Founded in 1957, Dunn School is an independent, college preparatory, 6th through 12th grade coeducational boarding and day school.
We are located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, in Los Olivos, California, 30 miles from Santa Barbara.
Dunn School's 60-year old mission is to to his or her fullest potential in preparation for a life of learning and responsible leadership in society. We achieve this by focusing on the development and integration of 5 core values: Social and emotional wellness; physical readiness; intellectual growth; social responsibility; and moral courage.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) 6-12
- Enrollment: 249 students
- Yearly Tuition (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students): $66,900
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,600
- Acceptance rate: 45%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Dunn School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 99 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Mild/Moderate Learning Differences
n/a
Year Founded
1957
1907
Campus Size
58 acres
125 acres
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
249 students
314 students
% Students of Color
45%
27%
% International Students
16%
20%
% Students ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø
60%
70%
Average SAT Score
1210
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
13
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
63%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$13 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
$66,900
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee of $17,000.)
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee of $17,000.)
$66,200
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$31,600
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee.)
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee.)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$66,900
$57,500
Summer Program Cost
$8,500
(Includes tuition, room, board, and activities for 4 weeks.)
(Includes tuition, room, board, and activities for 4 weeks.)
% Students on Financial Aid
56%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$22,961
(Not available for Learning Strategies.)
(Not available for Learning Strategies.)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
45%
60%
Director of Admissions
Mike Mckee
Associate Director of Admissions
Sarah Harris
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
13
18
Courses
Advanced Art, Advanced English 11, Advanced U.S. History, Advanced World History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, English 10 Honors, Math I Honors - Geometry & Algebra, Math II Honors - Data, Models, & Predictions, Math III Honors - Mathematical Analysis, Spanish II Honors, Spanish III Honors, US History Honors
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
8
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
19
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Affinity Club, Badminton Club, Computer Science Club, Dance Company, Debate Club, Dormitory Council, Film Club, Peer Tutoring Association, Spirit Committee, Student Government, Surf Club, Sustainability Club, Youth 4 Direct Relief Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama/Theatre, Dunn School Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mountain Biking, Pickle Ball, Swimming, Yoga
Affinity Club, Badminton Club, Computer Science Club, Dance Company, Debate Club, Dormitory Council, Film Club, Peer Tutoring Association, Spirit Committee, Student Government, Surf Club, Sustainability Club, Youth 4 Direct Relief Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama/Theatre, Dunn School Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mountain Biking, Pickle Ball, Swimming, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2020
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Chapman
2
Northeastern University
2
University of California - Irvine
2
University of California at Los Angeles
2
University of Southern California (USC)
2
Barnard College
1
California Polytechnic State University
1
New York University
1
University of Oregon
1
Wellesley College
1
School Notes
- LD types supported: Mild/Moderate Learning Differences
- Dunn School accreditations: TABS, NAIS, WBSA, SSATB, WASC
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mike Boone - Inventor of Boone Boards and highly successful serial entrepreneur.
- Justin Ching '07 - Film maker, professor at USC, and Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient.
- Nyuol Tong '10 - Founder/Publisher of The Bare Life Review and Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient.
- Yoky Matsuoka - Co-founder of Google X, CTO of Google Nest.
- Abu Danladi '19 - MLS recruit and Gatorade National Player of the Year. Currently playing for Nashville Soccer Club.
- Aiden Terry - Oscar-winning animater who worked with Kobe Bryant.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dunn School cost?
Dunn School's tuition is approximately $66,900 for boarding students and $31,600 for day students.
What schools are Dunn School often compared to?
Dunn Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cate School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Dunn School?
The acceptance rate of Dunn School is 45%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Dunn School?
Dunn School famous alumni include: Mike Boone, Justin Ching '07, Nyuol Tong '10, Yoky Matsuoka, Abu Danladi '19 and Aiden Terry.
What sports does Dunn School offer?
Dunn School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Dunn School offer a summer program?
Yes, Dunn School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What is Dunn School's ranking?
Dunn School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes and Low student:teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for Dunn School?
The application deadline for Dunn School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Dunn School vs. Cate School
People that viewed Dunn School also viewed these schools: Cate School, Besant Hill School, Stevenson School, The Thacher School and The Webb Schools.
The nearest boarding school to Dunn School is Midland School (1.5 miles away)
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