The Dalton Conference

Launched in 2011, The Dalton Conference is a day-long, dynamic and interactive program designed to educate and connect school communities. Centered on themes of identity and belonging, The Dalton Conference provides an opportunity for members of New York City and regional independent schools to productively engage in discussions that broaden and improve inclusion within their diverse communities, sharing both challenges and effective practices with peer institutions. 

With representation across constituencies (administrators, alumni, diversity practitioners, faculty, heads of school, parents, students, trustees), school groups (“Houses”) participate in guided conversations (“Labs”) around a central topic (“Assignment”). In addition, participants hear from a prominent keynote speaker and a moderated student panel.

The Dalton Conference originated as a program developed by alumna, parent, and Board Emeritus Casper Caldarola ’77 P ’14. In recent years, the Conference was planned jointly by The Office of Equity and Belonging and Pollyanna, Inc. For 2026, the Conference’s sixteenth year, the Administrative Team is excited to bring the conference back to its roots to be produced entirely by the Dalton community. The Admin Team believes this conference is an opportunity to deepen the engagement of our community with our work in belonging and inclusion.

The Dalton Conference will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The Administration Team, a Planning Committee, the Office of Equity and Belonging, and 60+ volunteers from the Dalton community help bring the day to life.