House

Helen Parkhurst believed it was crucial that each student belong to a smaller community within the larger school, a group where each child would learn, under the watchful eye of a caring teacher, the human skills needed to be a successful part of the group. This small group was so important to Parkhurst that she did not call it 'homeroom' or 'advisory,' but 'House,' and made it one of the three pillars of her Dalton Plan.

The House is home base in school for each Dalton student, and the House Advisor is the parents' key contact with the school. In the First Program and Middle School, House is comprised of students in the same grade. In the High School, House includes students from each of the four grade levels, creating a microcosm of the larger High School community. In all divisions, the House Advisor guides and assists each student in the learning process. The relationship that develops is a close one that supports students throughout their Dalton years.

For the children in the First Program, the House Advisor is also the classroom teacher. In the Middle School, the House Advisor sees the student through the transition into more departmentalized classes. In the High School, the House Advisor serves as a coach and counselor, helping to guide and advise students as they negotiate the rich and multi-faceted curriculum.