Mission/Philosophy
Our Mission
Hickory Day School instills in its students a love of learning in a unique environment that emphasizes academic excellence, critical-thinking skills, and global perspectives.
Our Values
The values of Hickory Day School represent the values of the IBO Learner Profile:
Inquirers: we nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable: we develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers: we use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: we express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled: we act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-minded: we critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: we show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-takers: we approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced: we understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical, and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective: we thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Our Philosophy
We encourage curiosity and learn through inquiry.
We foster self-awareness and global citizenship.
We celebrate cultures, perspectives, and languages.
We engage our students in a world-class education.
Our Organization
Hickory Day School is an academic institution serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Hickory Day School is guided by a Board of Trustees and Head of School. In addition to a foundational curriculum in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, our students also receive instruction in foreign languages, visual arts, performing arts, wellness, music, and technology.
Our Curriculum
At every grade level, Hickory Day School's curriculum empowers and inspires students to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and compassionate, action-oriented citizens. Our rigorous academic program integrates the North Carolina Standard Course of Study with the International Baccalaureate framework, engaging students in meaningful, inquiry-based learning that fosters curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence.
Through this dynamic approach, students develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to become responsible, confident, and well-prepared citizens who are ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing world.
Our Students
Hickory Day School students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become lifelong learners.
Hickory Day School students reflect on their learning, enabling them to make informed, healthy, and responsible choices.
Hickory Day School students value and contribute to a caring, respectful, and inclusive school community.