Thank You for Making Darlington the Place That I Love

My Darlington Experience as a Tutor

Actually, I’ve had the opportunity to appreciate Darlington School from four perspectives. When I moved to Rome, Ga., 22 years ago, I learned very quickly about the extraordinary reputation of an education from Darlington. Several years later, I was fortunate to be invited to serve as a tutor for students in the Upper School. At that time, I observed firsthand the experience that is Darlington.

I met helpful, caring teachers. I worked with students who, even though they needed tutoring support, were far more motivated than most students I had encountered working in or out of the classroom. I saw an environment upholding honor and prizing excellence. It did not take very long at all for me to know that I wanted my own child to attend Darlington for her high school years.

My Darlington Experience as a Parent

Our daughter enrolled at Darlington when she started ninth grade, and it was a life-changing experience for her. For the first time, she learned how to study seriously, and in her classmates, she found an environment much less “cliquish” and more accepting than she had seen at her previous schools. Darlington’s beautiful facilities well supported her education. The library staff proved always ready to help with research assignments. Her instructors easily integrated technology into the classrooms, helping to prepare her for the world in which we live. We found her teachers approachable and the administration open and supportive. Additionally, Darlington provided a place where students could develop their unique talents. The fine arts department gave our daughter several great opportunities – the award-winning Concert Choir is second to none and Darlington’s winter musicals are of professional caliber. At the same time, Darlington gave her the chance to grow and mature through her participation in servant leadership and Y-Cabinet. We learned very quickly that Darlington offers students more than just an excellent education – it gives every student the opportunity to develop and mature into a responsible, well-rounded adult.

My Darlington Experience as a Teacher

Finally, it’s been a great honor for me to continue my involvement at Darlington as a teacher. Teaching in the Upper School mathematics department is a privilege. We teach in an environment where learning comes first. The integrity of our math teachers as educators and as individuals inspires me, as we are actually encouraged to teach our students to think critically and analytically. A first-rate Teaching and Learning Center, staffed by specialists who help us meet the needs of all of our learners, helps support the work in our classrooms. And I truly feel that the administration listens to our needs and values our input.

Parents want their children to be safe and loved as they receive a first-rate education. I have seen Darlington from several different perspectives, and I don’t think anyone could find a better place for their children to grow. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who so generously give their time, talent and treasure to make the Darlington Community a learning environment that my family and I will forever be proud to call “home.”