General Curriculum

The Dalton Middle School curriculum is vibrant and intellectually inspiring. The curriculum includes courses in English, mathematics, social studies, science, world and classical languages, and the arts, as well as a physical education program.  In all areas of study, the concepts of House, Assignment, and Lab are essential elements in accordance with the school’s mission and philosophy.  Additionally, students and teachers explore the use of technology in the classroom to extend opportunities for learning.

Middle School faculty members are highly skilled professionals who have special training and interest in working with children in this age group.  The faculty also engages in ongoing curricular development and innovation, reflecting the school’s notable commitment to progressive education.  

Dalton’s Middle School encompasses the fourth through eighth grades.  For this reason, students’ schedules vary across the grades, emphasizing developmentally appropriate expectations.  All students are assigned a house advisor responsible for tracking the student’s academic and social well-being over the course of the year.  Students participate in House activities and programs designed to address social and emotional growth, as well as to build community during their middle school years.

In addition to the regular teaching staff, the Middle School employs specialists in the areas of psychology, health services, writing, mathematics, museum education, organization, and study skills. Students interact with these specialists individually or in small groups.

Dalton's commitment to "the city as a classroom" is evident in all curricular areas. Teachers make use of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Guggenheim Museum, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Museum of Chinese in America, The African Burial Ground National Monument, The New York Tenement Museum, The Bronx Zoo, The Museum of Natural History, The Cooper Hewitt Museum, The Jewish Museum, The Morgan Library, and many other resources within the city.  Students also have opportunities to travel outside of the city with their classes on various field trips throughout their time in middle school.