Situated in historic buildings where Shakers once lived and worked, Darrow’s student residences offer a cozy, home-like setting. The dorms—Hinckley, Brethren’s, Neale, Meacham, and Ann Lee—are a safe place where students can relax and retreat, while also gaining some of the best benefits of boarding school: learning about cooperative problem solving, respect for other people’s space and possessions, independence, and personal responsibility.

Most student rooms are doubles, and in addition to sharing a room, each student gets in the habit of neatening up to pass room inspection. Everyone has a dorm job, too, to help maintain common spaces and to encourage dorm spirit. Boarding students enjoy the support and guidance of trained student leaders, who help with the smooth running of the dorms.

Four dorm parents are assigned to each dorm, one of whom is on duty each night to proctor study hall hours (from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm) and supervise lights-out. Dorm parents are nurturing, caring faculty members who welcome students into their homes and families.

Darrow students from all over the U.S. and the world find that Darrow is a hospitable place to live and learn!