Photo courtesy of Concilio.
After 15 years at Hockaday, Katie Doherty will become the director of advancement at the Compass School of Texas starting June 1.
Since 2008, Doherty served as Hockaday’s upper school admission division director. During her tenure, she initiated the Parent Ambassador program and contributed to various school initiatives, including the annual fund, Benefit Committee and Self-Study Steering Committee.
“I am humbled and honored to be a part of this vision. As a native Dallasite, I know how competitive the independent school market is,” Doherty said. “We are not only building a new school to meet the demands of our community, but we are building a legacy. I’m inspired by our team as we are all committed to partnering with our friends and community members to offer our children the education they deserve.”
In her new role at Compass School of Texas, Doherty will focus on fundraising, strategic growth and community outreach.
“Katie’s passion for the future of The Compass School of Texas is exactly what we’ve been looking for. She has both broad and deep experience at an institution we hold in high esteem. We are so honored and excited to add her to the team,” secretary on the board of directors, Frances Mitchell, said.
The Compass School of Texas, which opened in August 2023 with 44 students in prekindergarten through second grade, plans to expand to 8th grade by 2029. The school emphasizes a Reggio-inspired teaching approach that incorporates project-based learning. At Compass School of Texas, parents will be invited into the classrooms to collaborate with teachers and to be present in their child’s educaitonal journey.
“I’m inspired by the vision of Compass,” Doherty said. “I have worked with so many parents who are concerned about their child’s education because a lot of the schools have large class sizes or are at capacity and can’t enroll more students.”
Enrollment will extend to third grade this fall.
“I know the joy I have when I see my daughters at Hockaday and my son at da Vinci. Catching a glimpse of my child laughing and playing with friends on the playground or performing on stage makes life feel a little more meaningful,” Doherty said.
