Dunn School
Overview

Dunn School is located 28 miles northeast of Santa Barbara California in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. The philosophy of Dunn School is based on the conviction that the depth and quality of the relationship between students and teachers is central to the process of education. Our academic curriculum offers Advanced courses in numerous subject areas. The personal and social growth of each student is enhanced by our exceptional fine and performing arts programs co-curricular athletics leadership mini-term and outdoor education programs. All Dunn graduates are prepared for the college of their choice.
Academics
Summary: In intimate, lively classes led by dedicated faculty, you'll find yourself fully engaged with your learning.
Department Director
Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Average Class Size: 10
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 40
Number of AP Courses Offered: 13
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 63%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Learning Differences Support
- ADD/ADHD Support
English
- Creative Writing
- Honors
- Literature
History
- Honors
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
- Chinese-Mandarin
- French
- German
- Latin
- Spanish
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Physics
Math
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Functions
- Geometry
- Honors Math
- Probability
- Statistics
Computer Studies
- Multimedia
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
- Public Speaking
Distinctive or New Programs
Learing Strategies: The Learning Strategies (ls) Program Was Created In 1973 To Accommodate A Select Group Of Young People With Minimal Diagnosed Learning Difficulties. These Students Are Mainstreamed Into Dunn's College Prep Curriculum But They Receive Additional Individualized Instruction Small Group Review Sessions For Final Exams Extended Time On Sat Exams And Reports From Classroom Teachers To The Learning Strategies Teachers Charting Weekly Progress.
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 4
Average Students Per Dorm: 25
Number of Girls Dorms: 1
Number of Boys Dorms: 3
Dorm Amenities
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Wireless Internet
Other Dorm Amenities
Kitchen Area
Student Life
The school days are filled with action. Beyond classes and studying, there is so much to do. Students run the morning assembly each Monday and Friday. Everyone eats lunch together outside (or in the dining hall on rare rainy days). You'll check in with your advisor, ask a teacher to review your essay draft, or plan a fundraiser with your club, all in a day's work. Inspiring guest speakers give talks on campus. Community service activities offer something for everybody, and holiday celebrations and special traditions bring everyone together. Boarding Life If you board at Dunn, your best friends live just down the hall. It's an adventure where you learn to become independent and responsible. Sure, you have chores and expectations - like a dorm job, laundry, and keeping your room clean. But you also have the freedom and excitement of living away from home. Boarding life prepares you for college. When you get to college, other freshmen will be new to living in a dorm - but you'll already be a pro. You'll know how to manage your time and balance work and play. This advantage gives you a big head start toward making the most of your college years. Is Boarding for you? For many students, boarding life is a favorite part of their Dunn education. By living on campus with Dunn's resident faculty and other like-minded students in a tight community, you can find your own identity, develop your talents, enjoy a 'home-away-from-home' and make friends for life. If you are adventurous, want a new experience, and see yourself participating in daily and weekend events, then boarding school could be perfect for you.
Facilities
- All-Weather Track
- Baseball Field
- Basketball Court
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Indoor Climbing Wall
- Pool
- Sand Volleyball Court
- Volleyball Court
Other Facilities
Cardio Room; Outdoor Crossfit Cente;r Two Soccer/Lacrosse Fields; Six Tennis Courts; Weight Room
Clubs & Organizations
Arts & Athletics
Arts Department Director: Matt Yaki
Athletics Department Director: Tim Weir
Notable Achievements: 2015 and 2017 CIF-SS Boys' Soccer Champions
Arts
Interscholastic Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Surfing
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Recreational Sports
- Dance
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Yoga
- Fitness
Graduates
Summary: The college process is complex and competitive. Dunn helps each family create a personal roadmap and tailored plan for college admission. Colleges want students who are able thinkers, good communicators, and impact makers on campus. At Dunn you will find your own path to becoming all this and more.
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 100
Total Day: 80
Total Enrollment: 180
Boys: 96
Girls: 84
Boarding Grades Offered: 8-12
Day Grades Offered: 6-12
School Type: Middle, High School
Dress Code: Casual
Applications Accepted: SAO
Application Deadline: February 1st
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $61,000
5-Day Boarding: N/A
Day Tuition Fee: $28,000
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 56%
Average Awarded: $22,961
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $7,000,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Liz Tying
Admissions Phone: 800 287 9197
Fax: 805 686 2078
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dunnschool.org
Nearby Schools
- Midland School - 5mi / 9 km
- Cate School - 40mi / 64 km
- Villanova Preparatory School - 50mi / 81 km
- Ojai Valley School - 50mi / 81 km
- The Thacher School - 54mi / 87 km
- Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy - 114mi / 184 km








