Living on campus with approximately 30 peers, boarders benefit from the guidance and academic support of dedicated Boarding faculty while enjoying the camaraderie of a welcoming residential community. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore their interests, grow as individuals, and build meaningful relationships in a warm and nurturing environment.
A Home Away from Home
Life in the dorms is filled with opportunities to connect. From engaging late-night conversations and collaborative study sessions to shared activities on and off campus, boarders form lasting friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds. Communal dorm spaces become a home away from home, where students forge cross-grade connections, gain confidence in their identities and voices, and learn to support one another as they grow into thoughtful and capable individuals.
Our Five-Day Boarding program also offers the best of both worlds: the chance to fully immerse in Hackley’s dynamic extracurricular life during the week while maintaining meaningful connections with family and home communities on weekends. This balance ensures students develop holistically, benefiting from the continuity and support of both their Hackley and home experiences.
Echoes of Kinship:
A Glimpse into Hackley’s Boarding Corridor
Boarding life at Hackley is more than a place to sleep. It is a vibrant community where friendships flourish, growth happens every day, and students leave with lasting memories. Here, three students share reflections that capture the spirit and meaning of life in the dorms.
Boarding & Admissions FAQs
Hackley’s dorm is located on the third floor of the Main Building, which also houses Upper School classrooms, offices and the Dining Hall on the first and second floors.
The North Side of the dorm traditionally houses female-identified students. The South Side of the dorm traditionally houses male-identified students. Both sides are connected by a communal space, consisting of a lounge, office/study area and kitchen.
While Hackley does not currently offer a gender-inclusive housing option, the dorm strives to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible within the constraints of its architectural layout.
Hackley Boarding is open to boarders and the Boarding Associates — the six Boarding faculty members that support dorm life. Day students are not permitted in the dorm.
During the academic day, the dorm remains closed to encourage full participation in school life. This includes attending club meetings, meeting with teachers during free periods, and engaging in community activities, such as a game of Spike Ball on the Quad.
Hackley aims to provide single rooms for all Boarding students whenever possible. We believe that individual rooms support healthy sleep routines, focused study habits, and overall physical and emotional well-being.
However, room assignments may vary based on the number of Boarding students and annual admissions outcomes. When this occurs, we work thoughtfully to ensure a positive and supportive roommate experience.
Day / Time | Activity / Notes
- Sunday: Boarders return to campus on Sunday evenings starting at 7 p.m.
- Monday - Friday (Morning): From Monday through Friday, boarders are responsible for managing their morning routines, including waking up independently, attending breakfast, and arriving on time to first period class.
- Monday - Friday (3:15 PM): The dorm reopens at 3:15 p.m. after the academic day, allowing boarders to change for athletic practices, drop off books or grab what they might need for play rehearsal.
- Dinner: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Dorm Check-In: 7 p.m.
- Study Hall: 7 to 9 p.m.
- Free Time: 9 to 10:30 p.m.
- Monday Night: Dorm meeting
- Wednesday Night: Activity night (tie dye, crafts, dumpling making, etc.)
- Thursday Night: Pizza and movie night
- Friday: Dorm closes at 7 p.m.
Hackley takes a holistic approach to evaluating Boarding applications. We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, life experiences and middle schools, and we have seen many thrive in our Boarding program.
Successful boarders are typically ready to embrace structure, as well as increased responsibility and independence. Students who demonstrate strong time management skills, clear and respectful communication, and empathy toward others often transition smoothly and engage fully with the dorm community.
Hackley’s Boarding program is a small cohort that values community and time spent together. We believe that meaningful learning and connection happens when students are consistently present in the dorm and engaged in Hackley’s broader offerings — whether that’s joining a sports team, participating in student government, or supporting peers at concerts and theatrical performances.
Prospective boarders who anticipate maintaining a demanding extracurricular schedule that frequently requires overnight absences may find that their needs do not align well with the mission and structure of the Hackley Boarding program.
Due to the size of our program, Boarding spots may be limited. Applying for Boarding does not preclude an applicant from being offered a day student spot.
We accept Boarding applications for 9th grade, 10th grade, and 11th grade. Priority is given to 9th and 10th boarders because we believe in the impact four, or three, years can have on the growth and development of Boarding friendships both between grades, and amongst boarders of the same grade.
We accept Boarding applications for students entering grades 9, 10 and 11. Priority is given to applicants for grades 9 and 10, as we believe that spending three or four years in the Boarding program allows students to build deeper connections across grade levels. These relationships contribute meaningfully to the growth, development and overall experience of our Boarding program.
Yes, financial aid is available for applicants applying as boarders.