New Families

Dear New Families,

Welcome to Hockaday! We look forward to seeing you and your whole family for the Spirit Party on Sunday, May 3, 2-3:30 pm. Please enter the campus on Forest Lane.

You are joining an exceptional community, and we are thrilled to have you as part of the Hockaday family. Please find some helpful information below.

In mid-April you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your Blackbaud ID. This will allow you to log on to the Hockaday website. Please add hockaday@myschoolapp.com and noreply@blackbaud.com to your safe senders list in your email account. This will give you access to the Parent Resource Board, the hub from which you can find important information to help you stay updated as you navigate the school year. 

On the Resource Board, you will find the full school calendar, online directory, HPA information, Class Pages, volunteer opportunities, and links to departments such as Athletics, Fine Arts, Bookstore, and more. 

We are excited to have you join the Hockaday community!




Dates for New Students

Event Date Time
Admission Decisions Emailed to all Applicants Friday, March 13 4:00 PM
Enrollment for New Students Due Friday, March 27 12:00 PM
Upper School (US) New Student Social Tuesday, April 7 5:30–6:00 PM
US Orientation Meeting (for all new US Families) Tuesday, April 7 6:00–7:00 PM
PreK New Family Meeting Thursday, April 9 10:00–11:30 AM
K-4th New Family Meeting Thursday, April 9 1:00–2:00 PM
New and Rising 5th Grade Family Meeting Thursday, April 9 5:30–7:00 PM
6th–8th Grade Family Meeting Tuesday, April 14 8:30–9:30 AM
New Family Welcome Party Sunday, May 3 2:00–3:30 PM

Important Information

List of 24 items.

  • 2026–2027 Calendar

    Please click here to view the 2026-2027 All-School Calendar.
  • Final Transcript Must be Received by July 1

    Your daughter’s transcript/school records (for the 2026 spring semester) from her current school must be sent to the appropriate Hockaday division by July.

    Download the Transcript Release Form here.


    Students' schedules will not be released if the final transcript/school record has not been received by The Hockaday School by July 1.
  • Medical Forms and Information Due July 1

    Each year, Hockaday collects student health and medical information via the the MAGNUS portal. This safe, secure system meets all of the HIPAA requirements and provides critical health information to health care providers in the event of an emergency.

    A copy of your daughter’s immunization record must be uploaded to the Magnus Health Portal by July 1. A Medical Certificate and immunization records are required for all NEW students. Proof of a Tdap and Meningitis is required for 7th grade. Please print the form and take it to the doctor or any clinic that does back-to-school physicals.

    Any questions regarding immunizations may be directed to Erika Herridge, Director of Health Services at eherridge@hockaday.org.

    The online Student Medical Record (SMR) and Medical Certificate are due on July 1, 2025.

    Click Here for the Medical Certificate Form

    1. Log in to www.hockaday.org using your My Blackbaud username and password. 
    2. Click the MAGNUS | Medical Portal on the Parent Resource Board.
    3. Click on MAGNUS HEALTH PORTAL.  
    4. When the MAGNUS PORTAL opens, you will see your daughter’s name with a note that you have requirements to complete.
    5. Click the orange COMPLETE NOW button to open your daughter’s tracker and follow instructions.
     
    If you need any assistance, call the Magnus Health Help Desk at 877-461-6831.
     
     
    Read More
  • Math and World Language Placement (Grades 9–11)

    For placement into the appropriate level of mathematics and world language, every new student must be assessed.  The results of these assessments are valuable and help place your daughter in the appropriate Upper School courses.
    ALL students who live locally will be assessed for:
    • MATHEMATICS on Thursday, April 16, from 4:30 -7:00 pm.
    • WORLD LANGUAGES on Thursday, April 23, from 4:30 -7 :00 pm.
    Students will be greeted at the school’s main entrance (Welch Road) beginning at 4:15 pm.  Students need to arrive early enough for their test to begin promptly at 4:30 pm. If a student has not studied a world language, they do not need to be assessed.  Please bring pencils, an eraser, and a four-function calculator for the math placement test.
    Students who currently do not live locally:  We request that students who do not live locally find an English-speaking educator from their current school to proctor placement tests for both mathematics and world language.  Please provide the proctor’s name, school job title, and school email address to Caroline Robb at crobb@hockaday.org and Eric Inboden at einboden@hockaday.org as soon as possible.

