The Kellner Performing Arts Center, opened in 1992, is a teaching center for the performing arts and music departments. Kellner includes a large dance studio; classrooms for speech and debate training; classrooms and practice rooms for work in chorus, orchestra and jazz; a “black box” studio theater; fully equipped scene construction and costume shops, and the Ruth King Theatre.

The Ruth King Theatre, a gift of novelist Stephen King in memory of his mother, is an exceptional teaching theatre. Equipped with a stage adaptable to thrust or apron configurations, the theatre is a 20th-century adaptation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The Art and Media Center is alive with the energy of art. Visual arts classrooms and studio spaces connect students and faculty pursuing the arts. The building is also home to the Nesto Gallery, which features eight exhibits annually, showcasing work of graduates, faculty and regional artists.

During World War I, Milton boys farmed potatoes—part of Milton’s war effort—on the site that would eventually become Ware Hall, built as the Girls’ School schoolhouse. Today, students use classical and modern language classrooms, the language laboratory and math classrooms. Ware Hall also includes Middle School classrooms and assembly space.

The Caroline Saltonstall Building includes the business office and alumni offices, as well as the Lower and Middle School Admission Office, Lower School academic space, the K–8 library, and the Caroline Saltonstall Gymnasium. The building stands on the original Milton Academy Girls’ School campus.

Greenleaf Hall opened in January, 1970 when Elizabeth Greenleaf Buck was the Lower School principal, and it includes classrooms and specialty areas for Grades 3 through 6.

The Apthorp Chapel was constructed in 1921 to honor Milton students who served in World War I. Students meet each Sunday evening in Apthorp Chapel for the non-denominational chapel program that often includes guests, students and faculty reflecting on issues affecting the School community, the nation or the world.

Milton Academy received its first three squash courts in 1964. They were given in memory of Ralph B. Williams III ’51 and Albert C. Williams ’60 by their parents, Ralph B. Williams ’26 and Peggy C. Williams, and by other members of the Williams family and friends. The courts were built in the Wigglesworth Cage, which had been used in the early spring for indoor baseball practice. In 1984, four more courts were added and in the prayer offered at their dedication on March 3 by the Rev. Craig W. Casey, husband of Sally Williams Casey (sister of Ralph and Bert Williams), it was hoped that the squash courts would be places where the spirit of true sportsmanship would be fostered. In 1995, the three original courts were converted to international size and rededicated on October 14. In the summer of 2000, the four remaining North American courts were converted to international size. We now have seven international courts, the perfect number for interscholastic competition.

The Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium (RSG) was once the major boys’ gymnasium at Milton. Today, students are drawn to the H. Adams Carter ’32 Climbing Wall, where they can learn to rock climb. The building includes a basketball court and wrestling facilities, and hosts many of Milton’s Physical Education classes during the school day.

Astronomy students use the Ayer Observatory to observe and study celestial objects. (The School also enjoys a portable planetarium.) The observatory’s 12-foot dome houses a five-inch Clark refractor for general classroom use; its smaller dome houses a 9-inch Takahashi reflector. Eight piers just outside of the observatory provide smaller, portable telescopes for larger group use.

The Junior Building provides space for Milton’s youngest learners: kindergarteners through students in Grade 2. Together, Greenleaf and the Junior Building ensure that the Lower School enjoys spaces dedicated to young children.

Registered nurses, school physicians and counselors at the Health and Counseling Center help students who need physical or emotional care. The Health Center provides overnight accommodation for students as well as access to Milton Hospital and major Boston hospitals. The Health Center manages programs that involve students in care, support, leadership and learning—both in promoting healthy lifestyles and in responding to those with emotional or physical need.