Since its founding days, Dunn School has subscribed to the belief that participation in organized athletics is essential to the well-rounded development of our students as they challenge their own perceived limitations. Through athletics, students are encouraged to develop confidence and leadership skills while learning the value of teamwork and fair play. Athletics helps students learn how to accept obvious differences in ability level among their peers and teaches them how to work with others to accomplish well-defined goals. Dunn's coaches place an emphasis on participation and good sportsmanship, with the expectation that every team member contributes his/her best effort to the group.

Middle school students are required to participate in at least one team sport each year. DMS is proud to field teams in Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball, Coed Baseball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Girls Tennis, and Boys Tennis.  Practices are held each day, Monday through Thursday, during the regular academic day, and competitions with local public and private schools in the Santa Ynez Valley Middle School League are held on weekday afternoons and evenings.    
                           

In the off seasons, students maintain their physical readiness in Physical Education classes held each day, Monday through Thursday. The goal of the PE program is to help students develop a passion for maintaining a physically healthy lifestyle through exercise, goal-setting, intellectual stimulation, game playing, teamwork, and fun. Assets in creating and maintaining a physically healthy lifestyle are familiarity with diverse and accessible physical activities and the development of the proper mental framework to appreciate the exercise experience. There is no better time to develop long term muscle memory and coordination than in the middle school years.  We take advantage of this fact by running a PE program that physically and mentally challenges students to expand their horizons.