Understanding the Cost of Education at The Dunham School

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, involving careful consideration of various factors, including the cost of tuition. The Dunham School, a leading private Christian school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers a college preparatory education for students in PK2-12. Understanding the tuition structure and available financial aid options is crucial for families considering Dunham.

The Dunham School: An Overview

The Dunham School distinguishes itself through intentionally small classes, a blend of traditional and innovative teaching methods, and the integration of technology to foster creativity and intellectual curiosity. Grounded in Christian values, the school aims to cultivate students' faith and character, emphasizing personal honor and integrity. The school culture fosters a strong sense of community and supportive relationships. Dunham is committed to continuous innovation in teaching and learning, recognizing each child as a unique gift from God with the potential to succeed. The faculty is considered essential to the school's success in educating minds and hearts for Christ.

The school is located in the Oak Hills Place neighborhood of Baton Rouge, LA. The Dunham School boasts an 8:1 student/teacher ratio and an average class size of 14 students. As an Apple Distinguished School since 2011, Dunham integrates technology into its curriculum. The school has a 60% acceptance rate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition at The Dunham School varies depending on the grade level. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition ranges from $13,355 to $23,300.

Re-enrollment Fee

A non-refundable re-enrollment fee is required annually for students in PK3-12. The fee is $300 if paid on or before January 31st, but increases to $550 after that date.

Dunham Early Childhood Center (ECC) Tuition

The Dunham Early Childhood Center (ECC) is designed for two-year-olds and their families. The ECC program offers both 10-month (August to May) and 12-month (August to July) options. The tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $13,950 for the 10-month program and $16,740 for the 12-month program. Families can choose to pay monthly or annually.

The ECC operates from 7:15 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Learning activities are scheduled between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, with early care available from 7:15 am to 8:00 am and late care from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at no extra charge. Snacks and a hot, nutritious lunch are provided daily.

McKay Academic Center for Excellence (MAC) Fees

The McKay Academic Center for Excellence (MAC) provides support for students with diverse learning needs. Fees for the MAC are determined on a sliding scale, depending on the level of assistance required. Students enrolled in the Compensation Program, which offers a specialized classroom environment for students with specific learning differences, may incur additional fee-based services that are added to their tuition.

Tuition Assistance and Scholarships

The Dunham School recognizes that independent school education is a significant financial investment. The school aims to make its education accessible to families regardless of their economic circumstances by offering need-based tuition assistance and merit-based scholarships.

Need-Based Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance is available for students in PK3-12th grade. It is not available for Dunham Early Childhood Center students. Families of all socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they demonstrate a need.

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Financial need is evaluated by ISM's Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST), a third-party service that provides schools with an analysis and guidelines for making fair and equitable tuition assistance awards. FAST considers factors such as income, assets, and the number of dependents, while also accounting for living expenses, retirement contributions, taxes, medical costs, and other unusual expenses.

The FAST analysis serves as a guide for the school, but it is not a guarantee of an award amount. Tuition Assistance awards are not automatically renewed, and families must reapply each year.

Applications for Tuition Assistance for the 2026-2027 school year will be accepted beginning December 15, 2025. Families are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Virtus Scholarship Program

The Virtus Scholarship Program awards full-tuition merit scholarships to new students entering grades 8-10 who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, character, and leadership. Eligibility for the Virtus Scholarship is determined by the Dunham Admissions Office based on the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) scores and school records.

To maintain the scholarship, recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. If a student is offered a Virtus Scholarship, they will receive instructions for completing an online enrollment contract, which must be completed within five days of the award offer. Failure to complete the contract by the deadline will result in the withdrawal of the scholarship offer.

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Merit Award Program

The Merit Award Program provides academic merit scholarships to new students entering grades 7-10 who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, character, and leadership. Award amounts vary and are determined by the Merit Scholarship Committee in partnership with the Division Head, subject to budget availability.

Similar to the Virtus Scholarship, recipients of the Merit Award will receive instructions for completing an online enrollment contract, which must be completed within five days of the award offer. Failure to complete the contract by the deadline will result in the withdrawal of the award offer.

Additional Expenses

In addition to tuition and fees, families should also consider other potential expenses, such as uniforms, books, school supplies, extracurricular activities, and field trips.

The Value of a Dunham Education

While the cost of private education can be a significant investment, many families believe that the benefits of a Dunham education are well worth the expense. These benefits include:

Academic Excellence: Dunham offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The school also offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Christian Environment: Dunham integrates Christian values into all aspects of the school experience, fostering students' spiritual growth and character development.
Small Class Sizes: Dunham's low student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention and individualized instruction.
Strong Community: Dunham has a supportive and welcoming community of students, faculty, and parents.
Extracurricular Activities: Dunham offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, fine arts, and clubs.

Making the Decision

Choosing a school is a personal decision that should be based on the individual needs and priorities of each family. If you are considering The Dunham School, it is important to:

Visit the campus: Schedule a campus visit or virtual meeting with the director of enrollment management to learn more about the school's programs and facilities.
Meet with faculty and staff: Talk to teachers, coaches, and administrators to get a better sense of the school's culture and approach to education.
Talk to current families: Connect with current Dunham families to hear about their experiences.
Consider your budget: Carefully evaluate your family's financial situation and determine whether you can afford the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Explore financial aid options: If you need financial assistance, apply for tuition assistance and scholarships.

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