I have known the school for fifty years. Darrow gave me the space, support and opportunity to discover so many skills I never knew I had. Darrow taught me to think analytically, communicate effectively and collaborate as often as possible. There is a "safeness" that exists at Darrow that allows a student to try anything. If a student fails, he will be caught. To me there is more pride in failure than never having tried. I failed many times while at Darrow. Was I negatively judged? No. Did I try something else? I did. As a consequence, I am still trying new things. Some I'm good at. Others, not so much. But thanks to Darrow I keep on trying. read more

We lived in a town with one of the highest-ranked school systems nationally, yet our son was not engaged. Then we discovered Darrow: a stunningly beautiful setting in the Berkshire foothills, a warm and welcoming community, and a collaborative process that turns students into partners in the education process. It transformed our son into an outgoing, enthusiastic and accomplished student and it made his extra-curricular interests blossom. The "Mountainside" is more than a school - it's the foundation for a lifetime of achievement. read more

I attended Darrow from 1996-2000 and it was a great experience. Initially it was a difficult transition for me coming from New York City to New Lebanon, but with the kindness of faculty and staff, the mountainside became my new home away from home. I made some lasting friendships that I still hold dear at Darrow. The small classroom sizes were a breath of fresh air. Every student was able to get that one on one afternoon from the teachers. I looked forward to Wednesday mornings every week for Hands-to-Work. It was a time we all could get out of the classrooms and offices and get to work in various activities that many of us had never had the opportunity to participate in like wood chopping, composting, and other things. I visited the mountainside for the first time in over a decade last alumni weekend with my wife and the memories came flooding back. I can't wait to go back for this year's reunion, it'll be my 15th! #Darrow #Ducks read more

Darrow School - Played Varsity and JV ball in this gym. - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - New Lebanon, New York

I came to Darrow as a student who did not function well in the "one size fits all," large classroom public school environment, where variations from the norm were discouraged and where students were not encouraged to ask for help when needed. When I was touring the campus, the classes that I sat in on were not only interesting, but the interactions between students and teachers were so productive that I understood what was going on, and was able to follow the lecture. I almost didn't know how to react to this new (to me) dynamic! The students were also very friendly. As a perspective student, the students made me feel welcome and were interested in hearing my stories and why I was interested in Darrow. Once I became a student at Darrow, I found out that the besides being engaged in the students' learning, many of the teachers used creative ways to get the students interested in what they were learning, even when the students thought they disliked a particular subject. While at Darrow, in addition to the substantive information, I learned many useful learning techniques that I carried on (and still use) into my educational career. Darrow is a very community driven school in New Lebanon, where not only do the teachers care about teaching in the traditional sense, but who also care about their students as individuals and want to see them succeed. read more

I am a Darrow graduate. I am also dyslexic. The Darrow faculty recognized my challenge. They taught me how to learn in new ways. My classmates opened my eyes to the world of differences. I will forever be in debt to my classmates, the committed faculty, and Darrow's Shaker heritage. My experiences at Darrow altered the trajectory of my life in wonderful ways. Though I graduated a number of years ago, I return often to the beautiful mountainside campus. I enjoy seeing and hearing the excitement among students as they explore ideas; the willingness of older students to mentor younger students; and the genuine concern the current faculty invests in teaching Gen Z. The Darrow experience infects all - whether a student or a parent - who encounter its milieu with an indescribable sense of purpose, uniqueness, beauty, acceptance, challenge, fairness, diversity, serenity, community, caring, supportive, and reverence. The Darrow experience lasts a lifetime. read more

Two of my children have attended Darrow - one graduated a few years ago and another is currently enrolled. The educational experience at Darrow is exceptional -- engaged and creative teachers and staff, small classes, meaningful and innovative curriculum are all part of the educational atmosphere of the school. My older child was very well prepared for success at a competitive liberal arts college and my younger child is being intellectually and creatively challenged each day both in the classroom and beyond. The community at Darrow makes the school what it is. Faculty, staff, and students all create an environment rich in opportunities and support. read more

I attended Darrow in the 70s and it was by far the the most formative educational experience I've had in my life. I left a very traditional, well respected private school in New York City, hoping to find a school whose faculty were more engaged and whose mission was more progressive. I found both at Darrow. Teachers took an active interest in all of us, imparting their accumulated wisdom, AND encouraging us to be the best people we could be. My interest in writing blossomed under the tutelage of various Darrow teachers, and eventually became my career. The quality of the Darrow educational experience has only improved over the years. With a dynamic new headmaster, and a vibrant faculty, Darrow today provides an incredibly supportive learning environment. It's a gem of a boarding school! read more

I was lucky enough to attend Darrow school for my junior and senior year of high school. I never knew how much it would greatly impact my life. Looking back to 10 years ago, when I graduated, I never would have dreamed that I would have successfully finished Union College and own 3 of my own success businesses. I came to Darrow as what I thought to be a failure, with my grades never over a D or F but when I left Darrow I left a straight A student. The small classrooms, teachers who genuinely care and the community, that built my self esteem and helped me strive for something more than I ever thought possible. With the encouragement I received at Darrow I who I am today and am so grateful for the chance I had to attend. Darrow isn't your typical boarding school; it's a really special place on the Mountainside. read more