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Admissions

You want the best for your child. So do we.

At The Dunham School, we believe in educating both the mind and the heart for Christ. Our mission is to provide a college preparatory education that is rooted in Christian values, where students are challenged academically and inspired to live a life of purpose and service. We invite you to join us on a journey to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and faith they need to succeed and make a positive impact on the world. Our admissions team would be delighted to visit and walk through the enrollment process with you.

We encourage you to begin the admissions process by scheduling a campus visit to meet with our director of enrollment management and receive a personal tour. If you would prefer to schedule a virtual admissions meeting, please email our office.

When you visit, you’ll find intentionally small classes, where a blend of traditional and innovative teaching is combined with the latest technology to ignite creativity and intellectual curiosity. You’ll discover expert teachers who treasure each child as the individual he or she was created to be and challenging academic, athletic, arts, and leadership programs designed to enable students to meet their God-given potential now and in the future.

33

Top 20% ACT score

27

2022 AP Scholars

700+

College Credit Hours Earned

$10M+

in Scholarships Offers
Admissions Open House

Come discover what makes Dunham the leading private school in Baton Rouge! Families with preschool through high-school aged students are invited to spend the morning with us to learn more about our faith-based college preparatory academic program, championship athletic teams, and inspiring fine arts opportunities.

October 21, 2022
8:15 am

Admissions Process

The Dunham School seeks to enroll students who demonstrate the academic ability, character, and potential to successfully complete our college preparatory program and make a positive contribution to our school community. Admission to Dunham is both selective and thoughtful, with careful consideration given to a candidate's character, previous academic record, recommendations, and performance on admissions testing. Please note that we rarely admit incoming seniors except in the cases of relocation, returning students or other extenuating circumstances.

The Dunham School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin in its educational programs, admission policies, scholarships, or any of its school activities.

How to Apply

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  1. Schedule an interview and tour with our Admission Office (PK3-12)*
  2. Submit an online application and non-refundable $100 application fee by November 30 for Lower School early decision notification or January 6 for Middle/Upper School early decision notification; candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines are moved into our regular decision pool.
  3. Please note that the following required documents must be submitted along with the online application:  
    school and teacher recommendations;
    school transcript
    (1-12 only);
    report cards for previous two years (1-12 only);
    previous standardized test scores (1-12 only);
  4. Complete admissions testing (PK3-12 only);
  5. Schedule applicant interview (5-12 only).

    *Dunham Early Childhood Center: Families interested in registering for the Dunham Early Childhood Center will submit an online application. Please make sure you select Early Childhood Center as your entering grade to access the correct form. Once the application is submitted, a member of our staff will contact families to complete the admissions process. Please note that space is limited in our two-year-old program with preference given to siblings, faculty, and alumni. Early Childhood Center students are not automatically eligible to enroll in PK3 the following year and must submit an application and complete the process outlined above.
Admissions Testing

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  1. Dunham Early Childhood Center
    There is no testing required to enroll in the Dunham Early Childhood Center's two-year-old program. However, students will need to sit for a screening prior to enrolling in PK3 the following year. To accommodate Early Childhood Center families, our staff will conduct the screening in the classroom setting during a normal school day.
  2. PK3-Grade 1
    Testing will be scheduled by the Admissions Office once an application has been received.
  3. Grades 2-10
    Candidates to grades 2-10 will take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Families must register in advance with ISEE. There is a $140 fee payable directly to ISEE; families will also need a code from the Admissions Office to schedule a test.
  4. Grades 11-12
    We will accept ACT scores for candidates to grades 11-12. Candidates who have not yet taken the ACT are required to take the ISEE. Please note that we rarely accept seniors except in the case of relocation or other extenuating circumstances.

    Please note: Lower School early decision candidates must sit for Admissions Testing by December 2; Middle/Upper School early decision candidates must sit for Admissions Testing by January 21.

