Long before Jeffrey Epstein became one of the world's most infamous sex offenders, the disgraced financier held a brief but memorable position as a young maths teacher at one of New York City's most elite private institutions. In the mid-1970s, Epstein worked at The Dalton School on Manhattan's Upper East Side, a prestigious establishment where former students now reflect on his unconventional and sometimes disturbing presence.
An Unconventional Educator with No Credentials
At just 21 years old, Epstein secured the teaching role despite never completing a university degree. He had briefly attended Cooper Union and New York University before leaving college, yet Dalton's headteacher Donald Barr, known for hiring intelligent and engaging unconventional candidates, brought him on board. Epstein taught mathematics and physics while also coaching the Dalton Tigers maths team, though his tenure lasted only about two years before dismissal due to poor teaching performance.
Flamboyant Style and Unsettling Behaviour
Former students vividly recall Epstein's flamboyant appearance, with him often seen walking school corridors wearing fur coats, gold chains, and open-neck shirts—a stark contrast to the strict dress codes enforced at Dalton. More troubling were memories of his behaviour toward female students. Scott Spizer, a 1976 graduate, later expressed discomfort at how frequently Epstein gravitated toward girls in hallways and classrooms, stating he remembered thinking at the time, 'This is wrong.'
Millicent Young, another 1976 graduate, noted the obvious inappropriateness, explaining, 'There was a real clarity of the inappropriateness of the behaviour. That's not how adult male teachers conduct themselves.' Several alumni described Epstein behaving more like a peer than an educator, chatting informally with students in labs and corridors, and even appearing at private parties where alcohol was consumed, which raised eyebrows among classmates.
Mixed Memories and Lasting Impressions
While no former female students have publicly accused Epstein of unwanted physical contact during his teaching years, many emphasised how his conduct made them uneasy. In contrast, some remembered him as supportive; Leslie Kitziger, who attended Dalton in the late 1970s, said, 'I was a 14-year-old and he helped me through a time when there wasn't anybody else to talk to.' Peter Branch, who later served as interim headmaster, confirmed Epstein was ultimately asked to leave due to inadequate teaching performance.
From Classroom to Notoriety
After departing Dalton, Epstein transitioned into finance, eventually amassing wealth and connections with powerful figures in politics, business, and royalty. His rise included founding a financial firm, acquiring significant Manhattan property, and purchasing Little St. James in the US Virgin Islands. However, behind this playboy persona lay a dark secret: Epstein's predation on young women.
In 2000, he met Virginia Giuffre, then 16, who later alleged he trafficked her to numerous influential men, including Prince Andrew—a claim the royal strongly denies. Epstein faced legal troubles, receiving a favourable non-prosecution deal in 2008 and serving 13 months in jail. He was arrested again in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges before being found dead in his Manhattan jail cell that August, with his death ruled a suicide amid ongoing speculation.
Aftermath and Political Connections
Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking in December 2021, while his ties to powerful figures, including Donald Trump, continued to spark controversy. Trump's comments on releasing Epstein-related files helped propel his 2024 presidential campaign, though in office he later dismissed the files as a 'hoax.' Tragically, Virginia Giuffre died by suicide in April 2026 amid battles to unseal records, highlighting the enduring scars of Epstein's actions.
The Dalton School chapter remains a chilling precursor to Epstein's later crimes, illustrating how early signs of inappropriate behaviour went unchecked, leaving a legacy of trauma and unanswered questions for those who crossed his path.
