The world outside Dalton is an intrinsic element of the school's educational process. The diverse cultural population within Dalton is a reflection of the extended urban community. Respect for others and an emphasis on each individual's responsibility to the group form the basis for interaction in resolving problems inherent in any grouping. An active exploration of gender, ethnic, and equity questions is part of daily life at Dalton. Dalton enters the twenty-first century firmly committed to Helen Parkhurst's pragmatic approach to education.
Priorities change with the times.
What time does not alter, however, is the need for independent thinkers whose knowledge and understanding are rooted in the real world, who are conversant with their culture, and who are confident, eager, and self-motivated learners. These were and continue to be the cornerstones of a Dalton education. The use of male pronouns in Helen Parkhurst's writings reflect language usage of her era and do not denote male preference.