I’m applying to Darrow School as a safety school and I am worried it would be my only option on M10…
I was wondering if anyone has some insight into Darrow School.
Never heard of it before but it looks like a good place for students who are reasonably bright but don’t test well for whatever reason. One of my high school BFF’s (at a LPS) was like that and she has done very well for herself as a graphic designer.
My son had a friend who was unhappy at his private school. He looked at the Darrow School and really liked it but it would have been a difficult commute (boarding wasn’t an option). He felt it was a bout learning rather than just focusing on getting a good grade like his current school at the time.
DS applied and when we visited, we fell in love. It’s a small school with about 100 students and it seems to be a very welcoming, judgement free zone. Darrow to me, appears to nurture each individual child to learn in their own way.
Good luck. Let us know what at happens M10!
I think @vwlizard knows a fair amount about this one. It has an excellent reputation, especially for students who need learning support.
And even if you do not need additional support, most education studies show that the things that a school does to help students with learning differences tend to benefit the whole student body.
If you liked it when you were looking at schools and you are admitted, congratulations on having a terrific option.
If you are applying I’m assuming there is something you liked about it. I’m a big believer in not worrying about what anyone else thinks about a school if it’s the right one for you. I have not been to Darrow, but have researched it and it seems like the type of school where every student is known and nurtured, can be themselves and can explore any interest they have. It was a school I fell in love with from their website, but was just a bit too far and didn’t have my DS sport (a deal breaker).
My daughter is graduating from Darrow this spring. We are huge fans! I’m happy to answer any questions people have about the school. Darrow has a new head of school as of this year with gobs of experience (He was a teacher at Darrow years ago and has been head of school elsewhere). The Darrow boys and girls basketball teams both won their divisions this week. Although the school is TINY (110 students with a graduating class of around 30) they have sent students to Ivies the last 3 years (if that’s your jam). Their visual art and music programs are exceptional due to the talented teachers. They have gorgeous art studios and a new dorm in the works. My favorite thing at Darrow is the faculty. My older daughter went to NMH and we adored NMH too but I can say Chimneykid2’s teachers were also excellent.
Darrow does very well with students who need a freer, less intense environment to thrive. Students have a great deal of ability to follow individual passions with the support of faculty - often one one one. It is a true progressive school, one of the few boarding schools that can claim this. Classes are all project based and experiential. Workload is light compared to some schools and students complete a lot of large, complicated projects. They created a 1 on 1 math class for my daughter last year. It is a very economically and racially diverse student population. A true hidden gem for the student looking for a small, progressive tight knit community. They almost always have space and they are generous with financial aid so this is the perfect school to consider post March 10 too.
Congratulations on your daughter this spring! Thank you for giving me more insight into Darrow School.
How would you consider the science program to be?
It is pretty cool! The science labs are newer and along with Bio, Chemistry, Physics, they offer some unique classes. My daughter loved her environmental/sustainability class and her robotics class. They have a small maker lab too.
@chemmchimney Taking you up on your offer lol. DS loved Darrow and it is currently the last school decision we are waiting on.
Do you remember how you were notified of DD acceptance? We haven’t heard anything yet… Would it come by mail?
@JouleMom2020 We applied in April so it was after M10 and I think we received a phone call and then the letter via email? If you don’t hear today, I wouldn’t hesitate to call tomorrow.
I got an email yesterday congratulating me upon my acceptance! However, I did get waitlisted for financial aid.
Hang tough @Chan2006 - with so much uncertainty in the US right it’s possible things will change and financial aid may become available. Congrats on your acceptance too!
Congratulations @Chan2006 Hopefully FA will become available.
DD is still currently waiting on Darrow’s decision.
@JouleMom2020 I would call today - Darrow just announced they are starting their spring break early and campus will be empty starting this Friday.
And also I would not worry/read into the delay too much. We also heard from other schools prior to hearing from Darrow. I appreciate that they are pretty thoughtful about the process but they are not the speediest and getting kids home safely and finding spring break options for international students who can’t travel home is probably the focus right now.
@chemmchimney thank you so much for that info. I was trying to be patient(more like trying not to freak out lol) because I do understand how busy this time of year is. On top of the current health crisis and how it affects international students and schools.
Thank you for being so helpful. I will reach out to them.