Dana Hall School Photo #9 - A view from Dana Hall's new outdoor arena at sunset. Since the 1930s, Dana Hall has offered a comprehensive riding program. Located right on campus, the Karen Stives '68 Equestrian Center offers complete stable facilities and classes ranging from beginner to advanced with instruction to suit every level of rider.

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 Facts (2026)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
  • Grades: (Day Students) 5-12
  • 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 10 schools with > 400 students (out of 102 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
Dana Hall School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
5-12
Pre-K-12
School Type
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1881
1909
Campus Size
55 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar

Student Body

Enrollment
465 students
300 students
% Students of Color
38%
25%
% International Students
14%
20%
% Students Boarding
34%
70%
Average SAT Score
1360
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
*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%
70%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$79.2 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$71,748
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$58,190
$33,500
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$41,517
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Admissions

Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
No
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Director of Admissions
Angela N. Brown
Associate Director of Admissions
Elizabeth Connelly
Application URL

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
16
17
Courses
AP Art HistoryAP Biology
AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BC
AP ChemistryAP Computer Science
AP English compositionAP English Literature
AP European HistoryAP French Language
AP LatinAP Physics C
AP Spanish LanguageAP Spanish Literature
AP StatisticsAP Studio Art
AP U.S. History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
23
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
and HallmanacBig/Little Siblings
Blue KeyBoarding and Day Prefects
Disciplinary CouncilEnvironment Club
KesherRock Climibing
SalaamStudent Publications: Mirage
Vegetarian Food and Cooking Club


Arts and Music Programs:
ChamberChorale/Honors Chorale


Recreational Athletic Programs:

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Bucknell University
5
American University
3
Boston University
3
Emory University
3
New York University
3
Syracuse University
3
Tufts University
3
University of Michigan
3
Wake Forest University
3
Northeastern University
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
  • School Motto: Not explicitly stated
  • School Mascot: Dragons
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 16 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, 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 Small average class sizes.
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)
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