Darlington School is a co-ed, independent boarding and day school in Rome, Ga., for students in pre-K through high school.
Here, you're not an enrollment number; you're a person.
Explore Darlington and see how an education built for the way you see things can make you a successful student and a confident contributor to the world around you.
Founded in 1905, Darlington School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in pre-K through grade 12, with boarding in grades 9-12.The school offers motivated students rigorous academics, numerous fine arts opportunities and a competitive athletics program in a nurturing environment.Our students are the center of all that we do, and together, we empower them to learn with passion, act with integrity and serve with respect.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked GA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 789 students
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / Jul. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Darlington School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Depends on testing
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
789 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
78%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
22 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus (AB), AP Calculus (BC), AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government, AP Computer Science, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Government, AP Human Geography, AP Music Theory, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Physics I, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP World History
Average SAT score
1190
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15 / Jul. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
% on Financial Aid
40%
Acceptance Rate
46%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Matthew Peer
Endowment Size
$50 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
35 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
"D" Club, "Y" Cabinet, Chess Club, Environmental Awareness Club, Georgia Junior Academy of Science, Governor's Honors, House Senate, IMPACT International, Jabberwokk, Math Team, Outdoor Club, Scholar Bowl, Spanish Club, Student Council, Technology Club, Tiger Experts, Young Democrats, Young Republicans
Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Darlington Players, Instrumental Music Conservatory, International Thespians, Jazz Ensemble, Ladies' Chorale, Lessons Academy, Men's Chorale, Orchestra, Set Crew, The Darlingtones, The Inkslinger, The Random Notes
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Coosa Junior Golf Academy, Fitness, Intramurals, Soccer Academy
"D" Club, "Y" Cabinet, Chess Club, Environmental Awareness Club, Georgia Junior Academy of Science, Governor's Honors, House Senate, IMPACT International, Jabberwokk, Math Team, Outdoor Club, Scholar Bowl, Spanish Club, Student Council, Technology Club, Tiger Experts, Young Democrats, Young Republicans
Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Darlington Players, Instrumental Music Conservatory, International Thespians, Jazz Ensemble, Ladies' Chorale, Lessons Academy, Men's Chorale, Orchestra, Set Crew, The Darlingtones, The Inkslinger, The Random Notes
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Coosa Junior Golf Academy, Fitness, Intramurals, Soccer Academy
School Notes
- For over a century, students from Rome, neighboring towns in Georgia, and an average of 20 states and 25 countries have joined the Darlington family each year. Darlington's proven track record in preparing students well for college, its impressive facilities, and its wide array of academic, artistic, athletic and social opportunities make it stand out as one of the top day and boarding schools in the country. Stretching for 500 acres, Darlington`s campus is nestled around a small lake in the foothills of the Lookout Mountain Range in Rome, Georgia, a medical center and college town 65 miles northwest of Atlanta.But more significant are the friendly spirit of the school and its long history of challenging students to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect. Darlington graduates men and women who exemplify the school's motto: Wisdom more than Knowledge; Service beyond Self; Honor above Everything.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Gov. S. Ernest Vandiver Jr. ('36) - Former Gov. of Georgia
- Cy Twombly ('47) - Contemporary artist whose work can be found in the Guggenheim, the National Gallery of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Dr. John Ochsner ('44) - International medical leader, who has served in many prominent roles including President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and President of The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
- Stephen D. Potts ('34) - Served as Director of the Office of Government Ethics under President George H.W. Bush and President William Jefferson Clinton.
- Tom Cousins ('48) - Founder of Cousins Properties Inc.
- Will Muschamp ('90) - Head Football Coach, University of Florida
- James L. Dickey III ('42) - American poet, novelist, critic, athlete, and hunter with bow and arrow; best-known from his novel
- Jennifer Wysocki ('90) - Emmy award-winning producer, creator and current host of television's
- Elson Floyd ('74) - President of Washington State University
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Darlington School?
The acceptance rate of Darlington School is 46%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Darlington School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Georgia with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Darlington School?
Darlington School famous alumni include: Gov. S. Ernest Vandiver Jr. ('36), Cy Twombly ('47), Dr. John Ochsner ('44), Stephen D. Potts ('34), Tom Cousins ('48), Will Muschamp ('90), James L. Dickey III ('42), Jennifer Wysocki ('90) and Elson Floyd ('74).
What sports does Darlington School offer?
Darlington School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Darlington School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for most sports offered.
What is Darlington School's ranking?
Darlington School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Darlington School?
The application deadline for Darlington School is Feb. 15 / Jul. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 / Jul. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
Endorse Darlington School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.