross-disciplinary means of art-making. Foundational technical skills empower students to think creatively and critically, as they work through many, varied concept-and-design challenges.With introductory and advanced options in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, architecture, sculpture, and ceramics—augmented by technology-based classes in digital imaging, film, and media—students focus on “making and creating” in large, state-of-the-art studio spaces, in Milton’s Art and Media Center. Faculty support both breadth and depth in their students’ learning, eliciting passion and skill in the novice artist, while challengingadvancedstudentswithsophisticatedanddevelopedartisticabilities. Exhibition is a key part of the visual arts program. Hosting three major student art exhibitions each year, the program is enhanced by the renowned Nesto Gallery, which hosts professional and accomplished artists who also work with students in master classes throughout the year.