Darien Advocates for Education of the Gifted (DAEG) is a nonprofit organization that is concerned with both education…More for the gifted and with excellent education for all students in Darien. It advocates for appropriate funding of the <a href="http://ideaprogram.wordpress.com/about/">Idea Program</a> (the gifted-education program of Darien) and it sponsors numerous activities and programs for all Darien students. Some of these programs include after-school enrichment programs during conference week in the elementary schools; parent education and guest speakers; and SAT-prep for 7th graders prior to applying to advanced summer programs.</p> <p>Annually, DAEG raises money for its <a href="http://www.daeg.org/grants.html">Barbara Harrington Grant</a> program, which funds grants to Darien teachers for enrichment and special training during the summer.</p> <p>DAEG is active during the school year, but it does not hold meetings at a regular time and place. For information on its current calendar and contact information, please visit the website.</p> <p> </p>

The CDSP is the umbrella organization for the Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) of all Darien Public…More Schools.</p> <p>This group aims to promote understanding and communication among parents, schools, the administration and the Board of Education by the  exchange of ideas and consideration of matters of mutual interest.</p> <p>The CDSP acts as the united voice of public school parents when it comes to the budget for the public school system. In the past it has worked closely with the school administration and the Board of Education to make the case to the Board of Finance for funding requests. The CDSP has also been a force on special topics.</p> <p>CDSP Board members are the Co-chairs and Budget Representatives of the PTOs. Membership and officers turn over annually, and a list of the current leadership is available on the Web site.</p> <p>The CDSP meets monthly during the school year in the Board of Education's conference room. The meeting calendar is available on the Web site.</p>

 The Darien Community Association (DCA) is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the community with a…More broad array of educational, cultural and social programs. Proceeds benefit its community outreach and philanthropic commitments. Educational and recreational programs offered here include an Art Lecture Series with curators from New York City in the fall and a high level Academic Lecture Series in the Spring. Classes offered here include bridge, exercise, cooking, French language, French Literature, financial workshops, painting and more. Other programs include The Mom’s Morning In,  Theater Bus and Encore programs.</p> <p>The DCA has a group for an array of passions and interests. Some of these groups include Blue Notes singers, Book Group’s Meet the Author Series, Page Turners monthly book discussion group, Writer’s Workshop group for budding authors, Duo Piano players, Greenhouse Group and more.</p> <p> </p> <p>The DCA is located on an 8 acre estate which features a house listed on the National Register of Historic Places, extensive grounds, a formal garden and greenhouse, nature trails and a bird sanctuary that will open in 2013. DCA Volunteers also operate the DCA Thrift Shop, located on 996 Post Road in Darien.  Funds from the shop, as well as DCA activities, lectures, membership fees and donations support the DCA’s commitment to Darien youth, providing annual scholarships for new DHS graduates and continuing college students.   The DCA is open to all; members receive discounted rates on programs.</p>