Darrow School

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Darrow School Photo #1 - The close, connected campus, the size of the community, and the structure of the daily schedule ensure that students connect, participate, and feel appreciated as individuals.
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Darrow School Photo #1 - The close, connected campus, the size of the community, and the structure of the daily schedule ensure that students connect, participate, and feel appreciated as individuals.
Darrow School Photo #2 - Darrow's hands-on program encompasses all areas of the students' academic experience and is focused on developing college-level skills, real-world application of ideas, and an appreciation for sustainability.
Darrow School Photo #3 - With its roots in Darrow's Shaker heritage, their unique Hands-to-Work program is grounded in purposeful work and the rewards of cooperative effort to benefit the Darrow community. Every Wednesday at Darrow, some 20 Hands-to-Work crews of students undertake a variety of tasks.
Darrow School Photo #4 - Sustainability is a theme integrated into all the disciplines, at all levels of the Darrow curriculum. To help students better understand the complexity of environmental, social, and economic issues, it is incorporated into the Hands-to-Work, Community Service, and Spring Term programs.
Darrow School Photo #5 - Darrow students also have many opportunities to express their creativity in the arts. Students who substitute theater for an athletic activity meet daily for two hours at the end of the academic day. In addition to acting, students construct sets and work backstage on props, costumes, lighting, and stage management on three major productions each year.
Darrow School Photo #6 - Darrow's One-on-One Tutorial Program is designed to motivate and support students in producing high quality academic work through a collaborative process of feedback and frequent assessment of their skills as learners, writers, and problem solvers.
Darrow School Photo #7 - As beautiful as it is functional, the 12,000 sq. ft. Joline Arts Center provides studio and lab spaces for a broad range of fine arts programming, including classrooms and studios specifically designed for painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and woodworking. It also includes gallery spaces, seminar rooms, and a graphic design lab.
Darrow School Photo #8 - Darrow School athletics are dedicated to encouraging teamwork skill development for athletes of all skill levels. As with many other aspects of Darrow life, students are afforded many leadership opportunities through the sports program.
Darrow School Photo #9 - Darrow has a 100% college acceptance rate, with graduates attending small liberal arts colleges, dedicated art schools, larger universities, and Ivy League schools.
Darrow School Photo #10 - Darrow is a member of the Hudson Valley Athletic League, competing against many other boarding and day schools in several sports throughout the year.
WHY DARROW? Preparing students for success after high school means challenging them to find meaning in everything they do; modeling how to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with a diverse group of human beings; advocating for yourself and your point of view; and caring about our world and the people around you.You will discover the features and benefits of Darrow throughout our website, but as to the question of Why Darrow?, the answer is straightforward - because now more than ever, the world needs what we offer.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $59,740
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Darrow School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences, ADHD, Dyslexia
Year Founded
1932

Student Body

Total Students
102 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Darrow School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
77%
Average Class Size
9 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1150
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
includes tuition, room and board
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$37,000
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Nicholas Forcier
Admissions Associate
Lorrie Wechter
Endowment Size
$4 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Peer Counselors, Student Government

Club or Organization:
Yearbook

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Theater

School Notes

  • Darrow School: Hands-on Education for More Than 80 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. 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 spur 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 Nicholas Forcier, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management, at 518-704-2761 or visit www.darrowschool.org.
  • 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
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Darrow School cost?
Darrow School's tuition is approximately $59,740 for private students.
What schools are Darrow School often compared to?
Darrow Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hawthorne Valley School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Darrow School?
The acceptance rate of Darrow School is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 79%. Darrow School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Darrow School?
Darrow School famous alumni include: Charles Conrad, Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, Sam Harper, '79 and Bill Hudnut.
What sports does Darrow School offer?
Darrow School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Paddle Tennis, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Weightlifting. Darrow School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Darrow School's ranking?
Darrow School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Darrow School?
The application deadline for Darrow School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5  
As a student and orientation leader, I have some incredible memories of my time spent at Darrow School. The small community proved to be the perfect place for me to grow, and gave me the confidence both in and out of the classroom to succeed. I had a lot of trouble learning in public schools for years, but my switch to Darrow proved to be the best change I could hope for. I became an actor, a designer, an artist, and a leader. I tapped maple trees on wednesdays, sheared sheep, and composted. I played tennis, danced, snowboarded at Jiminy Peak, and was the lead in the school musical. The only thing I regret was not spending more time and efforts in the "Living Machine"! I now live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Eight years later. Three of my teachers and dorm parents from Darrow live here as well. I guess I (We) couldn't shake the small town feeling even when school was said and done. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of the Darrow community, and the confidence and learning opportunities continue to follow me wherever I go.
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $59,740
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York is $21,426 for elementary schools and $27,565 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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