Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Prospective Boarding Parent FAQ #7: 'How is Darlington Different From Other Boarding Schools?'
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
Some text some message..
 

Prospective Boarding Parent FAQ #7: ‘How is Darlington Different From Other Boarding Schools?’

Julie Lucas | July 18, 2017 | 475 views

The seventh question I will tackle in my 10-part Prospective Boarding School Parent FAQ blog series is another common question we get in the Admission Office: 

"How is Darlington different from other boarding schools?"

Every boarding school is unique. Here at Darlington, we are a day and boarding school with students from all around the world. I truly cannot think of a more interesting and impactful environment in which to learn! (Sidenote: This is particularly special to me because I was a boarding student who eventually married a day student!)

Darlington is a preparatory school that gives day and boarding students the opportunity to discover their place in the global community. We do this by offering academic and extracurricular explorations personalized for each student, and led by teachers and staff who are exceptionally accessible and encouraging.

Darlington students graduate with the confidence, connections and compassion they need to succeed in college and their career, and be meaningful contributors to the greater good. 

Below, five mothers of current or recently graduated boarding students share the parent perspective: 

"We visited two other boarding schools when looking. The first school was much larger than Darlington and seemed to have 'cliques.' Our daughter did not feel at home with everyone at the school. There also seemed to be a major division between day and boarding students. The second school we visited immediately made us uncomfortable because our student leader told us everything that would get students kicked out of school. When we visited Darlington, our daughter immediately felt welcome. Everyone was friendly. Students guided us without faculty supervision and they all loved the school. Both the faculty and staff knew her interests and made a point to introduce her to coaches and team members. Students wrote letters and emailed our daughter to welcome her and offer guidance for any questions she may have had." - Merritt Fields of Cordele, Ga., mother of Aisling ('18)

"The advisory program is fantastic. Each freshman student is assigned an adviser who meets with them each morning before classes begin. This adviser interacts with this group of 8-10 students each day, and both the student and the adviser get to know each other. The adviser checks on the the student progress each day and catches any red flags early. Parents have instant access to the gradebook and can talk to the kids about the progress or issues. The school has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs or alcohol and this is addressed immediately if it occurs. Drug tests are random and are conducted frequently throughout the school year." - Sheila Ebri of Brunswick, Ga., mother of Bernadette ('17)
 
"Even within its own category, every boarding school is different! There is no 'best' school, but there is a 'best' school for your child. Darlington does set itself apart as it is also a K-12 day school. There are also three athletic academies (tennis, golf and soccer) that provide elite training and competition." - Elizabeth Bou of Marietta, Ga., mother of Madelyn ('18)

"Personally, I come from a long tradition of European and New England boarding schools and in many ways Darlington is not much different to any of the “big names” up in the Northeast. Like New England schools, Darlington strives develop both character and academic excellence but Darlington does it does it in an environment that feels like home. Every person at the school not only knows who your child is, they are also personally invested in your child’s scholastic development and personal growth." - Paula Bacardi of Nassau, Bahamas, mother of Alex ('18) and Ted ('19)

"Darlington is not starchy and uptight. The school offers a good combination of warmth and security." - Danielle Wheeler of Fayetteville, N.C., mother of Griffin ('17) and Smith ('19)

For more information about Darlington School's boarding program, feel free to contact me anytime or you can also request a campus visit by clicking here.