Hackley Admissions Viewbook: Reimagine Accomplishment_Summer 2023

A HACKLEY EDUCATION IS ABOUT GOING ALL-IN.

We believe that emphasizing deep connections in learning and life inspires a meaningful existence.

United, we challenge and support one another to grow in character as well as intellect—to dig deep, explore beyond boundaries, and foster inclusion—daring us all to reimagine accomplishment.

Because when we do, our students are empowered to transcend individual achievement—to go forth and spread beauty and light.

Enter here to be and find a friend

Engraved in stone above our doorway is the heart of Hackley’s ethos. We welcome all equally as friends, foster inclusivity, and embrace diversity—of background and perspective. Valuing fairness and equity, with a sense of compassion for others, we learn and grow through relationships.

Hackley is a school where every student from Kindergarten through 12th grade is known. With small class sizes, a diverse student body, and a culture of caring, students are challenged to explore across disciplines, learn from varying perspectives, and pursue all of their interests. More than a school, Hackley is a community of people

In 2020–21, Hackley invested over $7.6m to support families with tuition, boarding, travel, and extracurricular costs.

with shared values who support one another. We cultivate deep connections in learning and life that inspire students to reimagine accomplishment in whatever future they choose.

“By the end of my first week at Hackley, not only had I made friends, but I discovered that I was now part of a community with teachers who really care and activities that extended well beyond the classroom. All around me, I see qualities in students that I admire and want to emulate.” –Sam, 8th grade

When students embrace different viewpoints, ideas, and experiences, authentic learning happens, and they become more engaged and compassionate citizens of the world.

“At Hackley, we care deeply about developing thoughtful, respectful and empathetic young people who will Go Forth and Spread Beauty and Light. In and out of the classroom, we focus on character development, intellectual curiosity and fostering a sense of community where all feel connected to one another and to Hackley’s mission and core values.” –Charles Franklin, Head

of School

At Hackley, we are committed to delivering on our mission—learning from varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world—by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

I love Hackley ! ! !

"The friends you make at Hackley are from all different kinds of backgrounds. From day one, people were super inclusive."

-Odessa, 12th grade

United, we help one another –Iuncti Iuvamus

Guided by our founding motto, we share a common commitment to, and fundamental respect for, one another. We offer unreserved effort in all of our interactions and support each other to reach beyond boundaries.

Hackley’s 285-acre hilltop campus fosters connections and learning across our community. Our historic buildings, new facilities, and student boarding adjoin athletic fields, aculty housing, and wooded trails.

A Hackley education is as much about character as it is about scholarship. We challenge our students academically and equally support them in balance and well-being. In every grade from Lower School through Upper School, there is joy in the classroom, studio, lab, and field. We encourage students to pursue all of their intellectual, creative, and athletic passions—inspiring connections in learning and life. We have a culture of celebrating each other’s success. Hackley students are all-in, knowing they are supported in their efforts. As a result, Hackley graduates are well-rounded, selfassured, and fulfilled in life.

Great teachers and coaches are at the heart of Hackley. “We foster a healthy culture of support and self-advocacy among our students. Through the relationships formed with teachers, students learn to champion themselves, and others. This is one of many habits we cultivate at Hackley. We empower students to define their own accomplishment, maximizing their college experience and life beyond.” –Andy

King, Upper School Director

“What I love most about the students I teach and coach is that they always bring their best effort—not for their own benefit but because they never want to let their classmates and teammates down. Hackley students go all-in—they put in the work both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. They do everything with heart.”

–Sara Budde, Middle School Teacher, Coach

Hackley is all about connection. Our teachers don’t see Hackley as just a job, they construct their life around our school. Attracting the most talented faculty, we’re able to offer housing to teachers who seek a stronger connection to the community.

“Hackley is like its own small town. So much of it is because faculty and boarding students live here. Living on campus allows me to expand what I do both in and beyond the classroom.”

