Go Forth

Unafraid

A School that Inspires and Empowers Each Student’s Journey

Helen Parkhurst, "Education on the Dalton Plan," 1922

Children who grow up with a joy in the work which interests them will be likely to find that interest useful in their later life.
At the Dalton School, students embark on an adventure of discovery and growth where curiosity is celebrated and creativity knows no bounds. Surrounded by a vibrant community of inspiring educators and supportive peers, along with a dynamic curriculum that blends academic rigor with hands-on exploration, students are encouraged to explore their own passions and forge their own paths.

The
Dalton Plan

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 House
    A Community within a
    Community
  • Assignment Assignment
    Cultivating Empowered
    Learners
  • Lab 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 At a Glance

  • 1,330

    Total Students K-12

  • 88%

    Faculty Hold Advanced Degrees

  • 28

    MS & HS Annual Main Stage Productions

  • 75+

    High School Clubs

  • 50+

    Middle School Clubs

  • 70+

    After-School Enrichment Programs (K-6)
1/6

Explore Our Divisions

Voices of Dalton

Experience the heart of our school by listening to student, faculty, parent, and alumni stories.

Featured Story

Headlines Around Campus

List of 3 news stories.

  • Seniors Kick Off the Year at Chalk Party!

    The Class of 2026 was out in full force the night before the first day of school to celebrate the start of their final year at Dalton with the traditional Chalk Party.
    Read More

  • The Helen Parkhurst Institute: Empowering Educators at Home and Abroad

    This past summer, Assistant Head of School and Interim High School Director and HPI Advisory Board member Shira Kohn and HS History Teacher and HPI Faculty Advisor Kevin Slick deepened ties with Dalton Tokyo Gakuen Junior & Senior High School through class observations and two days of faculty workshops centered the Dalton Plan’s history and its impact, past and present.
    Read More

  • Welcome Back to School!

    Under the beautiful September sun, students, families, and faculty & staff were full of smiles reconnecting during Opening Day. 
    Read More

Apply

Grades K-3

53 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128

Grades 4-12

108 East 89th Street, New York, NY 10128

Physical Education Center

200 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128

Contact Info

212-423-5200    |    info@dalton.org

Stay Connected

Quicklinks