Dunn School is a caring community of teachers and learners, with a balanced approach to whole-student development — all in a beautiful and safe setting in northern Santa Barbara County.
At Dunn, we don't produce just one type of graduate. So we're not looking for a single type of student. Our community is teeming with bright, curious, multi-faceted young people who are finding their way in the world and seeking to develop their strengths for the challenges they face ahead. We believe that taking risks and stretching comfort zones is the essence of real growth. All sorts of students benefit from such an approach.
Join us on a virtual tour of campus!
We'd love to show you around via our virtual tour! Join Mike McKee (Director of Admissions), Amanda Milholland (Director of Summer Programs) and other faculty and staff members as they take you on a tour through campus!
Set up a Virtual Visit
Would you like to meet with a member of our admissions staff? You can request a Zoom meeting by emailing us.
The best way to learn about Dunn is to see it for yourself.
Our approach to academics, our caring community, and our campus are best experienced in person. If you are interested in applying to Dunn, consider coming to campus for a personalized tour and an opportunity to talk with our students, teachers and admission staff.Do you want us to send you more information via email?Request more information here, call us (805-688-6471) or email us.
We're excited that you're considering joining the Dunn School community!
We have worked hard to ensure that the application process is clear and easy. Simply read the section that pertains to you below and follow the instructions. If you have any questions along the way, please call us at 805-688-6471 or email us-- we are happy to help!
PRIORITY DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1
Applications received by February 1 each year receive priority consideration for admission. Applications completed after that date will be considered in the order they are received.
This page provides you with step by step instructions, but if you have any questions, please contact us at admissions@dunnschool.org or call 800-287-9197.
Request information
If you want to receive more information not available on the website, please complete the short online inquiry form.
Complete the online application
Please apply online. Dunn School also accepts the common application from Secondary School Admission Testing or SSAT. Please also request your transcripts from your current school using this form.
Schedule a Campus Visit and Interview
We know you'll want to meet our teachers, coaches, and dorm parents and talk with students who share your interests. The interview is also an important part of the application process. We recommend that you schedule your visit and interview when school is in session. Please call the Admission Office at 800-287-9197 or email admissions@dunnschool.org to arrange your visit.
Register for Testing
We require the SSAT for applicants to grades 9 and 10. Students applying for grades 11 or 12 may submitPSAT or SAT scores. Scores from ISEE will also be accepted. Please forward your scores to Dunn. In order for your scores to arrive before the application deadline, we recommend that you register for the SSAT no later than the January testing date.You can find an SSAT test center and register for the test by following this link.
Our SSAT code is 2914 and our ISEE code is 051863.
Complete the Character Skills Snapshot
Rooted in our five Core Values and whole-student philosophy, character development is a central aspect of Dunn's educational approach. The Character Skills Snapshot helps us understand the areas in which we can help your student grow and thrive as a young person beyond their academic abilities, and we encourage students to submit it as part of their application.
For students who take the SSAT, there is no charge to take this assessment. (Students who opt for the ISEE will be charged $25, though waivers are available for those for whom the fee would prevent application.)
Dunn School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1
Each year, we host two Middle School Open Houses for families who are considering applying to Dunn Middle School. Each program lasts about two hours and includes information on admissions and financial aid, a conversation with teachers, and a tour of the campus. This year's Open Houses are scheduled for:
To RSVP, please email admissions@dunnschool.org.
On March 7 at 9 a.m., we will hold a Diagnostic Test and Interview day for our Middle School Applicants.
NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION: APRIL 10
Applications received by March 1 each year receive priority consideration for admission. Applications completed after that date will be considered in the order they are received.
Step 1: Please complete the short online inquiry form, or email admissions@dunnschool.org to request more information about the Middle School.
Step 2: Attend one of our Open House events or contact us for a personal tour to meet teachers, tour the facilities, and learn about our Whole Student approach to education.
Step 3. Begin the online application. If you have any questions, please let us know. Please also fill out the Request for Transcript form and return to Admissions.
Step 4: Attend the Test and Interview Day on Saturday, March 7, 9:00–11:00 a.m., when students take a mandatory placement test and have a short interview with an admission officer. Make plans now to attend if you think you may apply.
Dunn School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs.
Students from around the world are an important part of Dunn School. Our community includes students from 15 foreign countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. We work hard to provide a welcoming and engaging living environment for students from around the world.
International applicants must have strong proficiency in the English language. If extra language support is needed upon arrival, we offer a Multilingual Support Class as well as a residential ESL Summer Academy.
Step 1: Application
Complete applications must be submitted by February 1 to be considered for our priority round of admissions. Notification of admission decisions occurs by March 10. Applications completed after that date will be considered in the order they are received.
You can apply directly online. We also accept the Secondary Schools Admission Testing (SSAT) and The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) common application.
Step 2: Testing
All international students must take either the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). Please check the SSAT website to find the test centers in your country. Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL. (Applicants for the eighth grade boarding program may submit the TOEFL or the Junior TOEFL.)
Interview
International students are required to interview with an admission officer. We prefer a personal visit to our campus when school is in session, though we will consider a video conference interview once your application is complete and received by the Admission Office. Please call our office to set up an interview at 805-686-4823.
Dunn School has partnered with Vericant to interview all Chinese applicants. All Chinese students applying to Dunn School are required to interview with a representative from Vericant. In addition to an interview, the company will conduct a writing sample with the applicant. Vericant does not evaluate the candidates but provides the interviews and writing samples for Dunn's Admission Office to review. To learn more about Vericant, please visit their website.
Visa Information
When international students are accepted to Dunn School, we issue an I-20 visa after we receive the signed enrollment contract and the required deposit. We encourage families to designate an adult in the USA to act as a guardian for the student in the event of an emergency or to provide lodging during school breaks.
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