Why Hickory Day School?

Hickory Day School is one of twelve schools in North Carolina to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) to students in grades transitional kindergarten through grade five. To expand this globally-recognized educational choice, Hickory Day School is currently applying for authorization to offer the Middle Years Programme for grades six through eight. Hickory Day School is proud to offer these distinguished educational programmes in an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian educational environment.

For more information on our IB Primary Years Programme, please visit our Primary Years Programme (PYP) page.

As an authorized International Baccalaureate PYP School, our mission is to promote the development of future global citizens. The HDS Admissions Policy reflects the mission statement of the IBO:

“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 IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Hickory Day School admits qualified students without regard to race, religion, or natural origin. Because HDS is not an appropriate placement for every child, the admissions process is selective.