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Hickory Day School

United States, Hickory

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $11,000 - 14,000
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Hickory Day School is a non-profit IB World School located at 2535 21st Avenue NE, Hickory, North Carolina. It offers the Primary Years Programme for kindergarten through grade 5 and a College Preparatory Middle School for grades 6–8. The PYP emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning with six Units of Inquiry: Who We Are; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet. The Middle School covers ten subject groups—Language Arts; Humanities/Social Studies; Mathematics; Science; Spanish; Wellness/Fitness; Visual Arts; Performing Arts; STEM; Rotating Electives—delivered through an integrated, inquiry-based approach. Technology is embedded across the curriculum using Google Workspace, Code.org, EduTyping, Book Creator, and Tinkercad. The Learner Profile guides students to be principled, open-minded, reflective, balanced, and knowledgeable as they prepare for higher education and life beyond. The campus spans 16 acres with a school building, spaces, and playing fields.

The Essentials

Hickory Day School has instruction in English.

Location
2535 21st Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601, United States. Located on a 16-acre campus in northeastern Catawba County.

Stages
Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Type
Independent, non-profit school.

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian.

School day structure
Lunch begins at noon. After-school program runs 3:15–5:30 p.m. for Kindergarten through 8th grade; the middle school (grades 6–8) uses a dedicated, state-of-the-art building.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress code. Bottoms are khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (any color) and tops are collared shirts, turtlenecks, blouses, or HDS-logoed tops; T-shirts are allowed only on Fridays. Shoes must be closed-toed and hats/visors may not be worn in the building.

Food Options
The school requires students to bring their snacks and lunches every day.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees and Head of School; it is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with independent, non-sectarian status.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hickory Day School ranges from USD 11,000 to USD 14,000 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- USD 100.00 application fee required for each application; this fee is non-refundable.

Tuition (published annual rates for 2026–2027)
- Kindergarten — USD 11,000 per year.
- Lower School (Grades 1–5) — USD 12,500 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8) — USD 14,000 per year.

Per-term / installment examples (calculated from the published annual tuition)
- Kindergarten (USD 11,000):
- Per semester (2 equal installments): USD 5,500 per semester. (Calculated.)
- Per trimester (3 equal installments): USD 3,667 per trimester (rounded). (Calculated.)
- Per 10 monthly installments: USD 1,100 per month. (Calculated.)
- Lower School (USD 12,500):
- Per semester (2): USD 6,250 per semester. (Calculated.)
- Per trimester (3): USD 4,167 per trimester (rounded). (Calculated.)
- Per 10 monthly installments: USD 1,250 per month. (Calculated.)
- Middle School (USD 14,000):
- Per semester (2): USD 7,000 per semester. (Calculated.)
- Per trimester (3): USD 4,667 per trimester (rounded). (Calculated.)
- Per 10 monthly installments: USD 1,400 per month. (Calculated.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices and billing communications are issued through the school's Gradelink system. Families receive invoices, report cards, and other account communications via Gradelink.
- Re-enrollment contracts are issued to current families at the end of January with a specified return date in February; enrollment contracts for newly accepted families must be signed and returned within the due date listed in the acceptance notification.
- Past-due accounts are subject to collection procedures; accounts past due 60 days or more may result in the withholding of report cards, transcripts, and other paperwork, and collection costs (including attorneys' fees) may be charged.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school serves Kindergarten through 8th grade as a day school.

Other costs and typical additional fees
- Annual Student Fee: an annual student fee is part of the school's fee structure (specific dollar amount not published on the public materials). This fee commonly covers items such as student materials and some field-study costs; financial-aid awards do not apply to the annual student fee.
- Field study fees: field-study and overnight-trip fees are charged as required; families are notified of amounts and must pay by the date specified by the classroom teacher. Field-study fees may be covered in part by the annual student fee when applicable.
- After-school program fees:
- Punch-card option (ten punches): USD 120 total (USD 12.00 per day when using a punch card).
- Drop-in after-school pickup (no punch card): USD 15.00 per day.
- Homework Help only (pickup by 4:15 pm): USD 6.00 per day.
- Extracurricular, overnight field-study, summer program, yearbook, lunch, and similar program fees exist and are billed separately; Hickory Day–sponsored financial aid does not apply to these fees.
- Application fee validity: a paid application fee is valid for six months from the initial application or check date.

Refund information
- The USD 100.00 application fee is non-refundable.
- The admissions/wait-list policy indicates that certain fees will not be refunded in the event of wait-list changes; specific refund rules for tuition and other program fees are not published in the publicly available materials.

Fee payment options
- Application payments are processed through the online application interface (an online payment button is present on the application form).
- Invoices and account billing are managed through Gradelink; families receive invoices and account communications via Gradelink.

Notes for parents
- Published annual tuition rates (USD 11,000; USD 12,500; USD 14,000) are the baseline charges by grade band for the 2026–2027 school year. Per-term and per-installment figures above are calculated directly from those published annual rates for convenience and comparison; actual billing installment structure (if any) will follow the school's issued invoice/contract and Gradelink billing setup.
Academics

Hickory Day School teaches IB (PYP).

