Darlington’s students are exceptional by almost every measure. We respect the diversity of our community and hope to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity on all levels within the school. We frequently hear our alumni say that Darlington made a great difference in their lives, and we want to ensure this transformative experience is within reach of any academically qualified student, regardless of his or her family’s financial resources. Increasing financial aid opportunities is essential to Darlington’s future.
Our students are our greatest asset, and providing them an outstanding college-preparatory education is our primary goal. Darlington adheres to a strict, need-blind admission policy, which means that all admission decisions are made without regard to the applicant’s ability to meet the cost of education.
A Darlington School education is an investment in the future, but it is also a significant financial investment. Because educational costs have risen to sustain programs, faculty and facilities, Darlington must offer families a variety of financing options, including payment plans and financial aid.
For the 2010-2011 academic year, the Darlington Financial Aid Office opened 369 financial aid applications. Those completed and reviewed numbered 332, and offers of assistance were tendered to 321 students. Of those, 284 accepted the offers, for a total of more than $2.6 million, and enrolled at Darlington. This figure represents 33 percent of our student population, up over eight percent from the 2009-2010 academic year.
Our financial aid budget is inadequate to meet the needs of our students. Darlington is typically able to meet only 64 percent of a family’s demonstrated financial need, and in no case was the school able to meet 100 percent of that need. This sometimes places Darlington out of reach for middle-class families. The 37 applicants who chose not to accept their offers may not have been awarded enough assistance, or potentially received a similar or greater award from another school.
Through the Second Century Campaign, Darlington is making a bold commitment to build on and expand endowment for financial aid and merit-based scholarships. This can only be accomplished through the generous and consistent commitment of our alumni, parents and friends. Without question, gifts to financial aid create life-changing opportunities for students and families.
In support of this goal, a family of Darlington alumni has made a generous pledge in the form of a challenge grant. This grant provides a 1:1 match of every gift to the financial aid endowment up to $500,000, thus doubling all commitments to the endowment.
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Our goal is to admit students without regard to their ability to pay, and we will strive to meet the needs of accepted families who qualify for financial assistance.
Ways to support Darlington students
An outright gift to the campaign designated for financial aid
Through endowed naming opportunities:
- Full scholarship for a resident student, $600,000
- Full scholarship for a day student, $300,000
- Named scholarship (partial), $100,000
- Named family fund, $25,000
To find out how you can support Darlington’s students, contact the Second Century Campaign at (866) 534-1905, or by e-mail at campaign@darlingtonschool.org.
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