Dalton School review by Yale University student.
Dalton's academic program is strong in just about every area, and there is a great appreciation for the arts, which is a wonderful characteristic. Dalton has prepared me extremely well for the workload at college - in areas like time management where peers often struggle, Dalton educated students excel. The Dalton teaching philosophy, derived from the Dalton Plan written by the school's founder Helen Parkhurst, is very much focused on the student and on student participation. Almost every class (with the exception of math and some science courses) is focused on discussion. Class size is usually around 15, with lower numbers for classes in the arts and languages. Faculty is extremely accessible, and regular meetings with teachers are encouraged by both the school and its faculty. There is very strong support for anyone struggling.
As evidenced by Dalton's college placements, the college counseling program is strong. Students begin meeting.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Dalton School as experienced by former pupil and Yale University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
I was admitted for kindergarten, so I have little comment in this area. Dalton is.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Dalton School by former pupil and Yale University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Quality of life is very good. The cafeteria food is good, cafeteria is comfortable, and the student lounge is a great place to hang out. The neighborhood is excellent, has lots of places to eat, and is very safe. Dalton is not competitive at all, and there is a strong community feel. Discipline usually felt about right.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Dalton School as experienced by former pupil and Yale University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review