Hickory Day School Photo #1 - The Aktari suite (Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes) learning about different types of transportation at the local airport.

Hickory Day School

Hickory Day School instills in its students a love of learning in a unique environment that emphasizes academic excellence, critical-thinking skills, and global perspectives. We develop individual talents, skills, and abilities by promoting active participation in a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities within a supportive, nurturing environment.
We foster a sustained love of learning allowing students to acquire a critical mass of significant knowledge by exploring themes of inquiry, which have global relevance and importance.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 136 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $10,000
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Hickory Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
testing accommodation, dyslexia, mild learning differences, reading specialist, mathematics specialist, ADHD support
Year Founded
1993
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
136 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Hickory Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
35%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Monday-Thursday = khaki and collared shirts; Fridays = jeans/casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
See web site for complete tuition details per grade level. The tuition rate varies depending on grade level and ranges from $7000 to &11,000.
Summer Program Cost
$100
% on Financial Aid
10%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Jessica Farlee
Application URL
Endowment Size
$0.1 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Board Games Club, Book Clubs, Chess Club, Kindness Club, Math Tutoring Club, National Elementary Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Robotics Clubs, Science Olympiad, STEM Program

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Middle School Theater Arts

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club

School Notes

  • The admissions committee looks for a love of learning and parental commitment to the school's mission.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ryan Succop 2001 - Placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hickory Day School cost?
Hickory Day School's tuition is approximately $10,000 for private students and $100 for summer students.
What schools are Hickory Day School often compared to?
Hickory Day School is often viewed alongside schools like Hickory Christian Academy by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Hickory Day School?
The acceptance rate of Hickory Day School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
Who are famous alumni from Hickory Day School?
Hickory Day School famous alumni include: Ryan Succop 2001.
Does Hickory Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Hickory Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Hickory Day School offer?
Hickory Day School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Hickory Day School?
The application deadline for Hickory Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
"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."
- Posted by
5  
"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."
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 136 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $10,000
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Catawba County, NC is $7,005 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Catawba County, NC is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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