Curriculum
An IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten through Grade 5 and a College Preparatory Middle School for Grades 6–8. The PYP emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning and six Units of Inquiry: Who We Are; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet. The Middle School curriculum includes ten subject groups—Language Arts; Humanities/Social Studies; Mathematics; Science; Spanish; Wellness/Fitness; Visual Arts; Performing Arts; STEM; Rotating Electives—delivered through an integrated, inquiry-based approach. Technology is embedded across the curriculum with tools such as Google Workspace, Code.org, EduTyping, Book Creator, and Tinkercad, and STEM is integrated throughout the IB framework and middle school. The Arts and Spanish programs support language development and creativity; daily Wellness instruction promotes healthy habits, and the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile guides school life to develop principled, open-minded, reflective, balanced, and knowledgeable learners prepared for higher education and life beyond.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class ratios are kept at a low level to enable close-knit bonds between students and teachers.

Exam Results
Kindergarten and first grade complete the MobyMax assessment to gauge academic development. Students in grades 2–8 participate in the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) published by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), a nationally recognized standardized assessment. The CTP provides insight into academic achievement and conceptual knowledge and aptitude, and results are shared via graphs for the current school year with historic scores available for 2019–2020 through 2024–2025.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
IB education nurtures the whole child, developing intellectual, social, emotional, and cultural growth. The program uses inquiry-based learning to foster curiosity, collaboration, and reflection across disciplines. The IB Learner Profile highlights Communicators (expressing in more than one language), Caring (empathy and respect), and Balanced (intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being). The school emphasizes self-awareness, global citizenship, and respectful engagement with others. The school fosters a caring and inclusive community as a core value.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school prohibits discriminatory practices based on disability and maintains an inclusive school community. The Mission & Philosophy describe an inclusive approach, reflecting a commitment to supporting students within an inclusive environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Spanish is taught as part of the curriculum, with the Spanish program developing communication skills and appreciation for Spanish language and culture. The Middle School includes Spanish as a language offering. The IB framework emphasizes expressing oneself in more than one language. Foreign language instruction is integrated across disciplines as part of the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellness is taught daily to promote healthy habits, physical development, and overall well-being. The wellness program emphasizes social skills, including teamwork, cooperation, communication, and reflection. It aims to build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. The program supports responsible decision‑making and healthy lifestyle choices across grade levels.

Safeguarding
Hickory Day School is committed to a healthy school environment that promotes lifelong wellness practices. North Carolina law requires immunization proofs for enrolled children. Daily supervision and safety procedures are in place to maintain safe conditions. The school follows North Carolina guidelines for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect and requires staff to report concerns to Child Protective Services. The school emphasizes safety planning and adherence to applicable state laws for reporting offenses.
Parent Experience

History
A group of families proposed the idea of Hickory Day School in 1991. A steering committee guided its establishment, and the school opened in fall 1993 as an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational school serving kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2005, Hickory Day School became an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. SAIS accreditation was earned in December 2017 after a rigorous review. The campus sits on 16 acres in northeastern Catawba County, and the school is guided by a Board of Trustees and a Head of School.

Community
The Hickory Day School community hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a weekly Flag Raising Ceremony and a Back-To-School Bash. Additional activities include a Fall Festival, twice-yearly Book Fairs, the Annual Auction, Earth Day celebrations, Performing Arts performances, and IB Olympics & Spirit Days. These events engage students, families, and the broader community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is an organization of parent volunteers and teachers who work to support the mission of the school while fostering a positive and welcoming climate for all parents. PTO leadership for 2026-2027 includes Jamey Cost as Co-President and April Lim as Co-President. Beatrice Ashe serves as Secretary; Amanda Bostian as Treasurer; Derek Zealy-Wright and Christine Wolfe as Committee Members. The PTO supports Hickory Day School through the apparel store, a Lowes Cards Fundraiser, and a Krispy Kreme drive. These activities involve parent volunteers working with teachers to enhance student experiences.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus sits on nearly 17 acres in northeastern Catawba County. The school features a dedicated middle school building designed to provide a strong college-preparatory foundation and to foster independence and leadership. The campus includes abundant outdoor spaces and multiple playing fields for physical activity and wellness. The HDS Library and STEM Apps are available to support inquiry and creativity. The school offers an after-school program with clubs such as Art Club, Archery Club, Kindness Club, and Chess Club.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes multiple playing fields and outdoor spaces for physical activities. A gymnasium is planned in a future phase as part of the Capital Fund. The athletics program offers Archery, Volleyball, Co-ed Soccer, Cross-Country, Kickball, Basketball, Ski, Girls' Soccer, Flag Football, Golf, and Tennis.

