The Dalton School

The Dalton School is a nondenominational independent day school in Manhattan, enrolling more than 1,000 students across elementary, middle, and high school divisions. It draws families from across New York City's five boroughs and has no religious affiliation. The school sits at the center of one of the most competitive independent school markets in the country.

What sets Dalton apart is the Dalton Plan, a progressive teaching framework built on student choice, open research, and collaboration. Faculty write flexible assignments tied to each student's pace and interests. They do not follow a fixed script. Teachers also track individual progress closely and adjust work as students develop. This is a more demanding design role than standard classroom instruction, and it draws educators who want real say over how learning unfolds.

The school's finances are strong. In 2023, net assets exceeded $221 million and annual revenue topped $110 million. That stability funds competitive salaries and benefits for New York City day school faculty. In a city where housing costs are high, a well-funded employer can offset those pressures through stronger base pay, health benefits, and retirement contributions than smaller schools typically offer.

The Dalton School hires across humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. A Mandarin Chinese language program adds periodic openings in language instruction. Administrative, admissions, and advancement staff roles appear as well. Most faculty positions post between January and April ahead of the next school year.

For candidates seeking a day school teaching job in New York City where curriculum design is a genuine faculty responsibility, Dalton offers a model that is rare even in a city full of strong independent schools.