The Dunham School

This school has positive aspects and negative aspects. My kids have been there a long time and have made many friends who have had positive impacts on their lives. For the most part the teachers are okay, a few have stood out as excellent. The tuition has doubled since my kids have gone there. It really is not worth the money. The lunch program must be purchased and the employees eat for free (paid for by guess who.) I do have first hand experience with the administration as I had a concern and went in to a meeting with some at the top, they did not seem like humble, Christ serving men but more like arrogant, "I don't care what you think and I'm not going to take anything that you say in to consideration" egotists. They had just gotten a rather large donation in and actually told me the donor and the amount! I couldn't believe it! Money talks at the school big time.
—Submitted by a parent

Inconsistent quality of teachers, mediocre and outdated curriculum, poor response to parent concerns, little teacher accountability, information about test scores and where your child ranks compared to the others is not available, misrepresentation about how well special needs kids are accommodated in regular classes, parents and teachers afraid to express concern or question the status quo for fear of sanctions or retaliation, phony "Christian" atmosphere that seeks to cover up any problems, parents discouraged from meeting or talking to each other--definitely not worth the cost!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student and athlete for my entire duration at Dunham, I'd like to give my input. As far as the bullying claims go, I don't doubt that it does occur from time to time simply because it occurs at EVERY single school in some form. Yes, even Episcopal, Parkview or any other Private/religion-based school. I hope the victim of the previous case is able to start fresh and rebound from the incident. That being said, Dunham is still a great school. It's unfair to judge the entire school on one or a handful of "bad eggs" from a class. There will always be that group of kids or that one kid who is attention-starved and will do whatever it takes to get the attention of their peers, even if it's negative. I think all you can do as a parent is to daily encourage your child to stand up for what is right and as an example even if it goes against the grain. Bc I will tell you those bad eggs in high school are also in college and there are a lot more of them. It's a lot better to learn how to deal with peer pressure in high school then college, when the consequences are a lot more serious. One final note-don't believe everything u hear from kids in high school EVEN with bullying. KidsFib

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

I was attending Dunham in eighth grade last year for one semester. I was originally put in a Latin class, but after the faculty flip-flopped my schedule around they eventually moved me to Spanish I. I had never taken spanish before and didn't know why they would put me in a high school credited class, with a subject I had not taken before. After completing the semester I moved to a different school. Later on I found out I had to take Algebra I again because Dunham had not given me half credit for Algebra. The environment is good, the teaching is good quality, the teachers themselves can sometimes be a pain to get along with, but faculty members do not pay attention to student or parent complaints appropriately. I have also heard of some issues regarding bribery, to my knowledge the end result of this incident lead to the firing a faculty member.

Bullying at this school has never been addressed by the administration. Leadership is lacking. Large donations are expected.
—Submitted by a parent

administration has a problem listening to parents of students.
—Submitted by a parent

Dunham is a wonderful school. All of the students enjoy it, and the atmosphere is one you will take with you wherever you go. This school truly helped me to grow closer to Christ, and I cannot imagine attending anywhere else! Its amazing.
—Submitted by a student

Dunham is an absolutely fantastic school. My two children are in school there, and I could not be happier. In addition to outstanding instruction, the school provides a warm, loving atmosphere. It truly lives up to its motto of an 'education of the heart.' Dunham is a special school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Dunham from kindergarten to 12th grade. I attended the school in the days when it was called Chapel Trafton. My experience at the school was quite rewarding. The teachers are some of the most caring people you will meet, and they truly care about the students. While some of the administration tends to get caught up in rules, honor codes, and 24 hours policies, the overall operation of the school is quite efficient and orderly.
—Submitted by a student

The Dunham School educates the hearts and minds of children for Christ. I knew this to be the mission statement ten years ago when I began teaching at Dunham. Since then, I have seen this mission bear fruit in the lives of my own children who are in fifth and second grade. Dunham is more than a school. It is a community which partners together for the education and support of children. Out in town, senior students walk by my children and know them by name. They've been their 'Tiger Buddies,' mentoring them, connecting with them, and getting to know them. From Pre-K to Senior, Dunham students are pushed to reach their intellectual potential, supported by nurturing arms, and undergirded by a foundation of faith. I am honored to be a part of the Dunham community, and I know it would be a blessing in the life of your family as well.
—Submitted by a teacher