Why Hickory Day School?

Hickory Day School is one of 15 schools in North Carolina (and the only school in Hickory) that is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Organization Primary Years Program (PYP) to students in grades kindergarten through five. We continue to incorporate the values of the IBO philosophy into our curriculum for students in our middle school (grades six through eight). Hickory Day School is proud to offer these distinguished educational programs in an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian educational environment. Through an integrated curriculum, we place emphasis for all ages not only on the traditional core subjects but also on the arts, wellness, and foreign language.

As an authorized International Baccalaureate PYP School, our mission is centered around promoting the development of responsible global citizens. 

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

- IBO mission statement (http://www.ibo.org)

Hickory Day School does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual identification, or sexual orientation. Because HDS is not an appropriate placement for every child, the admissions process is selective.  Click here to view the admissions policy.