Our son, who once struggled in a beautiful, shiny private school with top-notch facilities, has blossomed at Darrow. Every time we see him, we witness a new level of maturity and confidence, a stark contrast to the kid we knew before high school got a hold of him. The Darrow community and experience have been instrumental in his personal growth.

The Mountainside is not just a location but a nurturing ground for personal growth and success. I, for one, owe a significant part of my success today to Darrow.

I owe my love of learning (and teaching!) to Darrow, and I'm beyond grateful for my two years there. There are many moments of joy, validation, inspiration, feeling supported, and feeling part of a community. It was a privilege to be able to attend.

Darrow has made my daughter the confident and empowered woman she is today. She is at Vassar after four transformative years.

Look around, and you will see that Darrow represents the world we aspire to. People from all over transform into incredible versions of themselves. Together, we are making a difference. Darrow is irreplaceable.

For years, I was passed on with no one catching my learning disability. One of my mother’s students saw my handwriting and said, “Oh, your son is dyslexic, so is mine!” I was tested as being extremely dyslexic and dysgraphic. I struggled with reading and writing all my life. I was held back in 9th grade. And I hated school. Darrow was an amazing turning point. I found a home and family that helped me to overcome most of my issues. I am still a bit poor in spelling, but I have become a prolific writer and learned ways to read effectively. I also graduated on time. Mrs Bell and Dr Santee took me from struggling to writing just a few paragraphs to writing full papers. Mr Swick finally helped me to get through Algebra I. It was my third time taking that class. When Mr Swick was teaching, it made sense, unlike my public school for two years. Hands to Work is still a part of my life as I pay forward what was given to me. Darrow didn’t just change my life; it saved me!

There is nothing I didn’t love about attending Darrow. My brother and I both attended and we have the fondest memories. The students and faculty were like extended family to us. I had the most amazing experiences at this school that I would have never otherwise had. We tapped trees for maple syrup, went rock climbing, hiking, skiing, camping. It was overall a very unique time in my life. The small classes and individualized attention really helped me become a better student. The small close-knit community allowed me to flourish as a teen. I’m truly grateful for the Darrow experience.

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.

I graduated from Darrow in the 70s, and our son graduated in 2011. The school boasts the best of many worlds: rigorous academics taught in a way that works for each student; a supportive community that gives kids the room to grow; lots of adults who mentor each student and encourage their exploration of topics that interest them. When you go to Darrow, it changes you in a way that stays with you for life. It is located on a gorgeous campus, infused with history and natural beauty. I feel so lucky to have spent my adolescence there, and what a bonus to give our son the same gift.

Two of my children have attended Darrow School. Darrow is a school that educates the whole person and develops skills that create lifelong learners. The community is supportive and challenging, providing a rigorous academic program in an active learning framework. The students are partners in their education, working with faculty that are innovative and dedicated. The community is welcoming and fosters responsibility and respect for everyone. All located in a beautiful historic spot - Darrow is a small school that does big things!