    ALL PLACEMENT TESTS must be completed by Monday, May 4, 2026. 

    Information about the placement tests will be sent to the proctor as soon as contact information is received.
    If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Robb, Mathematics Department Chair, at 214-360-6331 or crobb@hockaday.org or Eric Inboden, World Languages Department Chair, at 214-360-6484 or einboden@hockaday.org.
               
  • Summer Math and Writing Opportunities (Grades 9-11)

    All programs are free but require registration because they are not a part of Hockaday’s summer school program. Please complete THIS FORM to rank your preferred session dates and register for the Transition to Integrated Math Program, New Student Writing Workshop, and Language World Onboarding Program by May 1, 2026.   
     
    Transition to Integrated Math Program 
    We want to inspire in your daughter an enthusiasm towards mathematics while building and strengthening her mathematical foundation throughout her years at Hockaday. For a smooth transition into Hockaday’s mathematics program, your daughter is required to learn some Algebra 2 and Geometry objectives she may not have previously studied. Here are this summer’s options:   

    Our on-campus program is offered two different times during the summer; students sign up for ONE two-week session. We recommend the on-campus program because history shows that students involved in the on-campus program have generally been more successful learning the concepts.  
             
    Session 1:  June 1-5 and 8-12 (Monday – Friday) from 1:00-3:00 pm 
    Session 2:  July 20-24 and July 27-31 (Monday – Friday) from 1:00-3:00 pm 
     
    The asynchronous online program is open most of the summer, is self-paced, and has a Hockaday instructor with whom to work. 
     
    New Student Writing Workshop 
    The Hockaday Writing Center offers a two-week summer writing program that aims to empower new students to build upon their past writing experiences and introduce Hockaday writing standards and expectations. New Student Summer Writing Program Sessions will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  
     
    World Language Onboarding Program 
    The World Language Onboarding Program is a two-week introductory program to the languages offered at Hockaday as well as language preparation techniques. Students will be exposed to the immersion method to help them transition to Hockaday’s style of language classroom. We strongly encourage students who are either new to language or who are placed into Levels 1 and 1B to attend.  

    The full day program runs from 9:00-3:00: the World Language Onboarding Program will begin at 9:00, the New Student Writing Workshop will follow and end at noon, and the Transition to Integrated Math Program will be held in the afternoon from 1-3 pm. 

    Please note that students attending both the morning and afternoon programs should bring their lunches each day.  
    The Hockaday Mathematics Placement Testing is scheduled for April 16th, and the World Language Placement test is scheduled April 23rd from 4:30-7:00 PM. We will email you regarding your daughter’s math placement as soon as the department has had time to evaluate their performance. Since school is still in session, this may take a few weeks. 
     
    We will send an email confirming your session assignments by May 3, 2026. If you have any questions, please email: 
     
    Math:  Caroline Robb  crobb@hockaday.org,  
    Writing Center: Scott Bowman sbowman@hockaday.org,  
    World Language: Eric Inboden  einboden@hockaday.org.  
     
  • Summer Camps

    Summer at Hockaday welcomes girls and boys, ages 4 through 12th Grade, to join a summer of enrichment, play, making memories, trying something new, and good old summertime fun! All camps and classes are taught by the very best educators in the Dallas area. Click here for information about Summer at Hockaday. If you have questions regarding summer programs and registration, please contact the Summer at Hockaday office at 214-360-6534.
  • Athletics (Grades 7–12)

    Upper School Sports Try-Out Start Dates:
    • Monday, August 3, 2026 – Cross Country, rowing, and volleyball
    • Monday, August 10, 2026 – Fencing and field hockey
    Middle School sports will start on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Practice times are 3:45 – 5 pm Monday – Thursday.

    The sports for each season (fall, winter, spring) are listed below.

