Read more details about Darrow School on their 2024 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Darrow School gave me academic passion. I struggled as a freshman in a public high school and was in need of a change in academic setting to improve my overall experience. Darrow gave me that and so much more. The teachers there tend endlessly to each student as an individual and help to fulfill what they are passionate about in the world of education. I learned to love school due to the teacher's dedication, the volunteer work that focused on sustainability and bettering one's self, and a personalized campus experience.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened was me transferring to the school to begin with. I was hesitant and scared of change. The progression of me as a student and as a person through my time at Darrow is miraculous to think about. I went from a sad 14-year-old who felt like the world was against me and dreaded going to school every day, to someone who thrived off the academic world. I felt inspired and encouraged; I learned to fall in love with learning. I am forever grateful for the experience and growth Darrow helped me to achieve.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Maddie, being a teenager, is hard. Sometimes you may feel like the world is against you. Don't lose your passion and keep the people close who support that passion, both teachers and students. Take advantage of all learning you like, use that energy to remind yourself that school is something you enjoy when done right. Be thankful for the moments you feel success in the academic world and know that the teachers at Darrow are just as proud of you as you are.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What makes Darrow is the faculty. These individuals are some of the most talented and caring people I have ever met. They are dedicating every waking hour of their life to better a child's learning experience. And for me personally, it made all the difference in the world.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
The theater is always full of life and creation at all moments of the day, as well as the art building. People are always creating something new and different. Take advantage of that! Also walk outside, to get from building to building you have to walk along the paths outside. Take in the natural world and appreciate it for the short time between walks to class.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Darrow School creates a learning environment that I thrived in. I came from a big public school where I felt like just a number; I didn't feel close with any of my teachers and as a high school student that made wanting to achieve academic exigence challenging. Darrow changed all of that for me. The classrooms are small discussion based with hands on learning. Each class I was interacting with the teacher and my classmates in ways that made me grow academically and think more critically. I began to see how what I learned in school was applicable to the real world and it made me fall in love with learning.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I liked that the same teachers you had in class were also your coaches. This made you as a high school student gain a newfound respect for them. It also required us to be physically active and be outside almost every day. I myself am not talented athletically, I would say, but the students that were loved basketball and lacrosse and other sports that were offered. I partook in frisbee and alpine mostly, to this day I am still jealous of my younger self being able to get outside and go skiing almost every day after school in the winter time.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Darrow encouraged the arts and reaching students in ways emotionally through all different types of media. I took so many art courses and theater at Darrow including pottery, painting, drawing, photography, etc. Art is a way for students to express themselves. Not only that, but Darrow would then put on art exhibits in the art department or put on coffee houses for students to sit and listen to others sing or play instruments. All students and faculty encouraged everyone's artistic growth, both in and out of the classroom.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Darrow allowed students to start clubs or independent work if they wanted. Anything that a student was passionate about the teacher's first response was "how can we help you make that happen".
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life was well supervised but also very enjoyable. Rules were enforced by the dorm parents, who also happened to be teachers working at the school. But dorm parents would also host activities like cooking or movie nights in the common room area. Darrow through your time there really does start to feel like one big family. The teachers and friends I have from that school are going to be lifelong. Rooms are up to three people and you can pick a roommate or have random selection. All the dorms are walking distance to campus and visitation is available but monitored.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I liked that there were always many options for all students and staff. There was always a full salad bar, multiple hot meal choices, and if you had dietary needs, they would accommodate them.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Darrow surroundings aren't in the middle of a town or city. It is mostly on its own, away from the world. This resulted in vast open spaces, many nature walks, beautiful ponds and landscape. It helped encourage people to be outside in nature and enjoy our natural surroundings.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
My graduating class was 32 students. Everyone at the school was so different yet since it was small and we all lived together, we formed a family. Each of us cared for each other and got to know people with all different backgrounds and interests. Compared to my experience at public school people weren't only hanging out with specific groups, people were inclusive and as a result I became much more open-minded to people who thought differently than I did. This helped me from a young age to respect everyone and to never judge anyone without getting to know them.
Read more details about Darrow School on their 2024 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Darrow School gave me academic passion. I struggled as a freshman in a public high school and was in need of a change in academic setting to improve my overall experience. Darrow gave me that. . .
Darrow is a beautiful school set on a National Historic Landmark, that of the first Shaker settlement in the USA. It holds this history in the buildings still used as dorms and academic spaces, and. . .
Every Wednesday all students and faculty were grouped into a 'crew' where we would help out around different parts of campus or in the community the school was apart of. It was like community service. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
Recent Articles
Considering a U.S. Arts Program?
If the arts are part of your interests and your passion, you should research each school’s available offerings. Spend time reading the school’s literature and visiting its website.
Types of Boarding School
Embark on a journey through the diverse world of boarding schools with our comprehensive guide. From traditional institutions to specialized programs, we explore the various types of boarding schools available to students and parents.
International Students: Visas and More
In addition to the usual admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa. Here are five tips to help you navigate the admissions process as an international student.
