10 Reasons to Enroll in Darlington’s ELA-8 Program

I speak from personal experience when I say that there is SO much to love about Darlington! My children, Ivy ('16) and Emily ('19), both began attending Darlington in the lower grades, and I truly believe that this has played a big part in their successes thus far.

Here are a few reasons why I think our ELA-8 program is worth the investment:

1. Superb Academics: Darlington’s college-preparatory structure is beyond compare. Tiered curriculum planning between departments, grade levels and divisions streamlines goals and promotes successful student outcomes. Last year’s ERB test results show that our students perform above the norm of the most competitive category of independent schools.

2. Faculty and Facilities: Students are instructed by an outstanding group of faculty (most of whom hold graduate degrees) who work very hard to ensure your child is getting the best possible education here at Darlington. Darlington faculty members are more than teachers, they become like family. In fact, it is not uncommon to see one of your primary or elementary school teachers at your high school graduation! Additionally, Thatcher Hall (the home of ELA-8) is a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility, and all students have access to Darlington’s exceptional campus amenities, including the A.J. Huffman Athletic Center, the Zelle Fine Arts Center, and the extensive network of outdoor fields and trails.

3. Philanthropic Spirit: Darlington makes it a point to involve students in servant leadership at every grade level—from food and clothing drives to Christmas parties with underprivileged children. Students learn the importance of community service and how much fun helping others can be.

4. Field Trips: Unlike most public schools where budget cuts have sacrificed enrichment activities like field trips and community excursions, Darlington sees these special events as a vital part of the curriculum. Students explore Rome, take trips to Atlanta, and visit museums at all levels of instruction. Additionally, the Circle Georgia Trip and the Living History Trip are cross-curricular, hands-on learning experiences that our students look forward to each year.

5. Spanish Curriculum: Spanish is taught to every grade, beginning in the first year of the Early Learning Academy, with each year building on the last. Students learn Spanish language and culture from an early age, understanding the importance of being global citizens as they progress through the world languages curriculum.

6. Technology: Technology is used effectively in each and every classroom to support Darlington's challenging curriculum. Our 1:1 program is growing, with each student in grades 4-10 being issued an iPad or MacBook for educational purposes this year. Additionally, Darlington's website is an extremely effective communication tool for parents, teachers and administrators.

7. The Learning Center: Darlington does not leave children with learning differences to struggle in their classes. The Teaching and Learning Center is designed to help students with documented learning differences to succeed, providing academic support, advocacy and instruction in a variety of strategies to help students, teachers and parents work together in the best interest of the child.

8. Arts and Enrichment: Darlington makes a special effort to integrate a variety of fine arts offerings—graphic arts, music, drama, and more—at every grade. Students in ELA-5 participate in a class play every year.

9. Library: Darlington’s library services department supports the curriculum in a number of ways. Students have access to a library enrichment curriculum, reading incentive programs, an outstanding facility, and well-qualified, motivated faculty members.

10. Special Events: From the Tri for the Kids youth triathlon in May to the Fall for the Arts Festival in October, Darlington events are exciting and unique. Events are held frequently throughout the year and open to the entire Darlington Community (most of them at no cost to you!) Check the School Calendar for the latest about what's going on here at Darlington.

If you are interested in learning more about Darlington's ELA-8 program or about the Darlington Community as a whole, please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love to take you on a tour!