  5. In some cases, the Admissions Office may request additional information or testing in order to obtain a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate's ability.
Admissions Notification

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  1. Dunham Early Childhood Center
    Dunham Early Childhood Center candidates will be notified on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

    Early Decision

    Highly qualified PK3-12 candidates who meet the early decision application and testing deadlines will be given priority consideration and will be notified as their applicant files are completed. Lower School early decision candidates will be notified on or before December 15; Middle/Upper School early decision candidates will be notified on or before January 31.
  2. Regular Decision
    PK3-12 candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines will be notified as space allows following the enrollment of priority applicants and re-enrollment of current students.
  3. Waiting Pool
    Once a grade level becomes full, the School will maintain an unranked waiting pool and will offer enrollment contracts as vacancies occur.
Ready to submit your application?

Visit our admissions portal to begin your online application for grades PK3-12 or the Dunham Early Childhood Center's two-year-old program. You will be asked to create a username and password in order to save and submit your application. These login credentials will used sign enrollment and re-enrollment contracts and submit various school forms. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email our office or call us at (225) 767-7097 ext. 324.

Update: Due to overwhelming demand, we are no longer accepting Early Childhood Center (two-year-old program) applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Early Childhood Center applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in the spring.

International Admissions

Dunham's international student program is open to students entering grades 9-12. While enrolled at Dunham, international students reside with host families and participate in academics and extracurricular activities. For more information on international admissions and a complete schedule of fees and tuition, please contact Michelle Pricer.

Meet Our Admissions Staff

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Michelle Pricer
Director of Admission and Enrollment

Michelle Pricer

Director of Admission and Enrollment

Director of Admission and Enrollment

Email Me
Employed at Dunham since
2007
Undergraduate Degree
Louisiana State University, 1992
Graduate Degree
Doctorate Degree
Certifications
Awards or Additional Certificates
Alternative Teacher Education Program; McNeese State University, 1994; Speech/Drama Certification; McNeese State University, 1999
Coaching/Club Responsibilities
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Ashley D'Aubin '10
Assistant Director of Admission and Enrollment

Ashley D'Aubin '10

Assistant Director of Admission and Enrollment

Assistant Director of Admission and Enrollment

Email Me
Employed at Dunham since
2017
Undergraduate Degree
Lousiana State University, 2014
Graduate Degree
Doctorate Degree
Certifications
Awards or Additional Certificates
Dunham Class of 2010
Coaching/Club Responsibilities
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Deborah Nelson
Tuition Assistance & Testing Coordinator

Deborah Nelson

Tuition Assistance & Testing Coordinator

Tuition Assistance & Testing Coordinator

Email Me
Employed at Dunham since
2008
Undergraduate Degree
Louisiana State University, 1978
Graduate Degree
Doctorate Degree
Certifications
Awards or Additional Certificates
Coaching/Club Responsibilities
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Melissa Turner
Admissions and Communications Assistant

Melissa Turner

Admissions and Communications Assistant

Admissions and Communications Assistant; Upper School Art

Email Me
Employed at Dunham since
2021
Undergraduate Degree
University of Mobile, 2003
Graduate Degree
Doctorate Degree
Certifications
Awards or Additional Certificates
National Awards for Children's Book Writing & Illustration
Coaching/Club Responsibilities
Art Club
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Meet Our Parent Ambassadors

Our parent ambassadors assist at admissions events and serve as liaisons to prospective families.

Explore Dunham

LOWER SCHOOL

Our PreK3-4th grade program is the perfect blend of a classical education combined with technology, innovation, and cross-cultural literacy.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our 5th-8th grade program balances academics with athletics and arts in preparation for the rigor and expectations of Upper School.

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UPPER SCHOOL

Our high school program prepares students for success in college and career through academic rigor, athletics, arts, and leadership.

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ATHLETICS

Our athletic program unleashes confidence and enables students to compete at the highest level - on and off of the field.

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FINE ARTS

Outstanding theater, dance, visual arts, and music offerings inspire creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

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FAITH

The Dunham experience rests upon a foundation of faith as we strive to educate our students' minds and hearts for Christ.

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“At Dunham, we found a school environment with tradition, a culture with substance, and a leadership team focused on faith, kindness and professionalism. My fifth grader now has public speaking skills that adults struggle with. My four year old looks forward to the events and activities that her brother participated in. My children’s relationship with God has improved, and they have felt loved, supported, understood and challenged. And we are very blessed.” 
- Rachael Higginbotham, Dunham Parent

Upcoming Admissions Events

We can't wait to welcome you!

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