A UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.
AN EDUCATION THAT GENUINELY INSPIRES
We encourage you to explore your ideas and passions through personalized programs of study— that allow you to explore your passions, develop your analytical skills, and cultivate a deep love of learning. At Darrow, we believe that every student has the potential to achieve great things, and we are here to help you unlock your full potential.
"Darrow Enhanced my appreciation for community, collaboration, personal responsibility, and relationships." —Arthur Parks '57
Hands-to-Work is more than just a community service-learning and leadership program. It's an opportunity for our students and faculty to come together, learn from each other, and positively impact our community.
Every Wednesday, Darrow students participate in purposeful work inspired by the Shaker tradition. They share their expertise, apprentice, and rotate jobs to discover new interests and abilities. Through this cooperative effort, they develop a sense of pride and leadership through service, while working to sustain and improve their community at Darrow.
For many, 'hands-to-work' at Darrow is a defining moment that shapes their understanding of what it means to be a part of the Darrow community. Our alumni often refer to the transformative experiences they had while at Darrow that allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the values that Darrow stands for. It has opened up new opportunities for them to discover their passions.
Hands-to-Work Project Samples
Darrow Farm and Animal Crew: Help to care for the animal members of our community who reside on campus (and some who are visitors!), ranging from our flock of chickens to the fish, turtles, and tortoises in the Samson Environmental Center, chinchillas, rabbits, and visiting non-releasable wildlife. Explore the "more than human" world of Darrow and the benefits of understanding their world.
The Art of Cooking Crew: Develop the skills to help plan, prep, and prepare food for the Darrow community. Find out the difference between slice, dice and chop. Explore the world and rules of a commercial kitchen and how to work in partnership to create and complete a collaborative project.
Maple Sugaring Crew: Learn the magical process of converting maple sap into maple syrup. Help to maintain the sap lines, repair equipment, stack wood, tap trees, boil, and bottle—all aspects of sugaring in different seasons. Use cool tools and your ingenuity to figure out solutions. A primarily outdoor crew, we produce the sweet that can’t be beat.
Design/Build/Construct Crew: Responsible for projects ranging from repairing a stone wall to building a picnic table.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
The Financial Literacy seminar uses a flipped classroom model to teach all seniors about being financially successful. Financial success means being in control of one’s money instead of the other way around. Income doesn’t necessarily determine financial success – one’s choices and priorities do. The essential questions for the seminar: How do you know you are using your resources well? How do you know you are being responsible with your finances? How do you prepare for your own retirement? Units include financial planning and process, budgeting, managing personal debt, education planning, economic concepts, investment strategies, and other useful skills and information related to personal finance.
Health and Wellness Curriculum (HAWC)
HAWC is dedicated to supporting the growth of all members of our community. We offer lessons and seminars that cover a wide range of topics critical to the development of students, including mental health, self-care, and social media. Our curriculum is designed to help students become well-rounded individuals and thrive inside and outside the classroom.
We understand that every student has unique needs, which is why our programs are customized to cater to different grades and ages. Our goal is to address essential growth points for teenagers at different stages of their lives.
Through our peer education program, we empower students to support one another in their health and wellness journeys. We can create a community that fosters growth, learning, and mutual respect by working together.
