Dalton's Arch Day tradition was adapted by Dalton Founder Helen Parkhurst from a Chinese ritual she witnessed on a trip to Asia: passage through the arch represents the achievement of completing the past year while confidently going forth into the next. Since the late 1920's, Arch Day has been an annual tradition that both unifies the community and individualizes feelings of accomplishment and success.

Each division gathers in the Martin Theater where our students, faculty and members of the administration walk through a flower-covered arch to symbolize their movement into the next year. The event is celebrated with songs, many of which are composed by the students. The High School ceremony also includes the Senior Class speakers and a music performance. Each division's gathering ends with the Dalton School Song. Houses meet separately, either before or after their division's ceremony, to enjoy a farewell party.

Videos and photos are included here of the 2011 Arch Day ceremonies.