Lydia Fowler Wadleigh (February 8, 1817 – October 27, 1888) was an American educator, principal of the first high school for girls in New York City, and "lady superintendent" of the precursor to Hunter College.

[4] In 1855, she was hired as principal at New York City's first public high school for girls, located on 12th Street in Greenwich Village, in part because she was well-qualified to teach Latin.

[7][8] During the American Civil War, Wadleigh organized students to sew a flannel flag for display, to sing patriotic songs, and to knit stockings and roll bandages for Union Army troops.

[11] Wadleigh was, again, generous with her time and resources on behalf of the students, helping with tuition or clothing or even shoes when the young women were unable to afford such basics.

Her death was marked by a standing-room-only funeral at University Place Presbyterian Church, including a eulogy in verse by poet Helen Gray Cone, another alumna.