Dalton School Admission Counselors

A Guide to the Dalton Admissions Process

What is Dalton Looking For?

Diversity.  Independent thinkers with a passion for the arts. Dalton seeks students who are academically strong, intellectually curious and who thrive in environments where they are actively engaged in the learning process.

Applicants need to be ready to differentiate themselves from the rest of the applicant pool in their admissions essays and interviews.

Dalton School Admissions Counselor

What does diversity mean in the eyes of The Dalton School?

  • Dalton views their student body as a reflection of New York City's culture and diversity. The School states that learning from peers with varied experiences and backgrounds provides a critical component of a Dalton education.  They are looking at the race, ethnicity, religion, economics, geography, and family lifestyles of their applicants.
  • Nearly 50% of Dalton’s recent Kindergarten classes are minorities.
  • They especially welcome non-white applicants, multilingual families, and families that live a distance from the school’s Upper East Side Location.
  • As a school that prides itself on gender awareness, same-sex families are also encouraged to apply.

A Progressive School with an Artistic Focus

Dalton doesn’t look for students who excel by memorizing their lines or math equations. They are looking for leaders who succeed through their ability to work with others and inspire members of their community.  Although Dalton attempts to honor their legacy families, they value exceptional candidates above all else.

What does it mean to be exceptional?

Giving back

Dalton has its eye on students who appreciate the value of community service.  International and local service projects and initiatives are woven into the school’s curriculum.

Independent, critical thinking

Dalton seeks applicants who value intellectual and artistic exploration for their own sake.  Dalton students seek out faculty with questions and ideas and take control of their own educational destinies.

Risk-taker committed to traditional values

Whether an applicant plays an instrument exceptionally well, wins athletic championships, or is the next Picasso, Dalton searches for applicants with special talents – preferably, in the arts.  However, this talent must be the cherry on top of a strong academic record, perfect teacher recommendations, and a stellar in-person interview.

A Commitment To The Arts

Dalton wishes to provide a non-competitive environment where students can shed their inhibitions, expand their focus, discover talent, and find their voice. Their performing arts center provides state-of-the-art acoustics, theatrical rigging and lights, a music library, a control booth, recording capabilities, a large rehearsal hall, and a new classroom space. All students are required to take two full-year arts for graduation. Applicants with a background in the arts should be prepared to perform or submit a portfolio of their work.

Applicants selected for admission to Dalton would have these academic credentials:

  • Top 10% of high school class

  • A course load including at least 2 AP courses

  • ERB or ISEE scores above the 80th percentile

  • Glowing letters of recommendation from the past several years from his/her previous school

  • An independent love of learning demonstrated and explored by working with others for the betterment of the community at large

  • Potential to be a leader in the academic field in future

Examples of applicants with special
talents at Dalton would be:

  • Skilled painter or studio artist
  • A star athlete with a championship record
  • Talent musician
  • Awards at the national level
  • Leader of a community service initiative

Have a Question? Contact Us

We invite you to speak with one of our admission strategists to discuss your student's dreams and aspirations. Please give us a call or fill out our contact form.