Dana Hall School

45 Dana Road
Wellesley, MA 02482
Audacious since 1881, Dana Hall School has always been dedicated to providing the vigorous education that every girl deserves-one that`s academically ambitious, rich with opportunity, and fiercely empowering.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 465 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,748
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $58,190
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Dana Hall School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Dana Hall School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
5-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1881
1907
Campus Size
55 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
465 students
310 students
% Students of Color
38%
25%
% International Students
14%
20%
% Students Boarding
34%
67%
Average SAT Score
1360
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
31
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$79.2 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$71,748
$64,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$58,190
$35,000
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$41,517
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Director of Admissions
Angela N. Brown
Associate Director of Admissions
Elizabeth Connelly

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP English composition, AP English Literature, AP European History, AP French Language, AP Physics C, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
50
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
AFUN (Animal Club), Anime Club, ArtSquad, Asian Affinity Group, Babel (Linguistics and Philosophy), Baking Club, Blue Key, Bridge Club, Business Club, Coding Club, Community Service Advisory Board, Crew (Spirit Club), Disciplinary Committee, Focus (Yearbook), Girl Up, Green Action Committee, Hallmanac (School Newspaper), HOPE (Health & Happiness, Optimism, Psychology and Encouragement), International Student Association, Journaling Club, Kesher (Jewish Student Group), Kpop/Girls' Hip Hop, Lab Dragons (science), Math Club, Middle School Outreach, Mixed Race Affinity Group, Model United Nations, Music Appreciation, Namaste (Southeast Asian Alliance Group), Neurodiversity Alliance Group, Peer Education, Proctors, Rock Climibing, Salaam, Salaam (Muslim Student Group), SHADES (Black and Latinx Affinity Group), STAR Club (School Philanthropy), Stock and Investment Club, Student Activities Committee, Student Council, Student Publications: Mirage

Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber, Gospel Choir, Mirage (Student-led literary arts magazine), String Society

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Badminton, Pickle Ball, Rock Climbing, Spinning, Yoga

College Matriculation

Year: 2023
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Cornell University
3
New York University
3
Northeastern University
3
Tulane University
3
Barnard College
2
Brown University
2
Dartmouth College
2
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2
Santa Clara University
2
University of Michigan
2

School Notes

  • Dana Hall School is unlike any other learning environment a girl will ever experience. We`re a school where students tackle demanding coursework and high academic expectations with joy, enthusiasm, and genuine curiosity. A place where girls take the lead in every classroom, on every stage, and on every sports field. We cultivate an environment in which students feel free to discover, become, and express exactly who they are. 
  • At Dana Hall, we believe that academic excellence is best realized in girls whose social and emotional needs are equally considered with their intellect. Here, girls have a rare opportunity to explore-fully and without reserve-every aspect of who they are. Their true interests, nascent talents, bold ambitions, and leadership qualities. What ignites their curiosity, moves their hearts, and gives them purpose. Since 1881, our students` undeniable success - at Dana Hall, in college, and in the world - has borne out the wisdom of our educational philosophy. 
  • Dana Hall School accreditations: NEASC
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Margaret Wise Brown, 1928 - Author of children's books
    • Ginny Gilder, 1976 - Olympic Medalist, Philanthropist, Co-owner of the WNBA Seattle Storm
    • Latanya Arvette Sweeney, 1977 - Computer scientist, 2010 Dana Hall Distinguished Alumna Award recipient
    • Cynthia (Irving) Voigt, 1959 - Author of young adult books
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Dana Hall School cost?
Dana Hall School's tuition is approximately $71,748 for boarding students and $58,190 for day students.
Who are famous alumni from Dana Hall School?
Dana Hall School famous alumni include: Margaret Wise Brown, 1928, Ginny Gilder, 1976, Latanya Arvette Sweeney, 1977 and Cynthia (Irving) Voigt, 1959.
What sports does Dana Hall School offer?
Dana Hall School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Dana Hall School's ranking?
Dana Hall School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High average SAT scores and High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for Dana Hall School?
The application deadline for Dana Hall School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2018
5.00
Emory University
The relationships I had with my teachers will stick with me for the rest of my life. They encouraged me, challenged me, rooted for me, and wanted only the best for me and my classmates. . .

Class of 2016
5.00
University of Pennsylvania
One thing unique about Dana is its horse stables. This is one of the main reasons why I was initially drawn to the school. I loved horses and wanted to learn horseback riding in boarding. . .

Class of 1980
5.00
Garland Jr. College
Dana Hall gave us the freedom to think, create, engage and learn from inspiring staff members. . .
Show more reviews (3 reviews)
Submit Review for Dana Hall School
Earn $20 by submitting your alumni review!

Recent Articles

5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
January 21, 2024
5 Tips for Applying for a Boarding School Job
Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching career, these tips will help you navigate the competitive landscape of boarding school job applications. Discover the strategies that can make your application stand out and increase your chances of landing a job at a boarding school.
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
January 19, 2024
How I Made Latin One of the Most Popular Classes
Discover the fascinating journey of how Latin became one of the most popular classes in my school. Join me as I share my experiences, strategies, and insights from my years of teaching Latin, and making it an engaging and sought-after subject for students.
Landing Your Dream Job in a Boarding School: Tips and Guidance
January 02, 2024
Landing Your Dream Job in a Boarding School: Tips and Guidance
Discover the secrets to successfully securing a teaching position in a private school with our comprehensive guide. We'll walk you through the online application process, offer tips on polishing your application, and provide insights into the specific requirements and expectations of boarding schools. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this article will help you stand out and land your dream job in a boarding school.

Featured Schools

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 465 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,748
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $58,190
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Quick Links