Melanie Barbara Chartoff was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Information about her early childhood years is not well documented, but growing up in Connecticut likely influenced her early interests and development.

Details about Melanie Chartoff's elementary and secondary education are sparse, but it is assumed that she attended schools in Connecticut. This period would have been crucial for developing her intellectual abilities and potentially sparking an early interest in performing arts, even if not publicly showcased at this time.

Chartoff attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase. This would have been a significant period in shaping her artistic sensibilities and providing her with a formal education in acting or related performing arts, setting the stage for her later professional career.