We're Open Every Day!

Although we're not hosting a traditional Open House this year, our doors are open every day to prospective students and their families. Our admissions staff would be delighted to visit and walk through the admissions process with you—in-person or virtually!

We encourage you to begin the admissions process by scheduling a campus visit that will allow you you meet with our director of enrollment management and receive a personal tour of our campus. If you prefer, you may schedule a virtual meeting and take a virtual tour at your leisure. In addition, shadow day visits for prospective Middle and Upper School students will resume on October 7 and may be scheduled by emailing our Admissions Office.

When you visit us, 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.

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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 accept seniors except in the case of relocation 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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Schedule an interview and tour with our Admission Office.
Submit an online application and non-refundable $100 application fee by December 1 for Lower School early decision notification or January 1 for Middle/Upper School early decision notification; candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines are moved into our regular decision pool.
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);
Complete admissions testing.
Schedule applicant interview (5-12 only).

Admissions Testing

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PK3-Grade 1
Testing will be scheduled by the Admissions Office once an application has been received.
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.
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 4; Middle/Upper School early decision candidates must sit for Admissions Testing by January 30.
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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Early Decision
Candidates who meet the early decision application and testing deadlines will be given priority consideration and will be notified on a rolling basis 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 February 4.
Regular Decision
Candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines will be notified on a rolling basis as space allows following the enrollment of priority applicants and re-enrollment of current students.
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. You will be asked to create a username and password in order to save and submit your application. These login credentials will used to submit an application, sign enrollment and re-enrollment contract, and submit various school forms. If you have any questions or need assistance submitting an application, please email our office or call us at (225) 767-7097 ext. 324.

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.