Academics

Student Support

An Extraordinary Student Experience

Hockaday is committed to an extraordinary student experience – one that is empowering, joyful, and nurtures the well-being and success of every student both inside and outside the classroom.  

Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program

The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program seeks to help all Hockaday students PK-12 reach their maximum potential. All students at Hockaday are welcome to receive help from The Dr. William B. Dean Academic Learning Support Program – whether or not they have a diagnosed learning difference. Ultimately, the department’s goals are to empower all students in self-advocacy, to assist teachers in the practice of differentiating instruction, and to support parents in their daughter's educational journey.

Learning Support by Division

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Lower School

    Early intervention based on the results of assessments:
    • Reading
      • Classroom Benchmark Assessments, Phonological Awareness, Skills/Content, Speech and Language, Spelling, Word Recognition, Fluency, and Comprehension
    • Math
      • Curriculum-Based Assessments, Skills/Content 
    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented learning challenge is present. Support for students with accommodations is provided according to student needs.
    • Academic Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and/or Speech Therapy 
    • Classroom Support
    • Lower School Learning Lab

  • Middle School

    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented learning challenge is present. Support for students with accommodations is provided according to student needs.
    Assistance in time management, organization, study skills, test-taking strategies, balancing of workload, and academic coaching.
    Working with our Middle School Learning Specialists, students can benefit from:
    • Learning to alleviate stress before testing
    • Learning to organize notes and homework to enhance memory and comprehension
    • Looking at their own learning through different perspectives
    • Strengthening reading and writing skills
    Transitional support in managing new courses and increased expectations for those new to Hockaday or moving up from Lower School.
    Together with advisors, teachers, and other support personnel, Learning Support can assist with:
    • Accessing and managing the digital platforms and programs used in classrooms
    • Learning to manage the rotational class schedule
    • Understanding classroom expectations and benchmarks
    • Understanding the trimester grading system
    Coordination and balance of workload for students experiencing an extended illness or injury
    Together with the Health Center, Learning Support manages students' academic return as they physically recover from:
    • Concussion
    • Extended illness or surgery
    • Health leave
    • Major injury
     

  • Upper School

    A student may receive accommodations within the Hockaday program to assist with equal access to learning if a documented challenge to learning is present. Documentation is required and must be provided before accommodations can be considered. 
    • Classroom Support
      Support and monitoring of accommodations provided through general classrooms
    • Standardized Testing
      College Board and ACT accommodation requests and proctored testing for qualified students
       
    Assistance in time management, organization, study skills, test-taking strategies, balancing of workload, and academic coaching.
    Working with our Upper School Learning Specialists, students can benefit from:
    • Learning to alleviate stress before testing
    • Learning to organize notes and homework to enhance memory and comprehension
    • Learning to manage time effectively in study and homework
    • Strengthening reading and writing skills

    Transitional support in managing new courses and increased expectations for those new to Hockaday or moving up from Middle School 
    Together with advisors, teachers, and other support personnel, Learning Support can help facilitate or coordinate assistance with:
    • Accessing and managing the digital platforms and programs used in classrooms
    • Learning to manage the rotational class schedule
    • Understanding classroom expectations and benchmarks
    • Understanding the Upper School grading system

    Coordination and balance of workload for students experiencing an extended illness or injury
    Together with the Health Center, Learning Support manages students' academic return as they physically recover from:
    • Concussion
    • Extended illness or surgery
    • Health leave
    • Major injury


Counseling Support

Each Division has a trained mental health professional who understands and responds to the challenges of today’s diverse student population. A valuable resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff, Hockaday’s school counselors do not work in isolation but are integral to the total educational program. They align and work with the school’s mission to foster a community of concern and friendship and to instill in every girl a love of learning and an understanding of herself and the ethical principles that guide her life.

The counselors interact with students regularly through various venues, such as making presentations to a class, offering optional workshops, acting as an advisor or club sponsor, or helping an individual student work through a personal problem. Faculty and administrators also look to the counselors for their expertise in social and emotional developmental factors that impact students' learning and functioning in the school community. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school counselor for consultation on parenting strategies, child behavior, and developmental concerns, or for help in supporting their student with life events, such as an extended illness, the death of a loved one, or changes in the family.

The Hockaday School

11600 Welch Road
Dallas, TX 75229
(214) 363-6311
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.