—Bill McLay, Upper School Physics Teacher, Community Council Advisor, and Coach

“Entering Hackley, there’s a sense of calmness, excitement, and safety that comes from being in a place I happily call home.” —Willie

Teacher, Middle and Upper School Drama Teacher and DEI Coordinator

“When I came here as a boarding student, I immediately had a family.” —Kylie, 12th grade

home at hackley

David, 10th grade 

Melissa Tranchida, Computer Science Department Chair and Director of Instructional Technology

43% of full-time faculty live in school housing. 43%

“Hackley students are both ambitious and nice.The kids here want to excel, but they also want everyone else to do so, too. I feel like that’s pretty unique.”

“This place is beautiful. You can do almost anything here.”

—Michael, 10th grade

“Hackley students love to be their best selves and see the best in others. This is what makes Hackley such a warm and welcoming place.” —Amanda LeTard, Lower

School Psychologist and Character Education Program Leader

“The ability to learn, adapt, and apply knowledge that I gained at Hackley continues to open doors.” —Marie ’11

Character is higher than intellect

A community of thinkers who delight in learning, Hackley believes above all that our value is measured by our actions and impact on others. The show of true character is the authentic demonstration of integrity. Honest and principled, curious and engaged, we earn and build trust.

“What is fascinating about working at Hackley is being able to witness how each student’s unique attributes flourish. Their character comes to life in the way they express themselves, treat their peers, and convey their thoughts. They are admirable; we have great kids.” –Claudia Coy, Assistant to the Director of the Upper School

“Hackley challenges students to be the best they can be. In a world full of injustices, we need more people with courage, strength, and kindness. Hackley inspires its students to embody these traits and be supportive of each other’s goals. It’s a safe space for students to express their passions and ideas. Hackley equipped me to learn and understand the perspectives of others and to be courageous enough to speak my beliefs.” –Schylar, 12th grade

20 different student musical groups perform each year. 80 students held recitals for individual instruments or voice last year.

The arts at Hackley encourage students to explore, take risks, find their unique oice, and express their truth.

Hackley offers 27 different sports with over 64 teams across grades 7–12. There’s a sense of purpose on a team at Hackley that is much bigger than individual success.

Our STEM education fosters experimentation and knowledge application that prepares students with the skills and ingenuity to succeed in any path they pursue or create.

Hackley’s dynamic liberal arts curriculum inspires connections across disciplines and embraces varying perspectives. Our students learn how to learn and how to adapt. They are trained to think critically, problemsolve creatively, and communicate effectively.

When young students are engaged in joyous learning and open exploration, they cultivate a love of learning and discover their own passions. Hackley teaches children beyond skills and content to discover the kind of learner they are.

“Our students want to do well and grow in character— they want to be praised for their good deeds, just as much as for that perfect test score.” —Suzanne and Chad, Middle School Parents

Go forth and spread beauty and light

At Hackley, each of us strives for excellence in all that we do—being thoughtful individuals and responsible global citizens. With energy and joy, we inspire each other to make a positive impact in the world. Illuminating our collective future, our ultimate purpose is to create a better tomorrow.

Hackley students demonstrate the personal courage to attempt new things, the intellectual courage to consider new ideas, and the moral courage to stand for matters of principle.

We understand achievement is different than accomplishment. We challenge and support our students at every stage and every grade to develop in character and scholarship, to transcend individual achievement, and to define accomplishment as having a meaningful impact beyond themselves. We see relationships as a way to connect to deeper meaning—in learning and life.

Hackley graduates continue their quest for intellectual knowledge, different perspectives, and new experiences. They have the confidence to pursue their passions and the drive to make a difference in the world. Our ability to prepare students for any future—to live, strive, and accomplish beyond simple descriptors and measures—lies at the heart of a Hackley education.

Fiona, 12th grade Michael, 8th grade  

Preparing citizens with a sense of responsibility and a desire to better the world, nearly 1,000 Hackley students (and counting) have participated in global education and language immersion trips since 2000.

Cam, 7th grade

Christopher, 12th grade 

Justin, 5th grade 

“Coming to Hackley is an experience unlike any other school. It’s really life-changing.”

—Tucker ’19

293 Benedict Avenue

Tarrytown, NY 10591

914-366-2600

admissions@hackleyschool.org

www.hackleyschool.org