Character

Dalton continually reaffirms the ethical and moral personal as well as academic development of its students. Building on the principles of the Dalton Plan, the school strives to create a climate of respect in which creativity, curiosity, individual risk-taking, and personal excellence are achieved and can flourish. The importance of academic integrity is emphasized by faculty and administration, integrated into daily school life by teachers through the Dalton Plan and supported by established rules and guidelines for each division. Discussions and dialogues focusing on values evolve naturally from a curriculum which seeks to educate children in these areas.

Cultivating core values - including honesty, compassion, courage, humility, citizenship, justice, conservation, good sportsmanship, self-reliance, respect, and responsibility - is a vital part of Dalton's commitment to developing students of strong character. The fulfillment of learning to give of oneself begins in kindergarten and continues throughout all three divisions as students participate in community service and outreach projects which are integrated into the curriculum. Age-appropriate activities, reading materials, class trips, and guest speakers on varied topics of service and civil responsibility inform and enrich each child's education at Dalton.