Community Service

 Co-Curricular Activities

Virtually since the school's inception, community service has been an integral part of The Dalton School. High School students' commitment to community service builds upon that performed in the First Program and the Middle School with the expectation that students will take on more individual responsibility for service. Each student is assigned a faculty member who provides guidance in finding appropriate service placements and ongoing support as the student gains insight from the service program.

Students complete four project "credits" during High School with each project representing a sustained, meaningful commitment to one agency or cause. Through service, students come to understand the value of empathy, compassion, and caring as the basis for civic responsibility. Student service opportunities include work both within and outside Dalton with the expectation that at least two units represent service to New York City.

Dalton is involved with over sixty different agencies that seek student volunteers. Students volunteer in soup kitchens, after-school programs, and hospitals. They develop big sister/brother mentoring relationships and help children with homework. They also assist at agencies such as East Harlem Tutorial Program, Star Learning Center, Burden Center for the Aging, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Dalton also has a close relationship with Youth Service Opportunities Project, which allow students to serve and to reflect on the experience of helping those who are homeless and hungry.

In the High School, the Community Service Program requires students to complete four project credits during their high school career. A project is a sustained, meaningful commitment to one agency or cause that is focused on providing a valuable service to those in need.