Darrow School - Review #5

Darrow's most unique and positive attribute is the warm and welcoming community created by the faculty and students. The faculty are always willing to help you both academically and personally; they become more than just teachers or advisors, they become mentors and friends. The students have the same welcoming attitude, allowing new students to successfully adjust to the boarding school life style. All of this is made possible because of the small size of the school, allowing every student to interact and get to know the people around them. This was one of the primary reasons I chose Darrow, and one of the many reasons I loved my time on the mountain side.

I achieved and experience so much at Darrow that it is hard to say that I have a specific "favorite moment". I can think of countless happy memories from so many different aspects of Darrow that I would have to say that Darrow was the best thing to happen to me during boarding school. However, I can point out moments that Darrow helped me grow stronger as a person. Like any teenagers, I did not always make the right choices in high school, but Darrow gave me the second chances that I needed to learn from my decisions and become a better person. The Darrow administration is patient and understanding of every students situation, which is vital for students to be successful, not just in high school but in life.

I wouldn't have done anything differently!

My favorite thing about Darrow is the community that the school creates.

If you are a boy, live in Ann Lee!

The academics at Darrow were always as challenging as I needed them to be. I was able to continue advanced mathematics and science education through out all four years, while receiving individual tutoring to help with my reading and writing skills. As a student with both ADD and learning disabilities, I always felt that Darrow accommodated my needs regardless the standard policy. The small class sizes and wonderful teachers allow every student to receive the help they need to do their best. Also, the amazing administration allows students to peruse specific interests by allowing the teachers the freedom to teach unique subjects; I have yet to meet another person from outside Darrow that was able to take classes like History of Adventure, History of Exploration, Irish Literature, Russian Literature, or Sustainable Ecology while in high school. Also, Darrow provides study hall hours for students feel like the work load is too much, or are struggling with material.

The athletics at Darrow focus on the students rather than the program. Every student is required to take at least one sport during the year, but they are allowed to choose a program that will inspire them. The school does not have a legacy programs, or D1 training programs but there are still opportunities for star athletes to shine. For example, if you wanted to pursue basketball, you could compete during the winter while training during the off seasons. Every team is supportive regardless of skill level, I will never forget the game where our Basketball team was losing by over 30 points, but everyone in the school was cheering like crazy for five minuets when one of our bench players scored his first career shot. At Darrow, athletics is first and fore most about having fun and improving; while there is still a sense of competition to win the experience is about building a team and doing the best you can.

The arts and music programs are extensive and extremely nice. With their new facilities and experienced faculty, Darrow has created countless skilled artists. Though I've never been great at art, I was able to develop basic skills and enjoyed all of my art classes. From studio art to photography to ceramics, you can find any medium that you enjoy. The music program is equally extensive, putting on several shows and concerts to entertain the entire school. Both the art and music programs help support the theatre, where everything is designed, created and performed by the students. Three times every year, the entire school attends the theatre productions, making it an integral part of the school community.

Darrow has a varied extra-curricular network and an extensive volunteer program. The extra-curriculars include more interests than one would think possible for such a small school. If you have a particular interest that Darrow does not currently offer, any student can talk to their advisor about starting a club, or pursuing their interests; almost every club or group was founded by a student who wanted to explore their passion. Darrow has a unique volunteer program called Hands-To-Work (HTW). This program is derived from the Shaker philosophy "Hands to work, hearts to god"; the school incorporated this because of the campus history as a Shaker town. The HTW program has every student volunteer during Wednesday mornings, the programs range from maple sugaring to campus recycling. There are few schools that have a similar program, so it may seem strange but it offers countless rewarding experiences.

I have countless happy memories from my experiences in the dorm. The dorms are very nice and homely, while remaining small enough for you to get to know everyone you live with. The students form a unique bond that is unlike any other and you get to know your peers and form friendships that you would think unlikely. I still talk to my Darrow roommates and neighbors even though we have not lived together for almost eight years. In addition to living with the students, there are dorm parents that students bond with. These dorm parents are the teachers and faculty that the students see every day, creating a great relationship between the students and staff.

The dinning hall is open for all three meals every day, opening early enough for morning-birds and staying open late enough for every team to have a hot meal after practice. It is a cafeteria, so it wont hold up to mom's home cooked meals, but the chefs work very hard to make sure every student is happy after every meal. They will listen to any dietary needs that you may have, and make genuinely good food. There are also special meals throughout the year to make sure that the meals don't seam repetitive.

There is not very much near by to Darrow, but there is a small town at the bottom of the road that has all the basic essentials. Though it seems very isolated, the school works very hard to make sure the students don't feel stuck. There are trips to malls, movie theaters, concerts and cities that the students can take to get away from the mountainside if they feel the need. However there is an advantage to this isolation, the school grounds are massive. They include fields, woods, paths, hills and meadows and give students ample space to relax and for activities. The remote location also adds a unique atmosphere to the social life.

With such a small school, all the students get to know each other and are exposed to different cultures and people that they might otherwise never be exposed to. There are several activities and opportunities to get to know everyone. Since it is a high school, there will always be some drama, but the school (both students and staff) work very hard to make sure that everyone learns and grows from it.