Read more details about Darlington School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The campus is breathtakingly beautiful. Complete with its own lake and full brick buildings from the dorms to the classrooms. There was never a dull day on campus because just sitting out around with friends was a great day.
The athletics program is really exceptional at Darlington as well. There were great coaches who pushed us to try new sports and new things to succeed at them daily. I was a state competitor in track and field and had never ran prior to high school.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I was able to become an independent person prepared to go off on my own for college. I look back and have mostly fond memories of Darlington. I would not change my experiences at all. I met different nationalities of people and learned about different cultures other than my own. I would recommend it for any child. I grew as a student and as an athlete.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
My advice is to have an open mind! People in boarding school come from all over the world. Don't go into the experience with a closed heart because it will block you from making the most of your time there.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I liked the people and how I was able to grow as an individual. At the end of the day we were still people's children so we didn't have absolute freedom to do what we wanted. But this school gave me the skills and confidence to stand on my own no matter what. While still having a great support system so you did not have to be alone. Every situation is what you make of it.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
There are freshman dorms so that all first year students can acclimate together. Cooper for girls and Summerbell for the guys! Make as many friends as possible and eat until your heart is content. Just make sure you stay active so as to not put on too much weight while you're there. Learn to listen to the others around you because you will learn a lot and possible make life long friends. Try something new!! Of course you can always stop if you truly don't enjoy it but there are so many opportunities there that you would be silly to not take advantage of every one that you can.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I liked the fact that many of the teachers lived on campus as well. We had a bond with them and could feel open to ask them for help without hesitation. There was a slight lack of diversity in the teachers. But it was super competitive and they pushed us to do well, from mandatory study hall to tutoring.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The athletics program is wonderful. The coaches are the kind that create winners. I loved the family atmosphere at our sporting events. We held our own against way bigger schools.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
There were plenty of opportunities for anyone even a beginner to get involved in the arts. We had a good visual art department, And performing arts as well. There were several choirs, bands, ensemble, theater productions, and more.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
We were required to participate in an after school activity at some point during the school year (ASA).
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
The housing was great, even compared to both universities I have attended post high school. Beautiful and taken care of. We felt like family living together. I have no sisters but I definitely met a few in high school that I carry friendship with till today. It was helpful to have more snack for yourself for when the dining hall was not open.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I liked the fact that we had buffet style dining options. The hours were good and the food was good too. At the time it was catered by Sodexo, not sure if it still is. Open seating to sit wherever you wanted as well.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Rome Georgia is a small town where many people know each other. The day students who attend are mostly affluent children of business owners around town. It was boring for the most part at the high school age, but we always found plenty to do anyway.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
It was easy to make friends because everyone was forced on each other. We were allowed to stay to ourselves but not for long so everyone could feel included. There were plenty of circles of friends even amongst the small number of students.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:30 AM
Breakfast in the dining hall
8:00 AM
Morning advisory meeting sort of like homeroom
8:30 AM
Class bell rings to start school
9:45 AM
Switch classes
11:00 AM
Switch classes
12:15 AM
Free period for everyone to socialize a bit and chapel on Wednesday
1:00 PM
Classes resume
2:30 PM
School ends
3:00 PM
After school Activities
5:00 PM
Dinner begins
Weekend
12:00 AM
Checking with on duty House leader
10:30 AM
Breakfast begins
1:00 PM
Typically hanging out around campus with friends or at sporting event
Read more details about Darlington School on their 2024-25 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
We had mandatory after school activities that really pushed me out of my shell as a typically introverted person. I carried varsity letters in baseball with a state championship as a manager and it. . .
I think that Darlington's Extracurricular Programs and our facilities make the school unique relative to other schools. . .
A great "old ivy" type of Boarding School. Was once all male - I was in the last class of Darlington men. Now is coed. I can't imagine going to school and living with girls. . .
Show more reviews (8 reviews)
Recent Articles
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.
