Our School
Welcome
An Education Supporting the Uniqueness of Each Student
Helen Parkhurst, "Education on the Dalton Plan," 1922
It is certain at all events, that our education which allows a child liberty to develop and time to think and plan must favour the expansion of all the good qualities innate in his personality.
A limitless potential to learn and grow into one's best self
Imagine a school where curiosity fuels creativity, every student's passion leads to discovery, and community thrives on diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures. A place where learning isn't just about knowledge — it's also about developing into compassionate, confident, and engaged global citizens.
Welcome to The Dalton School.
Rooted in a visionary approach first introduced in 1919 by Helen Parkhurst, the Dalton Plan continues to shape an education that puts students at the center of their learning. With its three foundational elements — House, Assignment, and Lab — Dalton fosters intellectual rigor, meaningful collaboration, and a deep sense of community belonging.
Welcome to The Dalton School.
Rooted in a visionary approach first introduced in 1919 by Helen Parkhurst, the Dalton Plan continues to shape an education that puts students at the center of their learning. With its three foundational elements — House, Assignment, and Lab — Dalton fosters intellectual rigor, meaningful collaboration, and a deep sense of community belonging.
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2nd Grade House
Welcome from the Head of School
It is with great excitement that I greet you as Dalton's 11th Head of School. This is a remarkable time in the life of our school. With the launch of our newest strategic plan, Elevating the Dalton Plan, we reaffirm our values while setting a bold course for the future through initiatives like the Unafraid Project, which nurtures civil discourse and the growth of the Helen Parkhurst Institute. These efforts reflect our enduring commitment to what Dalton does best for over a century — seeing, and then bringing out, the very best from every student.
There is no greater evidence of Dalton's spirit than the energy that abounds in our buildings. You can feel it in the joy of First Program students singing in Spanish, the laughter drifting from Middle School Houses, or the creativity of High School students in the robotics lab. The energy here is unmistakable — a joyful, purposeful engagement with learning that defines our community.
At the heart of it all is the Dalton Plan. For over 100 years, its three pillars — House, Assignment, and Lab — have placed our inquisitive and inspired students at the center of their educational journey. All this is possible thanks to our engaged and accomplished educators who bring Dalton’s rigorous academic program and vision to life, encouraging curiosity, independence, risk-taking, and open-mindedness. Whether through the arts, athletics, STEM, or humanities, Dalton offers students opportunities to grow into thoughtful, well-rounded students prepared to navigate a complex world. Our belief in the capabilities of our young people is in the very DNA of our school.
Equally central to our mission is our deep commitment to diverse, inclusive communities, where every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are, and empowered to enrich our community. We believe that excellence is best achieved through a richness of perspectives, and that a truly great education must reflect and embrace the diversity of the world around us.
As you explore our website or follow along on our social media, I hope you get a sense of the vibrant, creative, and caring school that defines Dalton and that our students experience every single day.
José M. De Jesús brings over two decades of leadership and teaching experience in top independent schools. He has served as Head of School at Lake Forest Academy, Head of the Upper School at The Packer Collegiate Institute, and Director of Outreach and Public Purpose at The Spence School — while remaining active in the classroom as a history teacher. An alumnus of Horace Mann School and a Prep for Prep scholar, Mr. De Jesús holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Columbia University, a Master of Arts in History from Tufts University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Wesleyan University. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Prep for Prep.
José M. De Jesús brings over two decades of leadership and teaching experience in top independent schools. He has served as Head of School at Lake Forest Academy, Head of the Upper School at The Packer Collegiate Institute, and Director of Outreach and Public Purpose at The Spence School — while remaining active in the classroom as a history teacher. An alumnus of Horace Mann School and a Prep for Prep scholar, Mr. De Jesús holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Columbia University, a Master of Arts in History from Tufts University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Wesleyan University. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Prep for Prep.
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Head of School José M. De Jesús
José Makes a Lab Podcast
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Episode 1: Dalton Global Initiatives
Noor, Molly, & Caden
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Episode 2: Student Athletes
Izzy & Nyla
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Episode 3: MS Climate Emergency Group
Teddy, Julian, & Tomás
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Episode 4: High School Robotics
Hannah, Alex, & Aria
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values.
Dalton on Social
Grades K-3
53 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128
Grade 4 & PE Center
200 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128
Grades 5-12
108 East 89th Street, New York, NY 10128
