Upper School

Real-World Experiences

Upper School offers rigorous courses connecting academics to real-world application and problem-solving. Many graduating seniors cite their Social Impact work as some of the most meaningful experiences they have had at Hockaday. Courses with the Social Impact designation directly align with the four pillars of community engagement, community service, service learning, and social entrepreneurship that define the Institute for Social Impact.

Throughout each course, students will complete alternative assessments to evaluate 21st-century skills such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, and purpose as well as measure the overall social impact experienced by our community partners.

Students in Athletics build the leadership skills outlined in the five outcomes and engage in authentic real-world opportunities for impact. Each team repurposes one practice each season to teach the sport to a local elementary partner or after-school program and leaves behind equipment for the students so they can continue to play the sport. 

Fine Arts classes across divisions have teamed up with the Institute for Social Impact to integrate elements of social responsibility and an element of sharing talents and time with other communities. 

Five Outcomes

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Advocacy Skills

    Advocacy skills are the tools we equip our students with. It's about teaching them to articulate their beliefs, champion causes they are passionate about, and create positive change through persuasive communication. We nurture adept advocates for their community.

  • Empathy

    Empathy is the heart of our program. It's about fostering a deep understanding and genuine care for the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. We believe that by connecting on a human level, we can drive positive change in our communities and beyond.

  • Purpose

    Purpose is the driving force behind our program. It's the clarity and determination to find one's unique role in addressing societal challenges and what a student values. Our goal is to help students discover their passions and connect them to a profound sense of purpose, empowering them to make a lasting impact.

  • Real-World Experience

    We firmly believe that the best learning happens beyond the classroom. Through internships, community service, and hands-on projects, we provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience, preparing them for life's challenges.

  • Designing Solutions

    The program is about fostering critical and creative thinking. We empower students to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and turn their ideas into impactful initiatives that address pressing social issues. It's about translating vision into action.
"My hope is that each of my Hockaday classmates finds that passion and purpose that makes them radiate with love and curiosity, and then keeps up that passion to pass it on to the people behind us." 

- Cate Goglia '22

Upper School Social Impact in Action

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spanish in the Community

    This Hispanic Heritage Month, Upper School’s Spanish in the Community, a Social Impact seminar class, interviewed five key members of the Hockaday community. 
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  • Upper School Novel Connections

    Upper School students in Dr. Cothren’s English class have been reading the novel Our Missing Hearts, a book in which gardens play a large role.
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  • Doggie Data

    Upper School Statistics, a Social Impact-designated class, visited an animal shelter this week in preparation for their data project with Dallas Animal Services.
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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.