For What it's Worth...

In thinking about your schooling decision for next year, you are no doubt weighing in your mind the value of a Darlington education. I have spent the past couple of weeks doing the same thing – digging deep to put my finger on what really constitutes “value added” here at Darlington. I think we would all agree that Darlington is an excellent school with great kids and dedicated teachers, but what is the “difference” we ask people to “discover” in all of our marketing materials? What sets us apart? What makes us special? What is it about this place that attracts great families like yours, and what is it that keeps them here? 

The other day, I attended a workshop with the chairman of our Board of Trustees, Frank Stegall (’62), and during the session the speaker rattled off some very interesting statistics. Did you know that only 15-18% of American high school students graduate from college by age 24? That percentage jumps up to 50% when you look at students from the best and most selective suburban public schools only. And when you look at students from independent schools only, the number skyrockets to 98-100%.

We choose to send our children to schools like Darlington because of just that. Though an independent school education is a substantial investment, it is low risk with a high return. Statistics tell us that our students are going to succeed in college because they are well prepared. Here at Darlington, the expectation – and the reality – is that 100% of our graduates go on to further their education and make a difference in the world community in their own way.

This is only possible because we enroll great students who seek excellence. Because we’re independent, we are able to self select mission-appropriate students who we expect will flourish in this learning environment and leave us seeking more education. We have very high standards at Darlington, and the truth is, sometimes we discover that we aren’t the best fit for a particular student. But more often than not, the students we enroll at Darlington hold themselves to the same high standards we have for them and, many times, surpass even our expectations. 

Just this weekend, I attended two fantastic events that speak directly to the caliber of our students. The three-day run of the famous Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” this weekend, which involved more than 70 students from all three divisions, is clearly value added. Just ask the prospective families who visited this weekend how they felt about the commitment, dedication and focus of the kids on stage. The cast had been rehearsing every day after school (and sometimes on the weekends) for over two months, and learning music since October. But when it came time for opening night, they were ready. All those long hours of hard work paid off with three excellent performances that, in my humble opinion, rivaled college-level productions.

On Sunday evening, I was absolutely blown away by the second annual International Fair and Taste of Darlington. It was phenomenal. The event was almost completely planned and run by students, all of whom were so excited about this opportunity to share their cultures, traditions and lives with our school family. I think about what I took away from this event as a 62-year-old adult, and then I get really excited when I imagine what an 8, 12 or 17-year-old is getting out of that engagement of the real global community. Our international population is something very special that few other PK-12 schools, and none in this region, can draw upon. What these students bring to our community is immeasurable in terms of what they are able to share with us and teach us about the world beyond Darlington’s gates.

The other part of the equation is our teachers. Independent schools consistently tout their small class sizes. And while low student-to-teacher ratios are definitely a benefit, research shows that small class sizes do not ensure great student performances. Great teachers do. One of the most important jobs I have as headmaster is to hire teachers, evaluate them and hold them accountable for seeking excellence. We constantly strive to be a student-centered community of learners who teach kids to learn with passion, act with integrity and serve with respect. I truly believe in that line of Darlington’s mission statement, and I want it to be the ideal that lives in every teacher’s heart.

Last Friday, University of Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (’90) spoke to Upper School students and faculty on Career Day. As I listened to him, a couple of things really struck me. He said to our students, “When you have an opportunity, sit down and think about who positively affected your life as a teacher or administrator, because they’re not in it for the money. … They’re doing this because they can positively affect your life. The most important motivator in the work place is appreciation, so show your appreciation for what these people do for you. They do an outstanding job, and that’s what makes [Darlington] a special place.”  

The fact is great teachers thrive where their work is valued, and you as parents have made it clear that you value the work of our teachers by choosing to send your children here. We don’t take that for granted. Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week last week was yet another remarkable statement on your part that you support in a real way the good efforts of the excellent faculty at Darlington. I want to publicly thank Laurie Hubbard, Charlotte Griffiths, Cammie Temple, Linda Jennings and their team of volunteers for orchestrating this week-long celebration. I know it meant a great deal to our teachers and staff.

In conclusion, I have discovered – and perhaps I’ve always known – that the true value of the Darlington experience is rooted in our people. Our students and our teachers, the sense of community they create, and the excellence they seek each day through our mission, programs and classrooms are the differences that set us apart. We hope you will join us next year as we continue to uphold the high standards that make Darlington such a special place. We’re on a roll, and it’s only going to get better!

Click here to watch Will Muschamp’s Career Day address in its entirety.