
The Dalton School is committed to providing an education of excellence that meets each student’s interests, abilities, and needs within a common curricular framework and reflects and promotes an understanding of, and appreciation for, diversity in our community as an integral part of school life. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity and curiosity and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the community at large. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the School prepares students to "Go Forth Unafraid." As a progressive school guided by the Dalton Plan, we are an intentionally diverse community committed to a tradition of life-long learning and educational innovation.
The Dalton School is a private, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in New York City, founded in 1919 by Helen Parkhurst. It serves approximately 1,330 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, emphasizing academic excellence, intellectual independence, and creativity within a diverse community.
The Dalton Plan, founded by Helen Parkhurst in 1919, is a pedagogical framework centered on academic rigor, independent thinking, and student responsibility throughout the educational journey. The Dalton Plan, based on a progressive educational approach, includes three pillars: House, Assignment, and Lab. House A Community within a Community Assignment Cultivating Empowered Learners Lab Nurturing Exploration Through Collaboration Guided by Purpose and History Rooted in our mission, values, and over a century of history, these guiding principles shape everything we do — fostering a culture of belonging, an empowering approach to learning, and an unwavering commitment to creating a more just world.
Dalton School offers Progressive and Other curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, and Languages.
Dalton School sits on a 5 buildings-acre campus with Library, Theatre, Science lab, and Art studio.
$67,480
per year
Dalton cultivates a vibrant, purposeful learning environment rooted in the Dalton Plan's three pillars: House, Assignment, and Lab. Students experience "joyful, purposeful engagement" across the school—from First Program students singing in Spanish to High School robotics labs and theater productions. The community emphasizes intellectual rigor, creativity, and risk-taking, with 75+ high school clubs, 50+ middle school clubs, and 70+ after-school enrichment programs fostering diverse interests. An intentionally diverse student body and faculty (88% hold advanced degrees) create a culture where students are encouraged to explore passions, develop independence, and grow into thoughtful, well-rounded citizens prepared for a complex world.
Dalton explicitly commits to building an "intentionally diverse community" as central to its mission. The school's Office of Community Engagement & Belonging leads comprehensive DEI work, including diverse student admissions, recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff, and inclusive curricula. Programming includes House-based belonging discussions, affinity groups, DialogueLab for identity reflection, and community celebrations honoring multiple cultures and faiths. The school states that "excellence is best achieved through a richness of perspectives" and that education "must reflect and embrace the diversity of the world around us." Eight core values—including respect, empathy, justice, and integrity—are woven throughout all divisions. The school also operates the Unafraid Pr
The website features a dedicated "Parent Experience" section and highlights parent engagement through several channels. Parents participate in "A Seat at the Table," twice-yearly community gatherings with shared meals and facilitated discussions on topics like empathy and complex conversations. The Parents Association organizes affinity groups and community celebrations including multicultural festivals, block parties, and interfaith events. The school also features parent testimonials and stories on its "Voices of Dalton" page. However, specific details about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or regular communication structures are not prominently detailed on the website.
Address
108 E 89th St, New York, NY, United States
Phone
212-423-5200
info@dalton.org
Website
Visit School Website
Common questions about Dalton School
Dalton School serves students in grades K-12.
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