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:
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.: 40%
Students 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
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$59,740
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
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Peer Counselors, Student Government
Club or Organization:
Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Theater
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 3/29/2024
If you are a young adult that wants to be challenged, wants to be heard, and wants to develop your strengths, this is the place. Darrow is truly unique in its location, faculty, and student population. Every aspect of the Darrow experience is based in character, integrity, compassion, learning, sharing, tolerance, and critical thinking.
5 5/17/2016
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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