A Message from the President of Dalton International
“Respect the child, respect him to the end, but also respect yourself. Be the companion of his thought, the friend of his friendship, the lover of his virtue, but no kinsman of his sin” (Parkhurst, 1922, p. 24).
At the heart of the Dalton Plan lies a world-centred approach: every child’s individuality is valued, yet true growth flourishes in relation to others. We nurture learners who not only cultivate their unique talents but also embrace cooperation, social responsibility, and a spirit of service. This delicate balance of self-awareness, socialisation, and qualification shapes our commitment to personal development.
Dalton International brings together a distinguished network of elite schools and higher education institutions that share a common ambition: to achieve the highest standards of educational quality. Our members are united by a commitment to pedagogical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Through close collaboration, shared research, professional exchange, and joint initiatives, we create a dynamic learning community in which best practices are developed, refined, and elevated across borders.
Spanning over 200 member institutions and 20 leading international Dalton schools, our global community champions intercultural competence and global citizenship. Teachers, students, and academic leaders engage in meaningful cross-cultural collaboration, learning to honour diverse traditions while working together on solutions that transcend national boundaries. In doing so, our schools and partner institutions become living laboratories of educational excellence—microcosms of the world we aspire to create: open, reflective, innovative, and deeply interconnected.
As we continue to extend our reach, we remain firmly committed to respecting the cultural heritage and educational traditions of every country we serve. By listening attentively, adapting thoughtfully, and collaborating closely with local educators and academic communities, Dalton International ensures that our approach resonates authentically within each context. Together, we are shaping courageous, responsible individuals—future leaders who combine intellectual rigour with empathy, creativity, and a strong sense of global responsibility in an ever-evolving world.
Roel Röhner
President, Dalton International
