Dunn School Photo #9 - We have a beautiful ceramics studio full of natural light and offer several levels of courses in ceramics.

Dunn School

P.O. Box 98, 2555 W. Highway 154
Los Olivos, CA 93441
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 educate the whole student 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: (Boarding Students) 9-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) 6-12
  • Enrollment: 249 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding 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 98 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Attention

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Dunn School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
PK-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Mild/Moderate Learning Differences
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1957
1906
Campus Size
58 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
249 students
315 students
% Students of Color
45%
26%
% International Students
16%
20%
% Students Boarding
60%
70%
Average SAT Score
1210
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »18
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 Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$13 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$66,900
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee of $17,000.)
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$31,600
(Financial aid and payment plans available. Learning Strategies is an additional fee.)
$35,600
Tuition international students
$66,900
$57,650
Summer Program Cost
$8,500
(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.)
$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

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

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

    • Dunn School has a long history of facilitating the education, growth, and development of passion and knowledge of a diverse group of students. Our alumni have gone on to lead lives of leadership and responsibility in all manner of ways.Our whole student education approach is founded on close personal relationships between faculty and students in aligned partnership with parents. Our family-oriented, small school culture allows us to know each student deeply and individually. Through our one to one advisor program, we help students to discover and explore their passions and interests, take on challenges, and discover their academic and non-academic potential - while preserving their emotional and mental wellness. No matter where Dunn students are or what they are doing, they are always learning.How is Dunn School different than other boarding schools? We encourage you to visit our beautiful campus to meet our community and discover our inspiring culture and inclusive ethos that makes Dunn unique. There is something at Dunn for any student who is motivated and willing to do the work - whether your goal is to attend a top tier college, play athletics at a competitive level, hone your entreprenuerial or music skills, or develop a well rounded portfolio of personal and educational experiences that will ignite passion and lifelong learning. Our dedicated community will help you get there and provide a life changing experience in the process.Take a virtual campus tour
    • 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 summer school page 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 ).
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    Quick Stats (2024-25)

    • Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
    • Grades: (Day Students) 6-12
    • Enrollment: 249 students
    • Yearly Tuition (Boarding 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

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