Hackley School

Hackley offers Independent Research Programs that let students pursue deep, self-directed inquiry beyond the classroom. Independent Science Research, founded in 2015, guides student-designed projects with mentors at universities, medical institutions or research facilities, with summers spent in hands-on research and presentations at Hackley's Annual Research Symposium and at regional or national fairs. Independent Research Courses in English and History provide juniors and seniors with undergraduate‑level research experiences under faculty mentorship. Hackley Model United Nations participates in conferences such as BUSUN at Brown University, recognizing students with awards like Outstanding Delegate.

Performing Arts at Hackley fosters ensemble work, collaboration and growth. Drama at Hackley includes grade-level plays in Lower School, collaboration and stage presence in Middle School, and Upper School productions integrated into the curriculum. Music programs include Band, Jazz Combos, Chorus, Strings and Orchestra, with specialized groups such as Jazz Band, Chamber Ensembles and a cappella. The Addams Family spring production took place March 11–14, 2026 at the Allen Center for the Creative Arts and Technology.

The Global Education program includes The Casten Trip Program, Language Immersion trips, Round Square membership, the Global Context Upper School course, Our Rwanda Partnership and the Virtual Exchange program. Round Square connects Hackley students to exchanges and conferences with peers from more than 200 schools in 50 countries. Students travel to places such as Cape Town, Beijing, Denmark, Laos, Kigali, Delhi, Japan and Rwanda as part of these opportunities.

Driving Change Through Service, Sustainability and Advocacy features student‑led clubs focused on environmental and social causes. Examples include the Hackley Lake Keepers partnering with the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council to protect waterways; Intraspectrum raising autism awareness with Project Ready; the Hackley Earth Action League promoting sustainable campus practices; and the Soup Kitchen Club providing meals to those in need.

Hackley's Community Engagement program centers on service‑learning and partnerships with local organizations to connect classroom learning with real‑world impact. These projects provide meaningful, real‑world learning experiences and foster leadership, empathy and social responsibility. While service is not mandatory, students volunteer and lead initiatives, including Upper School Midnight Run activities to deliver sandwiches to those in need.

Hackley's student government is the Community Council, which empowers Upper School students to lead and unify the school community and to foster collaboration between students, teachers and administrators. Many students participate in peer tutoring and mentoring through the Hudson Scholars program, building leadership, empathy and civic values. Across the School, students lead mission‑focused clubs, plan fundraisers, host campus events and run club meetings with guidance from faculty advisors.

Athletics are a natural extension of the school day, strengthening both mind and body and fostering character and teamwork. The program supports athletes at all levels with highly qualified coaches who challenge them, celebrate their progress and help them grow. Hackley competes as a NYSAIS member with a strong tradition of excellence across all sports, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.