What HDS Means to Me:
Quotes from the HDS Community
"The amount of work required to succeed in high school is pretty much the same as the work required at HDS. I transitioned a lot easier compared to my new peers.”
HDS Alum
“We strongly encourage parents of all young students to visit HDS. It's a uniquely amazing school that Hickory is fortunate to have because of its IB emphasis & values, its outstanding staff, its low student-to-teacher ratio, its academic rigor, and its culture. We teach students HOW to learn; the value of learning; and the importance of being globally-minded, ambitious citizens who strive to make a difference in the world. We have seen the entire spectrum of educational levels offered here as our son has attended HDS for nine years. Not only has he benefited from learning both Spanish and Latin here, but he has also enjoyed the challenge of taking Algebra I as a seventh grader. He has had the opportunity to help the community through his year-long IB Exhibition independent project on littering, has loved playing on the HDS basketball and soccer teams, and has enjoyed the chess club and the middle school/kindergarten reading buddy program. HDS offers a well-rounded, top-quality educational experience. We are quite confident in his ability to move forward successfully into high school; he has been armed with the reasoning, discipline, and analytical skills to embrace his interests, explore new opportunities, and tackle whatever challenges he encounters."
Current Parent
"The amount of work required to succeed in high school is pretty much the same as the work required at HDS. I transitioned a lot easier compared to my new peers.”
HDS Alum
“I see it as this. A good system will fix a bad person. The IB philosophy is perfect for nurturing the next generation of leaders and activists in world and for those who want to help people, like me."
HDS Alum
"I love Hickory Day School."
Current Parent
“I cannot imagine who I would be without HDS. I see in high school some people who do some pretty mean things to others, and for what? A laugh? For me personally HDS was all about loving and respecting people and that is the philosophy of which I live by.”
HDS Alum
“Prompted by concerns over budgetary cuts in North Carolina's public school system and our daughter's lack of challenge and enthusiasm, coupled with her constant worries about required testing, we decided to check out Hickory Day School when our daughter was entering third grade. We immediately fell in love with the school's teaching style, philosophies, worldly view and well-rounded curriculum. The school's low student to teacher ratio allows for school work to be customized for each child's levels, needs and individuality; the philosophies and principles of the IB program encourage inquiry and research and foster self-awareness, global citizenship and a love of learning. Since enrolling her at Hickory Day, we have seen our daughter become excited about learning, come out of her shell to try new things, take charge of her school work and push herself to higher levels. With her entering high school next year, we are confident Emily is well equipped to succeed academically wherever she goes. Come check out for yourself what makes Hickory Day School a wonderful and unique learning environment for children in our community.”
Current Parent
“HDS is all about learning especially in areas most schools don’t talk about. From note taking, to study tools to how to overcome obstacles, HDS prepared me for my future.”
HDS Alum
“Hickory Day School represents so much more to our family than just a school. Hickory Day is a community and a family. We have entrusted HDS with our children’s education in their most crucial formative years. In return, we have seen our children grow into critical thinkers with a curiosity for understanding not only their academic subjects but the world in which they live. We have seen them grow into assertive young learners who make connections between classroom material they master and their respective life experiences. Hickory Day School not only provides students with exceptional preparation for academically rigorous high school programs but for their futures as global citizens. “
Current Parent
“HDS gives students the chance to help the greater Hickory community through the exhibition project. Middle school student participate in many charity events and the students who come out of HDS are very proactive in helping the greater Hickory community.”
HDS Alum
“As parents, we have been so grateful for a well rounded education with a world view. The individual attention and support from faculty and staff have been so appreciated. We feel that our children’s needs have been met to form confident, well rounded individuals who are ready to be positive contributors to their community now and in the future. “
Current Parent
“As an alumni who went through the full 10 years, I cannot express enough why you should bring your kid to HDS. Through the PYP program your child will learn how to be a caring, knowledgeable, open-minded person.”
HDS Alum