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B+ 5.0 5 Reviews California, US

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School Overview

Data & methodology
Overall B+
Matriculation A-
Academics B
Extracurriculars B
Geo & Community B
Reviews B+
Dunn 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 AP courses in thirteen subject areas. The personal and social growth of each student is enhanced by our exceptional fine and performing arts programs, co-curricular athletics, and outdoor education. All Dunn graduates are prepared for the college of their choice.
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School Stats

Average
Current school
Tuition
$86,700
Enrollment
239
International Students
20%
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
75%
Teacher-Student Ratio
1:5
Endowment
$13 million
AP
11
Average SAT Score
1280
Average ACT Score
25
Class Size
9
Boarding %
52

Matriculation


College Matriculation

(2021-2025)
Ranking University/College Students
#1 Princeton University 2
Art #1 School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1
#2 Columbia University 2
#6 Stanford University 2
#9 Duke University 1
Art #9 Pratt Institute 1
Art #11 School of Visual Arts 1
#14 Brown University 1
#14 Washington University in St. Louis 1

Academics

AP Courses

(11)
Spanish Language and Culture
Biology
Chemistry
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Macroeconomics
Spanish Language and Culture
Biology
Chemistry
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
United States History
World History
English Language and Composition
English Literature and Composition
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Sports

(11)
Baseball
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
Cross Country
Soccer
Surfing
Baseball
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
Cross Country
Soccer
Surfing
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
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Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

(18)
Amnesty International Club
Ballet
Cooking Club
Economics Club
School Newspaper
Student Government
Amnesty International Club
Ballet
Cooking Club
Economics Club
School Newspaper
Student Government
Swimming
The Academy (book group)
Yoga
Diversity Club
Badminton Club
Climbing Club
Community Service Club
Debate Club
Film Club
Interact Club
Mahjong Club
Young Life
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Arts

(7)
Acting
Guitar
Instrumental Ensemble
Vocal
Ceramics
Photography
Acting
Guitar
Instrumental Ensemble
Vocal
Ceramics
Photography
Portfolio
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Basic Info

Co-ed
Boarding Grades: 9-12
Rural
IB: No
ESL: No
Year Founded: 1957
Campus Size: 65 acres
Boarding Rate: 52%
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Religious Affiliation: No Religious Affiliation

Application Info

Deadline: 02/01
Interview: On Campus, Zoom
School Code:
TOEFL: 8147
SSAT: 2914
ISEE: 51863
Recommended
Recommended

Reviews

5.0 wreath Overall Rating

FindingSchool Anonymous User
Anonymous User (Student) 07/15/2026
5 / 5
We couldn’t be happier as parents of two students at Dunn School. As parents, you hope to find an environment where your children will truly thrive—not just get by—and that’s exactly what we’ve found. Although our children are very different, each has found a strong sense of community and built meaningful friendships in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The school’s size and beautiful campus create a peaceful, safe setting where students can focus and enjoy their high school experience. They are challenged by a rigorous academic program without the intense, pressure-filled atmosphere often found at highly competitive schools. While the academic outcomes have been exceptional, what has impressed us most is the confidence, independence, and character our children have developed along the way.
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Jennifer (Parent) 07/14/2026
5 / 5
As a parent, I couldn't be happier with my son's experience at Dunn. He has flourished both academically and personally. The academics are challenging and engaging, and he has found his passion in math, science, and the Innovation program. His teachers encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity while providing the individual support he needs to succeed.

The biggest difference has been the personal attention from the faculty. Every teacher truly knows my son, believes in him, and takes the time to help him grow. That mentorship has been life-changing, giving him confidence both in and out of the classroom.

He also loves the competitive athletic program and the balance between sports and rigorous academics. I highly recommend Dunn to families looking for a school where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
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Jenn (Student) 07/14/2026
5 / 5
Choosing Dunn for my daughter was one of the best decisions I could have made. She was challenged through advanced classes while also pursuing her passion for photography, design, and the visual arts. Her teachers encouraged her creativity, challenged her to do her best, and helped her develop both her artistic talent and academic confidence.

The college counseling program was exceptional. The guidance she received throughout the college search and application process was personalized, thoughtful, and incredibly effective. She earned admission to outstanding colleges and arrived on campus well prepared for the academic rigor and independence of college life.

Dunn gave my daughter the confidence, skills, and preparation to thrive. I highly recommend it to families looking for a school that truly prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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FindingSchool Anonymous User
Anonymous User (Parent) 07/14/2026
5 / 5
Having children in both Dunn’s middle school and upper school has given our family a unique perspective on the strength of the program. What has impressed us most is how intentionally Dunn supports students at every stage of their development. The middle school balances academic rigor, mentorship, and opportunities for self-discovery, while the upper school encourages students to think critically, lead confidently, and prepare for life beyond graduation.

One of Dunn’s greatest strengths is its size. Students are truly known by their teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents, and those relationships matter. Programs in experiential education, entrepreneurship, speech and debate, the arts, athletics, and innovation allow students to pursue their passions in meaningful ways.

As parents, we have watched our children grow academically and in confidence, character, and curiosity within a genuinely close-knit community.
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Frequently Ask Questions about Dunn School

Tell me a bit about Dunn School.
Dunn School is Co-ed private boarding school located in California, US. It was founded 1957 , and currently has about 239 students, 20.00% of whom are international students.

For more official information, please visit http://www.dunnschool.org.
Does Dunn School have rigorous academic requirements?
Dunn School is offering 11 AP courses.

Dunn School also have 75% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
Where do Dunn School students typically go for their colleges?
Based on the most recent matriculation data, 10.21% go to top 50 US universities and colleges*, 6.81% go to top 25, and about 1.7% go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and MIT.

*Ranking is based on the 2024 US News College Ranking.
What is the application requirement for Dunn School?
Similar to most private schools in the US, Dunn School’s typical admission requirements include school transcript, recommendation letter, application essay, and interview (often optional, but highly recommended).
What is the Boarding Tuition for Dunn School?
The total fee for Dunn School in 2024 is $86,700 which typically includes tuition, boarding fee, student management fee and a few other fees associated with managing international students.

For more information, please contact school’s admission team at admissions@dunnschool.org .
Where is Dunn School located?
Dunn School is located in the State of California of USA.
How popular is Dunn School on the FindingSchool network?
Based on FindingSchool monthly traffic data as well as onsite search record, Dunn School is among the most popular schools, within top 95 for all schools on FindingSchool.

Also Dunn School has been favorited by 301 users.
How do I complete an application for Dunn School?
The first stop is to carefully review the school profile on FindingSchool to learn more about Dunn School. Most of them are directly provided by the school.

Also it is highly recommended to visit Dunn School’s official site: http://www.dunnschool.org or call them at 805-686-6471.
Are there additional schools that are located close to Dunn School?
Yes, here are few: Cate School, Midland School and Oak Grove School.

What is the FindingSchool rating for Dunn School?
The overall rating for Dunn School is B+.

The section ratings of Dunn School are:
A- for Matriculation
B for Academics
B for Extracurriculum
B for Community
B+ for Students and Parents reviews

Nearby City

Los Angeles, commonly known as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second most populous in the U.S. It serves as the commercial, financial, and cultural hub of Southern California. With a population of around 3.9 million as of 2020, L.A. is famous for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and as the epicenter of the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood. The city also offers a rich mix of cultural landmarks, including world-class museums, beaches, and a dynamic food scene, making it a global metropolis.

Population (2022) 3,833,995
Cost of Living Higher than average 54%

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FindingSchool collects its data from a variety of reliable sources, including schools, advisors, official U.S. statistics, and feedback from actual parents and students.
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