Mission, Core Values & History | Hackley School Contact Visit Apply Parent Portal Our School Mission, Core Values & History Hackley School is a K–12 independent day and boarding school where students flourish in a vibrant, inclusive community. With a tradition of academic excellence, artistic exploration and collaboration, we foster an environment where curiosity, creativity and personal growth are celebrated every day. Mission Guided by our belief in the transformative power of education, we inspire a love of learning, foster curiosity and encourage responsibility toward the world. Our mission states: Hackley challenges students to grow in character, scholarship, and accomplishment, to offer unreserved effort, and to learn from the varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world. Core Values Four core values guide life at Hackley. They are expressed in our traditions, our interactions and the spaces we share on campus. These principles help our community work, learn and grow together with purpose, integrity and mutual respect. Portrait of a Graduate Our Portrait of a Graduate reflects the qualities we cultivate in every Hackley student: a well-rounded, thoughtful individual prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world. Rooted in Hackley’s mission, core values and unique culture, it emphasizes the importance of relationships, diverse perspectives and accomplishments that serve a greater purpose. This vision ensures that our graduates leave with enduring academic skills and a deep commitment to making a positive impact beyond themselves. Cultivate habits of character that help students choose to: Treat others with respect, honesty and generosity in thought, word and action. Act with humility, integrity and a sense of responsibility toward the greater good. Respect and strive to understand varying backgrounds and perspectives, fostering empathy, friendships and community. Create habits of scholarship that lead students to: Experience joy in learning while navigating the challenges and failures that are integral to growth. Explore that breadth of their intellectual curiosity, stimulate their creativity, and pursue meaningful questions. Communicate ideas, arguments, and analysis clearly and persuasively. Collaborate to sharpen thinking and broaden perspectives. Elevate students to form habits of accomplishment, uniting character and scholarship to: 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. Create a sense of purpose, orienting talent, service and actions to transcend individual success. Reinforce the immeasurable value of a life marked by friendship, balance and joy. School Competencies Hackley’s competencies define the essential skills and attributes we nurture to prepare students for success in school and life. These include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and leadership — foundational qualities for thriving in an ever-changing world. Through intentional teaching and learning, we equip students to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose, encouraging their growth as adaptable and innovative leaders. Read More About Our School Competencies Our History Founded in 1899 as a college preparatory school for boys, Hackley quickly established itself as a place of academic rigor and inclusivity. Under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Frances Hackley, the School moved to its current campus in Tarrytown by 1902, adopting our enduring core value, “ Enter here to be and find a friend .” From its earliest days, Hackley welcomed students of diverse backgrounds, guided by the Latin motto Iuncti Iuvamus — “United, we help one another.” Mrs. Hackley, a philanthropist and advocate for education, co-founded Barnard College and supported such institutions as the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth. Her  commitment to intellectual curiosity and spirit of exploration and understanding continues to inspire Hackley’s mission today. Hackley has evolved since its founding into a co-educational K-12 day school (becoming co-educational in 1970) with five-day Upper School boarding. This growth has expanded the diversity of perspectives in our community while vibrantly carrying our founder’s vision forward. The Old Oak For over a century, Hackley’s iconic Old Oak stood as a symbol of tradition and welcome at the entrance of the Quad. On August 4, 2020, the tree fell during Tropical Storm Isaias, marking the end of an era. Honoring its legacy, salvaged pieces of the Old Oak were crafted into meaningful artifacts, including a podium for the Allen Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, a desk for the Head of School’s office, and benches placed outside each division office. 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