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The Dalton School

Location: New York, New York

Coed: Yes

Population: 1,300

Type: Independent

Tuition: $61,120

Religious Affiliation: Secular

Mascot: Tiger

Student/Teacher Ratio: 5.2:1

Schedule: Semesters

Setting: Urban

About the Dalton School

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dalton was founded based on progressive educational principles, and has remained true to them ever since. This system has become known as the Dalton Plan, and is used by many schools globally. Dalton is regularly recognized as a top private school in New York; admissions is very competitive.

Dalton School NY Campus Buildings

By Jim.henderson – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67529820

Admissions Information

Application Open: August

Interview Due: Oct-Dec

Applications Due: November 17

All Materials Due: January 11

Required Materials

Online Application Portal: You must apply online; Dalton uses Ravenna to handle their online applications. High school applications are generally only accepted for students entering 9th grade.

Standardized Tests: ISEE or SSAT scores are required.

Interview: Interviews are required. These must be done in person, as part of a required school visit. 

Parent Interview: Not offered. A written parent statement is required.

Recommendations: Required from the student’s math and English teachers, and from a counselor.

Transcripts: Required for this year and the last year.

Other materials: A student essay is required as part of the application.

Need assistance with the admissions process?

Academic Information

Curriculum Information: Dalton’s curriculum is designed around their plan, and aims to introduce students to the joys of information and discovery.

Graduation Requirements: 

  • 4 years English
  • 3 years history
  • 3 years languages
  • 3 years math
  • 3 years science
  • 2 years art
  • 2 semesters health, and CPR certification
  • 4 years physical education
  • 60 hours community service
  • 3 extra elective credits

 

Note that these are the minimum graduation requirements. We recommend, and colleges prefer to see, that students have taken four years in each of the core academic subjects: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and a foreign language. 

Language Options: 

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Latin
  • Spanish

 

Research Options: 

  • There are research methodology courses available for advanced students, and chances to pursue lab research.

 

Advanced Study Options: 

  • Computer science options include modeling, databases, virtual reality, algorithms, research, graphics, and robotics.
  • There are engineering courses and workshops.
  • Math options include linear algebra, game theory, multivariable calculus, number theory, and transformational geometry.
  • Science options include forensic science, bioethics, neuropsychology, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, data science, astronomy, and social psychology.

 

Educational Philosophy: Helen Parkhurst caught the spirit of change and created the Dalton Plan. Aiming to achieve a balance between each child’s talents and the needs of the growing American community, Helen Parkhurst created an educational model that captured the progressive spirit of the age. Specifically, she had these objectives: to tailor each student’s program to his or her needs, interests, and abilities; to promote both independence and dependability; and to enhance the student’s social skills and sense of responsibility toward others. Parkhurst developed a three-part plan that continues to be the structural foundation of a Dalton education: House, Assignment, and Lab.

Students at Dalton begin using the Dalton Plan from a very young age. At the First Program, children are presented with opportunities to make educational choices about their learning and in the process discover how to identify their interests and take responsibility for pursuing them. Over the years, Dalton students learn how to take responsibility for their own education. Dalton graduates frequently comment on how well prepared they were for college because the Dalton Plan taught them how to budget their time, seek out faculty, and take control of their own educational destinies.

Happy female student taking notes while using laptop with her classmate during a class at high school.

Extracurricular Options

Campus Information: Located in four buildings in Manhattan, the upper school is separated from the lower.

Arts Programs: Students may explore the arts through both courses and extracurriculars. 

  • Dance
  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Visual Arts

 

Athletics: Dalton athletics has a number of sports teams which students can participate in.

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling


Clubs: Information about clubs and other co curricular activities at Dalton can be found here.