Admissions Blog

In the heart of the Northeast, New York offers international students an exceptional educational experience that blends academic rigor with cultural immersion. At Darrow School, located in New Lebanon, NY, we've welcomed students from across the globe for generations, creating a vibrant community where diversity enriches learning. If you're considering boarding schools in New York for international students, here's what you need to know about finding your ideal educational home away from home.

Why Choose New York?

New York State provides international students with a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural diversity that few other regions can match. Here's why the Empire State stands out:

Rich Educational Tradition: New York's boarding schools have centuries of experience in providing world-class education. These institutions have refined their approaches to learning, creating environments where students can flourish intellectually and personally.

Cultural Diversity: From the bustling metropolis of New York City to the serene beauty of the Berkshires in upstate New York, international students gain exposure to America's remarkable diversity. At Darrow School, our location in the historic Berkshires region offers access to cultural institutions, museums, and natural landscapes that expand learning beyond the classroom.

Proximity to Major Cities: Our campus is conveniently located just 2.5 hours from New York City and Boston, with Albany International Airport only 45 minutes away. This accessibility makes travel arrangements simpler for international families while providing students with enriching weekend excursions to world-class cities.

College Preparation: New York boarding schools excel at preparing students for top universities. The state's concentration of prestigious colleges means frequent visits from college representatives and ample opportunities to explore future educational pathways.

Types of Boarding Schools in New York

New York offers several types of boarding schools, each with distinct educational philosophies and environments:

Traditional College Preparatory Schools: These schools focus intensively on academic excellence and university preparation, with rigorous curricula and high expectations.

Progressive Schools: At Darrow School, we embrace a progressive educational approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and student-centered instruction. Our historic Shaker heritage inspires our commitment to simplicity, integrity, and purposeful learning.

Specialized Focus Schools: Some institutions specialize in specific areas like arts, STEM, or athletics. These schools provide concentrated training alongside a strong academic foundation.

Therapeutic Schools: These schools combine academics with support for students facing learning differences or other challenges.

When evaluating boarding schools in New York for international students, consider which environment best matches your educational goals, learning style, and personal interests.

The Application Process for International Students

Navigating the application process as an international student requires careful planning. Here's what you need to know:

Language Requirements: At Darrow School, students who don't identify English as their first language must submit either TOEFL or Duolingo test scores, with a minimum score of 65 required. This ensures that students have the language foundation necessary for success in our academic program.

Required Documentation: International applicants typically need to submit:

• Academic transcripts (translated to English)
• Teacher recommendations
• Standardized test scores
• English proficiency test results
• Personal essays
• Interview (in-person or virtual)

Interview Process: All applicants to Darrow must complete an interview. While we strongly prefer on-campus interviews, we understand the challenges of international travel and offer interviews via Zoom. We also conduct in-country interviews during international recruitment travel.

Visa Information: After acceptance and enrollment, Darrow School is authorized to issue the I-20 visa application through the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS system. Students should then schedule their "Initial Entry Visa Interview" with their local U.S. embassy or consulate.

Timeline: International students should begin the application process early—ideally 12-18 months before intended enrollment—to allow sufficient time for testing, document preparation, and visa processing.

Cultural Integration Tips for Success

Transitioning to life in a new country requires adjustment. Here's how successful international students thrive at New York boarding schools:

Language Immersion: At Darrow, approximately 20% of our student body comes from international backgrounds. Students from China, India, Vietnam, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, Mexico, and other nations create a globally-minded community. Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program provides structured support for students still developing their English proficiency.

Embrace Community Living: The boarding experience at Darrow offers unparalleled opportunities for connection. Our small community ensures everyone knows your name, creating a supportive environment where meaningful relationships develop naturally.

Participate Fully: Involvement in campus life accelerates cultural adaptation. Join clubs, try new sports, participate in weekend activities, and engage in traditions unique to your school.

Connect with Support Systems: Faculty advisors, dorm parents, and trained staff at Darrow understand the challenges international students face and provide personalized guidance throughout your journey.

Share Your Culture: Cultural exchange benefits everyone. International students enrich our community by sharing their perspectives, traditions, and experiences, creating a truly global learning environment.

As Weihua Li '13, a Darrow alumnus, reflected: "I arrived as an international student who barely spoke any English. The community embraced me with open arms and offered much support to pursue different interests. I'm grateful for the confidence that Darrow instilled in me, the wonderful people I met, and the fond memories we all share."

Extracurricular Opportunities that Broaden Horizons

New York boarding schools offer exceptional extracurricular programs that complement academic learning and develop well-rounded individuals:

Athletic Programs: From competitive team sports to individual pursuits, athletics build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Darrow's athletics program emphasizes both skill development and sportsmanship across multiple sports.

Arts Exploration: Visual arts, music, theater, and dance programs allow students to discover and nurture creative talents. Our arts curriculum encourages self-expression and cultural exploration.

Leadership Development: Student government, community service initiatives, and leadership programs provide practical experience in influencing positive change.

Cultural Clubs and Activities: International student organizations, language clubs, and cultural celebrations create spaces for students to maintain connections to their heritage while sharing it with others.

Hands-On Learning: Darrow's signature Hands-to-Work program continues our Shaker tradition of combining intellectual and physical work, fostering responsibility and practical skills through community-centered projects.

Weekend Adventures: Excursions to nearby cultural attractions, natural areas, and cities like Boston and New York City expand students' understanding of American culture and provide welcome breaks from campus life.

Practical Considerations for International Families

Families should consider several practical aspects when selecting a boarding school in New York:

Travel Arrangements: Darrow's proximity to multiple airports (Albany, JFK, Boston Logan, and Bradley International) provides convenient travel options for international students.

School Breaks: While Darrow doesn't require stateside guardians, we offer homestay options during short-term school breaks for a fee of $250 per day. Many families find it helpful to establish a relationship with a person or family in the U.S. who can assist with transportation, housing during vacations, and communication.

Financial Considerations: Darrow offers need-based financial aid that considers each family's financial situation and the school's available resources. Our commitment to socioeconomic diversity means international students are eligible to apply for financial assistance through our Clarity application process.

Communication: Regular updates between parents, students, and school staff ensure everyone remains informed about academic progress and student well-being. Technology makes staying connected easier than ever, even across time zones.

Finding Your Educational Home

The right boarding school feels like a second home—a place where you're challenged intellectually, supported emotionally, and empowered to discover your unique potential. At Darrow School, we pride ourselves on creating exactly this environment for international students.

Our commitment to personalized education means we know every student's story, strengths, and goals. As one international student reflected: "When I went home for my first winter break at Darrow, my parents commented on how different I seemed. Most noticeably, 'Your laughter is so loud.' That sums up how transformative my experience at Darrow was."

For international students seeking boarding schools in New York, Darrow offers more than just rigorous academics—we provide a transformative community experience that prepares young people for success in college and beyond.

If you're ready to explore whether Darrow School might be your ideal educational home, we invite you to connect with our admissions team, schedule a virtual tour, or plan a campus visit. Wilkommen, Hoan nghênh, स्वागत, Bienvenidos, Karibuni, 欢迎—however you say it, you're welcome here.