The Dunham School

My family has been affiliated with the Dunham School for six years. I have read posts below suggesting that Dunham has a bullying problem and that the school does not listen to parents' concerns. This has not been our experience. Bullying exists in every school on some level, and when our son experienced a minor bullying issue, it was swiftly dealt with by the lower school principal. Similarly, Dunham is not an inexpensive school. It is predominantly school for upper middle class and affluent families seeking a college preparatory education that includes a strong Christian influence. It embraces diversity and provides some scholarships, but some families do not appreciate that Dunham is working to be a peer of the nation's elite independent schools. The school is sensitive to the cost of a Dunham education and the budgets of its families, but tuition will likely continue to rise annually, a d families will be expected to support fundraising and building campaigns as The Dunham School continues to grow and build its reputation and academic and athletic programs.
--Submitted by a parent

I taught at The Dunham School and wouldn't consider sending my children to any other school. It is truly a community that rallies around it families. Well balanced children who make positive contributions to society and eternity is the mission of the faculty and staff at the school. I think that they do an incredible job at fulfilling this mission.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter is in her first year at Dunham for 7th grade and could not be happier. She has blossomed and the kids and teachers have been wonderful. This has been the best thing for my child and I'm looking forward to the next 5 years at Dunham.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Dunham and graduated last year. It is a wonderful school, with a very warm and caring atmosphere and attitude. It is well worth the money and is the best investment financially a parent can make, your child's education and their future!! The academic and spiritual emphasis is high and the school is well rounded with all the sports, music, drama and art programs as well. I am very thankful that my child had the opportunity to attend this fine school. He never experienced or witnessed any bullying as I noticed one other parent has stated several times.
--Submitted by a parent

The Dunham School is an average school academically that charges a ridiculously high tuition for the academic experience that it provides. It suffers from the "little rich white kid" syndrome and has a horrible bullying problem that lurks beneath its surface. They purport to be a "Christian" SCHOOL, BUT DO NOTHING TO STOP THE PROBLEMS. For the money charged, you are much better off going to Episcopal.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been at this school since Pre-K, and I believe that no other school in Baton Rouge can compare with it. The teachers are great. They challenge you without giving you too much homework. I have never come across a mean teacher at this school. I believe that this school deserves a five-star rating.

I have an elementary and high school student at Dunham. The elementary side is organized with a diverse, well developed curriculum. The high school side is good in certain areas; however, the programs for high school students is limited considering tuition is 12K. The high school administrators do no listen to parents as is stated here by many others. Also, many parents are not very friendly (snobbish and arrogant). Girl sports (except volleyball) is horrible. The parents nor most of the girls seem to have a real commitment. Many of the kids act like rich, spoiled brats who do not know what it is to work hard for success. Overall, I am not completely satisfied with the school, but my high school student will finish at Dunham because I can am more satisfied than dissatisfied with the education she is getting. However, I am not sure about my younger child remaining after the older graduate. I think the small things at Dunham can be fixed, but the administration has to listen to the middle class parents (who have a genuine concern) as oppossed to the rich donors whose kids are there because they cant make it anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

When a relative went to the school office to withdraw her stepsons, the secretary(ies) were rude to her. I have visited many public and private schools in the Baton Rouge area and never encountered rude secretaries. One should expect high levels of employee professionalism at both public and private schools.

I removed both of my children from this school after repeatedly asking for the bullying issue to be addressed. They talk the talk but rarely walk the walk....
--Submitted by a parent

We adore Dunham. It is an incredible Christ centered Community. Dunham truly educates the whole child - academically, spiritually and physically. We are thankful for the influence it has had in our children's lives.
--Submitted by a parent