About

Why Dawson

Limitless Learning and Opportunity

Families that choose Dawson receive world-class education and opportunities. Our spectacular 107-acre campus is designed for students to feel secure, inspired, and part of a community. We are known for our college preparatory program and for providing K-12 students with a relevant curriculum that prepares them for an increasingly competitive, innovative, and connected world. We are also dedicated to providing students with meaningful, challenging experiences, personalized attention, and strong social-emotional programming.

Whether a student's interests lie in academic disciplines, athletics, technology, the arts, business, or passions outside of school, Dawson provides a path for each student to reach their potential and graduate with a strong sense of self.

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Hands-On Learning

Students spend an average of 100 hours each year learning outside the traditional classroom. From field trips to community service, travel, internships, on-campus labs, speakers, and maker space activities, students get to stretch their imagination of what's possible, solve problems, think critically, discover their talents, and, most importantly, stay engaged and motivated.

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Personal Attention

The average class size at Dawson is 15, and our faculty-to-student ratio is 7:1. Feeling valued and connected gives students a sense of belonging at school. When students feel a sense of belonging in the classroom, it increases their academic success and motivational outcomes. We intentionally invest in creating community and nurturing relationships across our community.

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A Safe Space

We have an on-site security team, enhanced video monitoring capabilities, modern security upgrades, and a full-time social-emotional support staff. Additionally, all faculty, staff, and coaches undergo mandatory background and reference checks, plus annual training in first aid, emergency protocols, and sexual misconduct prevention. Providing a secure, supportive environment is always our top priority.

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Experienced Faculty

70% of our faculty have advanced degrees and an average tenure of 8 years. Experienced teachers help students do better on tests and improve informal learning in areas such as behavior, cognition, motivation, and emotion. Having consistent, dedicated faculty is the key to Dawson's incredible community and the unmatched mentorship that is afforded to each student.

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Higher Standards

Our college acceptance rates are well above the global average, and 100% of our graduates are accepted to a four-year college or university. We attribute this to our high academic standards, which are challenging and ask students to apply their knowledge and skills in new ways. Our higher standards prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and the community.

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Student-Centered College Counseling

Our college counseling program is a customized journey that begins freshman year. We provide 1:1 guidance with a dedicated college counseling team throughout the preparation, search, and application process, ensuring the right fit based on academics, goals, culture, personality, finances, and interests.

Dawson Student, Chloe S. '25

"I could not be more grateful for my last three years at Dawson. I started as a freshman, and within the first couple of days, I felt like I had found my home. One of my favorite things about Dawson is that each and every teacher/staff member cares about me not only academically but also as a human being. I also believe that Dawson is full of the best and most opportunities in the area. Students are not afraid to jump outside their comfort zone or try a new activity. Dawson is incredible!"

Class of 2024 Accolades

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100% college acceptance across 140 schools
127 merit awards received totaling $7.6 million in aid
Multiple teams qualified for the CHSAA State Playoffs
Robotics Team was the recipient of the Gene Haas Foundation FIRST Grant
2 Bobby G Award Nominations for our production of Mean Girls The Musical
Speech and Debate CHSAA Festival State Champions
3 National Merit Commended Scholars
18 AP Scholars
3 AP Scholars with honors
13 AP Scholars with Distinction

Acceptances & Matriculation

Michelle Yano, Dawson Parent

"The faculty and staff genuinely care for each student. They put immense effort into getting to know each and every child. Dawson has created a safe environment for our son to be his authentic self, encouraging his curiosity and making it easier for him to learn."

Our Strategic Vision

Dawson's strategic vision was developed to guide the school's planning process and decision-making and to uphold Dawson's virtues of respect, compassion, courage, and integrity.

Dawson is known for its consistent and dedicated focus on delivering an exceptional, innovative, and relevant educational program.
Dawson is known for the excellence of its teachers, their mentoring of students, and their enthusiasm for collaborative professional growth and development.
Dawson is known for attracting young people who are explorers by nature and who confidently push beyond a traditional college preparatory education to bring their best to a dynamic world.
Dawson is known as a community asset, whose partnerships with leading global, regional, and local businesses provide meaningful opportunities for its students.