Core Values

Leadership
We recognize that today’s students have the potential to be leaders, not just in the future, but now. 

Empathy
We seek to understand others and do so by working to abandon our assumptions and participating in honest open dialogue.
 
Community
We are committed to supporting all members of our community in reaching their greatest potential. 

Innovation
We keep a pulse on emerging practices and trends and believe in pursuing new creative ideas that have the potential to change the world.
“The Hockaday Institute for Social Impact is an important pillar in our community, educating students today in the ways they can lead now and inspiring them to do so in the future, no matter their professions. Students have the opportunity to pursue ideas that change the way our communities work—for the better."

- Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of United Way

Finding Purpose

The Hockaday Institute for Social Impact represents a distinctive and innovative approach among K-12 schools, using the power of engaged, hands-on learning to prepare students for leadership in their communities, workplaces, and society. Through both new and longstanding partnerships with Dallas-area organizations, the Institute allows students to engage with diverse partners, learn from civic leaders, tackle projects with community impact, and put their creative ideas into action for lasting social benefit.


Greater Impact

Hockaday launched the Institute for Social Impact in 2018 to organize its community engagement work for greater impact and to make a statement about the importance of this concept as part of an effective education in the 21st century.

Led by Laura Day, a recognized leader in the community service landscape in Dallas and nationally, the Institute is a distinctive approach among independent schools across the country. It allows Hockaday to extend our reach, increasing opportunities for collaboration with non-profit entities, businesses, and other Dallas-based community organizations. Through a carefully designed set of real-world projects and experiences, Hockaday students have the chance to test what they are learning in the classroom, tackle tough problems, learn to work in teams, cultivate empathy and respect for others with different backgrounds and expertise, build character and confidence, and explore their purpose in the world.

Social Impact Stories

List of 3 news stories.

  • DISD Trustee Visits Government Class

    Sarah Weinberg, DISD Trustee, visited with Upper School's Government class this week. 
  • Penguin Nesting Sites

    Representatives from the Dallas Zoo came to campus last week to check out our First and Fourth Graders’ penguin presentations!
  • Water Filtration

    As part of their Social Impact theme “The Environment,” Second Graders work to develop their analytical thinking and curiosity as they learn about water pollution around the world and in their own backyards.
View All News

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

Outcomes

Building Empathy

Advocacy Skills

Real World Experiences

Designing Solutions

Exploring Purpose
My work with the Institute has helped me to build confidence not only in myself, but in what I put forth into the world: my work, my thoughts, and my actions.

- Zoya Haq '23






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