Darrow School, an independent, co-ed, boarding and day school in New Lebanon, NY, offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum within an atmosphere that supports the pursuit of intellectual curiosity, individual creativity, and the joy of learning. The School has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of “hands-on learning,” and Darrow teachers use real-world topics and a dynamic approach to make the subject matter come alive. Darrow’s small classes, averaging nine students, afford everyone the chance to participate. Head of School Nancy Wolf says, “Because Darrow is a small boarding school, there is an opportunity for strong connections between students and teachers. Teachers get to know students well, and expectations are high. They push students to do their best in classes, athletics, and co-curricular activities.”
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Overview: |
Darrow School
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Boarding School Avg.
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| Definition of Terms | ||
| School Focus | College Preparatory | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered. | 9-12 | 9-12 |
| School Type | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Support for ADD/ADHD Students | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Learning Differences (LD) | Yes | Yes |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1932 | 1906 |
| Campus Size | 365 acres | 125 acres |
| Student Body | ||
| Enrollment | 116 students | 296 students |
| Percent Students of Color | 25% | 18% |
| Percent International Students | 30% | 18% |
| Percent Students Boarding | 80% | 69% |
| Average SAT Score | 1048 | * National Avg. »View |
| SAT range (25th-75th percentile) | 1001 - 1133 | - |
| Offers Post-Grad Year | No | No |
| Academics and Faculty | ||
| Saturday Classes | Yes | No |
| Frequency of Saturday Classes | Weekly | Less than once a month |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual | Casual |
| Average Class Size | 9 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Teacher : Student Ratio | 1:4 | 1:7 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 57% | 64% |
| Summer Program Offered | No | Yes |
| Finances | ||
| Endowment Size | $2 million | $14 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $47,400 | $42,800 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | $27,600 | $23,900 |
| Percent Students on Financial Aid | 30% | 33% |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | No | No |
| Admission | ||
| Application Deadline | None / Rolling | Jan. 15 |
| SSAT Required | No | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 60% |
| Director of Admissions | Jamie Hicks-Furgang | |
| Associate Director of Admissions | Lorrie Wechter | |
Course Listings: |
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| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses | |
Sports: |
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| Total Interscholastic Sports Offered | 10 | 13 |
Interscholastic Sports
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| Alpine Skiing | Baseball | |
| Basketball | Cross Country | |
| Lacrosse | Snowboarding | |
| Soccer | Softball | |
| Tennis | Ultimate Frisbee | |
Extracurricular: |
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| Total Extracurricular Organizations | 8 | 24 |
Extracurriculars
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| Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding | Instrumental Music Instruction | |
| Outdoor Education | SPECTRUM | |
| Students of Diversity | Theatre | |
| Vocal Music Instruction | Winter Revels | |
College Matriculation: |
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| Year: 2006 | 10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
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| Art Institute of Boston | 3 | |
| Smith College | 2 | |
| Amherst College | 1 | |
| Colgate University | 1 | |
| Northeastern University | 1 | |
| Reed University | 1 | |
| Sarah Lawrence University | 1 | |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 1 | |
| Skidmore College | 1 | |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 1 | |
School Notes:
- Darrow School: Hands-on Education for More Than 70 Years
- Darrow School, an independent, co-ed, boarding and day school in New Lebanon, NY, offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with a range of courses in writing and literature, history, languages, mathematics, sciences, and the arts.
- Strong critical thinking and writing skills are emphasized in all subject areas. Students learn within an atmosphere that supports the pursuit of intellectual curiosity, individual creativity, and the joy of learning.
- The School has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of “hands-on learning,” and Darrow teachers use real-world topics and a dynamic approach to capture the imagination and make the subject matter come alive.
- The beautiful mountainside campus is located on the site of the historic Mt. Lebanon Shaker Village, and Darrow continues to embrace the Shaker legacy of sustainability and stewardship.
- An important feature of the academic program is its focus on environmental, social, and economic resources, and students discover the value of finding balance within one’s self, the community, and global society. The National Association of Independent Schools recognized the excellence of the School’s Sustainability Program in February 2005 with a Leading Edge Honoree Award for curriculum innovation.
- Darrow’s small classes, averaging nine students, afford everyone the chance to participate. Head of School Nancy Wolf says, “Because Darrow is a small boarding school, with a 4-to-1 student-teacher ratio, there is an opportunity for strong connections between students and teachers. Teachers get to know students well, and expectations are high. They push students to do their best in classes, athletics, and co-curricular activities.”
- The substantive nature and climate of Darrow School offer students a setting where their abilities can prosper, and the School’s distinctive educational philosophy is suited to all learning styles. At Darrow, students reach their full potential as motivated, thriving, college-bound learners with a greater understanding of themselves and the world.
- To learn more about Darrow School, contact Jamie Hicks, Director of Admission, at 518-794-6008 or visit www.darrowschool.org.
- School accreditations: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Charles Conrad - Apollo 12 Commander, third man to walk on the moon
- Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo - Radio Sportscaster, Author
- Sam Harper, '79 - Screenplay writer of Cheaper by the Dozen & Cheaper by the Dozen II
- Bill Hudnut - Former mayor of Indianapolis & Congressman, author
- Profile last updated: 09/22/2011
School Map:
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Nearby Boarding Schools:
- Miss Hall's School - 180 students - 6.5 mi. away - view location
- Buxton School - 90 students - 19.4 mi. away - view location
- Emma Willard School - 322 students - 23.0 mi. away - view location
- Berkshire School - 380 students - 23.3 mi. away - view location
- Hoosac School - 125 students - 28.4 mi. away - view location
- Co-ed school
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- Girls school
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