Admissions | The Dunham School | Private PreK2-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Admissions Process

You want the best for your child. So do we.

At The Dunham School, we believe in educating both the mind and the heart for Christ. Our mission is to provide a college preparatory education that is rooted in Christian values, where students are challenged academically and inspired to live a life of purpose and service. We invite you to join us on a journey to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and faith they need to succeed and make a positive impact on the world. Our admissions team would be delighted to visit and walk through the enrollment process with you.

We encourage you to begin the admissions process by scheduling a campus visit to meet with our director of admission and enrollment and take a personal tour of the school. If you would prefer to schedule a virtual admissions meeting, please email our office.

When you visit, 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.

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 admit incoming seniors except in the cases of relocation, returning students or other extenuating circumstances.

The Dunham School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance program, athletics, and other school-administered programs.


Ready to submit your application?

Submit your online application through our admissions portal. You will be asked to create a username and password in order to save and submit your application. These login credentials will also be used to sign enrollment and re-enrollment contracts and submit various school forms. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email our office or call us at (225) 767-7097 ext. 320.


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.

 

How to Apply
  1. Schedule an interview and tour with our Director of Admission and Enrollment; you may schedule an individual campus visit, a virtual meeting, or attend an open house.
  2. Submit an online application and non-refundable $100 application fee by November 29 for Lower School early decision notification or January 10 for Middle/Upper School early decision notification; candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines are moved into our regular decision pool.
  3. Complete admissions testing (PK3-12 only).
  4. Schedule applicant interview (5-12 only).
  5. Please note that the following required documents must be submitted along with the online application:  
  • principal and teacher recommendations
  • school transcript (grades 9-12 only)
  • ‍report cards for previous two years (1-12 only)
  • ‍previous standardized test scores (1-12 only)

Dunham Early Childhood Center

Families interested in registering for the Dunham Early Childhood Center will submit an online application. Please make sure you select Early Childhood Center as your entering grade to access the correct form. Once the application is submitted, a member of our staff will contact families to complete the admissions process. Please note that space is limited in our two-year-old program with preference given to siblings, faculty, and alumni. Early Childhood Center students are not automatically eligible to enroll in PK3 the following year and must submit an application and complete the process outlined above.

Admissions testing

Dunham Early Childhood Center
There is no testing required to enroll in the Dunham Early Childhood Center's two-year-old program. However, students will need to sit for a screening prior to enrolling in PK3 the following year. To accommodate Early Childhood Center families, our staff will conduct the screening in the classroom setting during a normal school day.

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 registration 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 6; Middle/Upper School early decision candidates must sit for Admissions Testing by January 25.

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

Dunham Early Childhood Center
Dunham Early Childhood Center candidates will be notified on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Early Decision
PK3-12 candidates who meet the early decision application and testing deadlines will be given priority consideration and will be notified 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 January 31.

Regular Decision
PK3-12 candidates who apply after the early decision application deadlines will be notified as space allows following the enrollment of priority applicants and re-enrollment of current students.

Waiting Pool
Once a grade level reaches capacity, the School will maintain an unranked waiting pool and will offer enrollment contracts as vacancies occur.

Meet our
ADMISSIONS TEAM

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At Dunham, we found a school environment with tradition, a culture with substance, and a leadership team focused on faith, kindness and professionalism. My fifth grader now has public speaking skills that adults struggle with. My four year old looks forward to the events and activities that her brother participated in. My children’s relationship with God has improved, and they have felt loved, supported, understood and challenged. And we are very blessed.

RACHEL HIGGINBOTHAM, DUNHAM PARENT

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DUNHAM

UPCOMING
ADMISSIONS EVENTS