The Dunham School
General Information
About (Overview)
The Dunham School is an independent, inter-denominational Christian, college-preparatory day school located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 1981, the school was established by a group of local families with a vision to integrate rigorous academics, the arts and athletics, all resting on a foundation of Christian faith. Over the decades it has grown into one of the region’s most respected private institutions, recognized for its innovation and achievement.
At Dunham, students benefit from small class sizes, a 1:1 technology program and a discussion-based teaching style known as the Harkness method. The school’s mission is to educate both “the mind and the heart for Christ,” which means that alongside college-level preparation, students are encouraged to grow in character, vision and service. With a curriculum that includes STEM, robotics, humanities, service learning and leadership development, The Dunham School prepares graduates for success in higher education and life.
Contact Information
- Address: 11111 Roy Emerson Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, USA
- Phone Number: (225) 767-7097
- Email Address: Admission office email (via The Dunham School admissions)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1981 |
| Motto | “Educating the Mind and the Heart for Christ” |
| Grades Served | Pre-K2 through 12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 8:1 |
| Enrollment | Approximately 800–900 students (PK2-12) |
| School Type | Private, Christian, co-educational, day school |
The Dunham School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Best Christian High Schools in Louisiana | #3 of 49 (per Niche) |
| Best Christian K–12 Schools in Louisiana | #3 of 47 (per Niche) |
| Best Private High Schools in Louisiana | #5 of 116 (per Niche) |
The Dunham School Academics
The Dunham School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science & STEM
- Social Studies & Global Studies
- World Languages
- Fine Arts (Visual and Performing Arts)
- Athletics & Physical Education
- Technology & Engineering
- Bible & Spiritual Formation
- Guidance & College Counseling
The Dunham School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses across disciplines
- Dual-enrollment opportunities and college preparatory sequence
- Harkness discussion-based learning in humanities
- STEM programs including robotics, coding, virtual reality applications
- Service and leadership programs integrated into the curriculum
Online Learning
Although The Dunham School emphasizes in-person, campus-based instruction and community life, it also incorporates blended digital learning. Students benefit from technology-infused classrooms and 1:1 computing programs, enabling flexible access to resources, collaboration, and enrichment. The school’s innovation in learning technology has been recognized through multiple Apple Distinguished School awards.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1300 (per Niche) |
| ACT | ~28 (per Niche) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The Dunham School reports a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating class, reflecting strong student outcomes and college readiness. With supportive faculty, small classes and targeted college counseling, students are equipped to matriculate into a wide range of four-year institutions and pursue meaningful careers.
The Dunham School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to The Dunham School typically present strong academic records and standardized test scores in the upper percentiles of college-preparatory schools. While the school does not publish formal GPA minimums, enrolled students commonly achieve high performance such as SAT scores around 1300 and ACT around 28.
The Dunham School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ~60% (per PrivateSchoolReview) |
The Dunham School Application Requirements
The admissions process at The Dunham School invites prospective students and their families to engage in a thoughtful evaluation. Applicants submit an application form, academic records from previous schools (for applicable grades), standardized test scores (such as ISEE or equivalent when required), teacher or administrative recommendations, and participate in an interview or campus visit. The school looks for students who not only demonstrate academic ability but also character, faith alignment and the potential to contribute to the school community.
Application Process
- Schedule a campus visit or meet virtually with the admissions office.
- Submit completed application form and non-refundable application fee.
- Provide transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters.
- Attend interview or applicant visit (grades 5-12).
- Receive admission decision and complete enrollment steps if accepted.
The Dunham School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision / Priority Deadline | November 28 (Lower School) |
| Regular Decision Deadline | January 9 (Middle/Upper School) |
Essay Prompt
Applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement or reflective writing piece describing their academic interests, spiritual journey or contributions to their school community; this gives the admissions committee deeper insight into the applicant’s character and potential fit.
The Dunham School Scholarships
The Dunham School offers tuition assistance and merit-based awards to qualified families, aiming to support access and encourage diverse enrollment. Approximately 36% of students receive financial aid, with average grants reported at around $8,500.
The Dunham School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Upper School Tuition (2025-26) | ~$23,300 annually |
| Application Fee | ~$100 non-refundable |
The Dunham School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body includes both male and female students across preschool, lower, middle and upper school divisions. Ethnic diversity is present though the school reports a lower percentage of students of color than national averages; one source notes about 17% students of color.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The Dunham School serves a range of student financial backgrounds through its tuition assistance program (about 36% of students receive aid). The school also provides specialized academic support through its McKay Academic Center for Excellence to support learners with varying needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~820–900 students |
| International Students | Not widely reported |
University Diversity
The Dunham School fosters a learning community grounded in Christian faith, academic excellence and technological innovation. Though smaller in scale than some large independent schools, Dunham emphasizes diversity of thought, ability, talent and background. Students engage across divisions in service, leadership and global awareness initiatives—helping them grow in cultural competency and character. Faculty and student interaction in Harkness seminars, collaborative STEM projects and arts initiatives encourage meaningful dialogue across differences.
The school’s inclusion of learners needing support, those excelling in advanced work and those with financial need demonstrates a commitment to varied learner profiles. This multi-dimensional diversity—academic, socioeconomic, spiritual and cultural—prepares students to navigate a complex world with empathy, adaptability and leadership.
Average Earnings
While direct alumni earnings data is not publicly published, The Dunham School reports that graduates receive significant scholarship offers and matriculate to competitive colleges. With over $17 million in scholarship offers and strong preparatory outcomes, alumni are positioned well for long-term earning potential across a variety of fields.
The Dunham School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
At The Dunham School, students benefit from a low student-teacher ratio of approximately 8:1 and average class sizes of roughly 14 students. Faculty are known to integrate Christian worldview, technology and differentiated instruction, while staff includes counselors, support specialists and technology integrators.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Dunham hold advanced degrees, embrace contemporary pedagogy and guide students in Harkness-style discussions, STEM labs and service leadership. The school has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and emphasizes ongoing professional growth, collaboration and innovation among staff. The faculty’s expertise spans humanities, sciences, arts and theology—providing students a richly interdisciplinary learning environment.
The Dunham School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Dunham School is a day school and does not offer boarding or on-campus housing options. Campus life is vibrant, encompassing academics, fine arts, athletics and leadership. Students from preschool through 12th grade share a unified campus where cross-divisional community building occurs. The arts and chapel center, athletic complexes, McKay Academic Center and modern classrooms support student engagement across interests. Extracurricular opportunities include state-level athletics (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, etc.), arts performances, robotics, service projects and global travel.
Transportation
The Dunham School campus is located in a suburban district off Roy Emerson Drive in Baton Rouge. Families commonly commute via carpool or private transport. The school offers scheduled transportation logistics for certain programs, but public transportation options are typical of suburban Louisiana rather than city transit. Campus drop-off, parking and shuttle functions support daily mobility and parent access.