Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Dalton Tries To Raise Money By Shaming Rejected Kids
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 7, 2013
Modified Feb 7, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 7, 2013
Modified Feb 7, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Tony private schools apparently don't do things like the rest of us. While we might think that the family of a student who had been or is being rejected should probably be left alone, the Dalton School apparently thinks they are the perfect target for public shaming and fundraising efforts. Or something—this is a weird one.
Today Page Six spells out one of the strangest stories in private education fundraising we've heard in ages: Apparently, Dalton recently sent out a letter to "boosters and alumni" that included a list of families that have applications pending—as well as the names of students who were rejected from the exclusive school. And they did so to give people fundraising targets!
The revealing e-mail went out as part of a fundraising effort to have school supporters lobby parents of recently rejected kids for money, sources say. Recipients, we’re told, were encouraged to make contact with the families in an effort to broker better relations and deepen the potential fund-raising pool.
Naturally, some folks are fuming at the breach of privacy—who wants the world to know that little Bertolt and Reagan didn't make the cut at Dalton?—but at the same time those listed aren't even sure what to do. If they take legal action against the school, well, then everyone knows about their intellectually stunted offspring!
Honestly we're shocked the school's powerful admissions head didn't stop this before it was too late. But these things happen, and now Dalton (which is sending out its official acceptance and rejection letters next week like all the other private schools) is playing super apologetic. In a statement they say:
Dalton’s policy is to treat information about applying families confidentially. We were informed there was a breach of this policy, and we are taking all steps so it will not happen again. As a matter of practice, we do not solicit families who are in the admissions process.
Hmm...Sounds like somebody at the school needs a refresher course on their policies. They must have expensive policy tutors there somewhere, right?
Tagged
dalton
dalton school
private schools
rejected
rich people
tacky
ues
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 10:01 p.m. ET
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
News
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
New renderings are out for Queens' Metropolitan Park casino
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .