The Upper School curriculum offers a truly holistic approach to education, combining rigorous college- preparatory academics, opportunities in fine and performing arts and an unapologetically Christian world view. Students are grounded in a core curriculum: English (literature and composition), math, science, foreign languages and social sciences. Dunham offers electives in computer science to deepen students’ knowledge base. To broaden and enrich their knowledge, the school offers electives in art, choir, band and drama.

A primary focus of Upper School is that every student becomes a competent writer. The ability to use language in a clear and compelling manner, whether written or spoken, is on of the most powerful tools we can give our students. With the Harkness method, specially designed tables are arranged to create a more dynamic, language-rich atmosphere, primarily in English and Social Studies classes. With the teacher acting as a moderator, students must actively participate with one another, which encourages the development of more sophisticated language skills. 

Honors and Advanced Placement courses challenge bright students, encouraging them to move beyond information- mastery in their work, pushing forward to challenging levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation, to become individual thinkers and self-directed learners.

As a community, Dunham embraces values based on a commitment to Christ. This commitment directs our focus on the development of character and intellect. Upper School faculty members spend considerable time working one-on-one with students. Individualizing instruction as needed is critical to providing a vital, Christian based community for our students.

When they leave Dunham, our students are ready – intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically - to go out into the world and make a difference, prepared to look beyond their own needs and to serve others with grace.