Letter from the Director

Welcome to the Dalton High School. As you read through the pages devoted to the High School, we hope that you will get a feeling for the excitement and deep intellectual engagement that are present from ninth through twelfth grade.

The structured freedom that exists at Dalton is designed to give students increasing opportunities for shaping their own educational experience. The High School helps students take to responsibility for themselves, by further developing skills of decision-making, self-evaluation, and "proportioning effort to attainment" as Helen Parkhurst describes. In pursuing their programs, students are encouraged to develop fully their passions and capabilities by drawing upon our many human and material resources.

The Dalton Plan comprises House, Assignment, and Lab.  The Plan provides the pedagogical and philosophical foundation of the entire school, including the high school.  Additionally, the daily classroom experience is marked by lively discussion, active experimentation, and creative participation in the realm of academics, the arts and physical education. The daily schedule provides time for academic Labs and relaxation.

Students assume leadership roles, not only in leading classroom discussions and accepting responsibility for their learning, but also for participating in a multitude of clubs, committees, and student government activities. Many of our clubs and committees were created by students with the support of faculty advisors. Students have the opportunity to create new clubs if they have an interest that is not met by an existing club.

The Dalton High School Government is a direct democracy consisting High School students and their House advisors. Resolutions are proposed and debated. Finally, a vote is taken with each student and each faculty member casting one vote. Successful resolutions are forwarded to the Director of the High School and the Head of School who have the option of vetoing resolutions. Rarely does this happen.

Athletics are an important part of the High School experience for most Dalton students. We offer a wide array of teams including a co-ed swim team and co-ed cross-country. Dalton is the only independent High School in Manhattan that fields a football team. Almost all of the teams are able to accommodate a wide range of ability levels and still win many games.

The High School is made up of a wonderfully diverse student body, the members of which share a passion for learning. We believe that our differences increase our ability to learn from a variety of experiences which makes each of us stronger. Our goal is to create lifelong learners who are able to appreciate and form relationships with a wide range of people and who understand that we have responsibilities as members of a democratic society. However, no description of the Dalton High School can adequately convey its vitality. I invite you to read the rest of the High School web site and, more importantly, visit the High School in order to understand more fully the excitement that suffuses our community.

Lisa Waller
High School Director