    Fall: Cross Country, Fencing (Upper School only), Field Hockey, Rowing (Upper School only), Volleyball

    Winter:  Basketball, Diving (Upper School only), Soccer, Swimming, Cross Training (Middle School only)

    Spring:  Golf (Upper School only), Lacrosse, Rowing (Upper School only), Softball, Tennis, Track and Field

    We also have Student Athletic Trainers for the Upper School only during all three seasons.

    If you have any questions, please email athletics@hockaday.org
  • Upper School Course Registration Process



    Course registration information will be available later this spring.

     
  • Summer Reading for Lower and Middle School

    Reading lists will be available later this spring.
  • Summer Reading For Upper School Students

    Upper School Students (entering Form I, II, or III) will receive a reading list later this spring.
  • Institute for Social Impact

    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.

    Click Here to Learn More.
  • Division-Specific Back to School Forms

    In late July, you will receive back-to-school information and notification of online forms to be completed.  After logging in to the Hockaday website, you will see a yellow banner at the top of the Resource Board indicating you have school forms to complete. 

    If you are looking for your daughter's Student ID number, please login to www.hockaday.org, click on your daughter’s name in the top left, and select her Contact Card to see her 5 digit Student ID under General Information.

    Please be sure to visit your daughter's Class Page  as it will have important details about your daughter's orientation schedule.
  • Enrollment and Tuition Payments

    1. Click here to login to the parent portal (Please use the Chrome Browser (not Safari or Internet Explorer) for online enrollment).
    2. Log-in, or, if you have not established a School Admin account, please create one.
    3. Once you log-in, you will be able to select 'Continue Enrollment Process'.
    4. Please complete the online Enrollment Contract and submit your non-refundable deposit by March 27, 2026.
    5. Once the Enrollment Contract and deposit have been submitted, please return to the checklist and click on FACTS Tuition Management to set up a billing account for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. This account will be used for tuition and fees, as well as incidental billing. 
  • Hockaday Parents' Association (HPA)

    The Hockaday Parents’ Association (HPA) looks forward to contacting new families in June to share details of welcome events during the summer months and helpful insight on staying informed on news, dates, and information during the school year.

    The entire parent community, including new parents, will be able to view and sign up for parent volunteer opportunities on August 1.
    If you have specific questions regarding the HPA, how to volunteer, or get involved, please email HPA President Laurie Sudbury or VP-Elect Andrea Epstein.

      
  • Laptop Information (Grades 5–12)

    The Technology Department at Hockaday will automatically order laptops for new Middle School (Fifth – Eighth Grade) students. 
     
    The Upper School has a “bring your own device” program. Below are the minimum recommended specifications we suggest for families when looking for a PC or Apple laptop. You can read more details here. 
    • i5 processor or greater
    • 16Gb of RAM
    • 256GB of hard drive space
    Please do NOT purchase a Chromebook or iPad in lieu of a laptop.
     
    If you have questions in regards to the suggested specifications when you are shopping for a laptop for your student, please contact the Director of Technology, David Yancey at dyancey@hockaday.org.

     
     
  • Orchestra (Grades 7-12)

    Students requesting orchestra in the Upper School will need to submit a video audition for placement. Ms. Charlsie Griffiths will reach out to families directly with requirements once students have selected their courses for the 2026–2027 School Year.  All levels of instrumentalists are welcome to join the Upper School Orchestra program.  Please direct any questions to Cgriffiths@hockaday.org.

    If you have questions about the Middle School orchestra program, please contact Yung Fang Ludford.
  • Uniforms

    Risse Brothers School Uniforms is Hockaday’s official uniform provider. Many standard items, including ladies' polos, cardigan sweaters, turtlenecks, crew socks, knee-high socks, and green blazers (except youth sizes), are now available both in-store and online. Additional uniform items will continue arriving in the coming months. The green blazer (all sizes), short-sleeved oxford shirts, and the Peter Pan blouse (with green trim) will arrive in May, and plaid skirts, green skirts, and green jumpers are anticipated by June 1.

    Risse Brothers Uniforms will offer a 10% off sale for the month of June.
     