Academic Facilities
The middle school is housed in a dedicated building that supports a college-preparatory approach and student leadership. Hickory Day School is authorized for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for kindergarten through grade 5 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), with PYP authorization in 2005 and SAIS accreditation in November 2017. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum to enhance teaching, learning, and creativity. Wellness instruction is provided daily as part of the program to promote healthy habits and physical development.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletic offerings include Archery, Volleyball (Fall), Co-ed Soccer (Fall), Cross-Country (Fall), Kickball (Fall), Basketball (Winter), Ski, Girls' Soccer, Flag Football, Golf, and Tennis. The National Junior Honor Society recognizes students in grades 4–6 for academic achievement and service. The After-School Program runs 3:15–5:30 p.m. and includes clubs such as Art Club, Archery Club, Kindness Club, and Chess Club.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Kindergarten through 5th grade and a college-preparatory Middle School for grades 6–8. The IB program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary units, and global perspectives, fostering intercultural understanding. The PYP uses six transdisciplinary inquiry units, and the Middle School integrates ten subject areas in a transdisciplinary framework. The Learner Profile guides students to be principled, caring, open-minded, reflective, balanced, and knowledgeable.

Arts & Creative
The Arts are integrated across the curriculum, with Visual Arts linked to PYP units and the Performing Arts playing a central role. The Visual Arts program connects with classroom learning and aligns with the North Carolina Standards. Every year all students participate in two major productions, offering opportunities to develop creativity and collaboration.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is offered as part of the program, with instruction intended to build proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The goal is for eighth-grade students to be confident conversational Spanish speakers, and many graduates place out of introductory high school Spanish. The IB program emphasizes intercultural understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.

Social & Hobbies
A range of extracurricular activities and athletics are offered, including Archery, Volleyball, Co-ed Soccer, Cross-Country, Kickball, Basketball, Ski, Girls' Soccer, and Tennis. National Junior Honors Society provides leadership development and service opportunities for students in grades 4–6. These activities promote teamwork, leadership, and personal growth outside the classroom.

Community & Service
National Junior Honors Society provides leadership development and service opportunities for students in grades 4–6. Field Studies for kindergarten through fifth grade include six multi-week inquiries aligned with the IB program's themes. Overnight field studies include Green River Preserve trips for sixth grade; REACH field studies for middle school; and educational trips to Washington, D.C. for eighth grade, connecting classroom learning with real-world contexts and civic awareness.

Leadership & Professional
The middle school building is designed to provide a strong college-preparatory foundation while fostering independence and leadership. The IB Learner Profile and its emphasis on principled, open-minded, and reflective learners support leadership development. Leadership opportunities are also presented through the National Junior Honors Society and through field studies that build teamwork, resilience, and collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellness is a daily instructional component focusing on healthy habits, physical development, and responsible decision‑making. The campus spans 16 acres with multiple playing fields and outdoor spaces to support a wide range of physical activities. The wellness program emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and social-emotional growth as part of overall well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction (Language A). Spanish is incorporated at all levels as Language B and is taught from kindergarten through 8th grade. Non-English-speaking students may acquire English through immersion in TK–K.

Immersion Programs
English immersion is used for TK–K students whose mother tongue is not English to acquire English.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) accreditation. The school is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS). It is one of 15 elementary schools in North Carolina authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Kindergarten admissions timeline: Applications open October 1 of the year before the start date; admissions interviews begin in January of the enrollment year and continue until the class is filled; the kindergarten class size is capped at 16 students. 2. Rolling admissions for other grades: The school uses a rolling-admissions process for non-kindergarten classes; current families receive re-enrollment contracts at the end of January with a return date on the last full day before Presidents' Day; for other classes with new applicants, space is filled on a rolling basis if there is room; if the class is full at the time of application, openings are filled after current families re-enroll in February. 3. If a spot opens after February, it is filled by the next student on the waiting list; the Wait List Policy applies to the admissions process for all applicants. 4. Financial assistance: Financial assistance in the form of tuition grants may be offered based on available funding for qualifying students; families needing financial assistance should contact the school business office for additional information; HDS is an approved recipient of NC Opportunities and Disabilities Grants; return the completed financial aid application to the business office; a financial aid policy exists.

Scholarships
Diversity Scholarship: The program enables eligible students to attend Hickory Day School without incurring tuition expense and provides a stipend up to $1,000 to be used for hot lunch, after-school care, or athletic fees. The recipient's family still pays a $350 annual student fee, and eligibility requires the student to be from a minority race with demonstrated financial need; the class must have an opening, and the scholarship renews annually so it can cover the student's entire time at HDS. Funds are applied directly to the family's HDS account; the award is nontransferable and cannot be redeemed for cash; the recipient will not be singled out. Applicants must complete page 1 and page 2 of the Diversity Scholarship application, and if new to HDS, complete the admission application and the financial aid application, then return all documents to the HDS Business Office. NC Opportunities and Disabilities Grants: Hickory Day School is an approved recipient of NC Opportunities and Disabilities Grants; families may apply for these external grants as part of the financial aid process.

Waitlist
The Wait List Policy applies to the admissions process for all applicants. Fees are non-refundable; a new application requires new fees.
School Events
The school has not added events
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