    Gently used uniforms are for sale on campus at Hockaday’s Uniform Resale Boutique. The Boutique is located in Tarry House (accessible through the Welch Road entrance). The Hockaday Parents' Association manages the Boutique. Contact Larah Reidy, Emily Polito, and Jean Larsen at hpa.resaleboutique@gmail.com with any questions. We will have a few uniforms available for purchase on the following dates: 
      Monday, April 13,  2 - 4:30 pm
      Sunday, May 3, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, to coincide with the New Family Party
      Saturday, June 13, 9 am- 1 pm
      Saturday, July 18, 9 am - 1 pm
  • Cheer Tryouts (Grades 9-11) are April 29 – May 2

    St. Mark's Cheer Tryouts will be held later this spring on the St. Mark's campus. Please call Program Coordinator Tracey McKenzie at 214-346-8190 if you are interested in trying out for the St. Mark's Cheer Team.
  • Dance Auditions (Upper School)

    Dance Placement Auditions for new Upper School students will take place at one of the following times:

    Monday, April 27 (4:15 - 6:15 PM)
    Beth Wortley Dance Studio in Penson
    (for US students and new students)

    or

    Wednesday, April 29 (1:15 – 2:20 PM)
    Beth Wortley Dance Studio in Penson
    (for US students and new students)

    Instructional video with audition combinations to learn ahead of time will be added HERE on Tuesday, April 21. Please use this Sign-up link to schedule your audition time slot. 

    Please contact Christie Sullivan, Director of Dance at csullivan@hockaday.org if you have any questions.
  • Cross Country (Upper School)

    If you are interested in Upper School Cross Country this fall, please review our training schedule:  
    • Training Week #1 at Norbuck Park
      August 3–5, 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
    • Training Week #2 at Norbuck Park
      August 10–14, 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
    • First Meet: Waxahachie Lakeview
      Saturday, August 15
    • Complete meet schedule and retreat information will be shared in early Summer 2026
    • Contact Head Coach LaBoris Bean (lbean@hockaday.org) for further details!
  • Fencing (Upper School)

    Varsity Fencing at Hockaday welcomes students who are interested in the Olympic Sport.
    Students will learn techniques and strategies in fencing, including competitive bouts.
    The team participates in two or three competitions throughout the season and all equipment is provided. A US Fencing Membership is required to participate.  
    • Start of season is August 10, 2026
    • Practice is in the Lacerte Small Gym
    • Practice is Monday - Friday from 4:15 - 6:00 pm
    Please contact Coach Nelly at nnaydenova@hockaday.org for more information.
  • Field Hockey (Upper School)

    Upper School Field Hockey offers a training camp on August 3-6, 2026; Try-outs will be held on August 10.  For more information, please contact Coach Jenn Johnson at jjohnson@hockaday.org
  • Rowing (Upper School)

    Hockaday has a very robust two-season rowing program for students who are in grades 9-12. Tryouts are in the Fall (Aug 4-15, 2025) and Spring (Feb 2-13, 2026), and no prior rowing experience is needed! 

    Tryouts are based on overall fitness as demonstrated by running 1-mile, passing a swim test, and the ability to demonstrate the rowing stroke following instruction from a coach. Practices are at the Dallas Rowing Club on Bachman Lake, Mon-Thu 4:15  – 6:15 pm, and Sat 7:00 – 9:00 am. Hockaday travels 4 weekends in the fall and 4 in the spring to regional and national regattas.
  • Volleyball (Upper School)

    If you’re interested in trying out for an Upper School volleyball team this fall, please contact Coach Allison Curran (acurran@hockaday.org) for details! If you’d like to attend an optional pre-tryout camp this summer, please register at the link below:
    All-Skills Volleyball Camps
    Coached by Allison Curran, Varsity Volleyball Head Coach at The Hockaday School.

    Volleyball Camp is designed for the 3rd-12th grade athlete as an introduction to the sport of volleyball. Players will build on individual skills such as serving, passing, setting, and hitting. Players will also strengthen basic offensive and defensive concepts.
     
    Ages: Entering Grades 3 – 8
    Date/Time: July 27 – 31, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
    Tuition: $240

    Ages: Entering Grades 9 – 12
    Date/Time: July 27 – 31, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
    Tuition: $260
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.

The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.