Hudson Elementary School

9825 HUDSON AVE

School District

Webster Groves
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Webster Groves School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

5 Stars!! The jewel of the district! Not always recognized as such, but it’s the truth.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2017

Fantastic. We have been here for 4 years and I love it!
Submitted by other on June 08, 2015

I have a child currently at Hudson and one who has finished. It amazes me how consistent this little school remains in it's teaching. They are so in tune with each child and their needs. The families are very involved and supportive. The faculty keeps the parents informed making sure everyone is in the "know". My husband and I both are very pleased with the sense of community and the general friendliness of everyone at the school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2015

We love Hudson-- it's been such a great experience for us. The teachers are great-- they really care about our kiddos and our community! The school offers a variety of learning opportunities and also invests in our neighborhoods. Hudson Rocks! :)
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2015

I would like to personally respond to the post regarding non equality throughout the Webster system. While the writer may be correct in their assertion that the Hudson community, being as small as it is (huge benefit) does not have the same funds available as a HUGE overcrowded school like Avery or Bristol, I do not see the inequality. In talking with families from other schools, I have found Hudson to be ahead of the curve in technology. 5th and 4th graders are 1:1 with devices. We also have iPads, and chrome books in every grade, including k. Further, Hudson has far more activities available then other schools for 2 reasons, teachers dedication to the students, and small size. My "above average" kids have all excelled at this school, and have had many opportunities to achieve up to their academic potential. Although honestly, I take more pride in the fact that they have learned people come in all colors, abilities and backgrounds, when a teacher tells you your child has helped another child reach his or her potential, you know that school is doing something right. HUDSON ROCKS
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

Our children have been attending Hudson for 5 years now and we have been very happy. The teachers are all very dedicated, caring, and able to support different learning styles and abilities. Our children love everything about school our principal, teachers, aides, and other students. They are not only "learning the curriculum", they are also enjoying the experience. Things I see: - Encouragement - Self-discovery - Independent thinking - Appreciating diversity - Approachable/kind-hearted teachers and staff - Respect for others, cooperative learning - Encouragement for the arts Hudson ROCKS!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2015

My children and I love Hudson. My kids have made great friends and love to come to school to be with their classmates. Every year I am so happy with the growth I see them make. My children read above grade level and they are continually challenged to grow more. I have been very pleased with all the classroom teachers and support teachers my children have worked with. I am thankful that my children are held to high standards. I love that the kids are rewarded for hard work and appropriate behavior. My kids often talk about being cooperative, respectful and showing kindness. These words are discussed regularly at Hudson. While I love that my kids are getting a high quality and challenging education, the thing I love most about Hudson is that my kids are happy to being going to school each day.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2015

I am deeply impressed with Hudson Elementary School. I have two children that attend there and they love it. Socially, we have had no major issues with exclusion or bullying so far. My kids love the teachers and their friends. The parents in this school are very active and involved. What I really love about Hudson is how they have academically challenged my children. I would consider my kids to be slightly above average when it comes to reading and math. Hudson really challenges them, yet still gives them a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Hudson has assisted in the development of my children's enjoyment of learning. I know that no school is perfect. But so far Hudson has far exceeded my expectations for a great public elementary school. Two thumbs up from a happy father.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2015

If your child struggles, this school will work hard to make sure your child succeeds. However, if your child is above average, they're not likely to be challenged academically. It has been our experience that the primary goal is not to ensure children meet their potential but only that they meet grade level expectations. There is no differentiation for students who excel. Those students just wait for the rest to catch up. In lower grades, out of the 300 min. allotted for reading ea. week, a student may meet in a group with the teacher for 60-90 min - less than 33% of the time. The rest of the time they read to themselves, listen to a book read on the computer or do worksheets - things they could do at home. All schools are not equal at the elementary level in WGSD. They rely heavily on funds from the PTOs. Hudson, having the highest number of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch in WGSD, does not even come close to raising the same amount of money as the other elementary schools. This economic disparity is reflected in Hudson's ability to supply current technology, curricular enhancements and even after-school opportunities.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2014

My husband and I love Hudson. I have a son and a daughter that attended this past year. Both of their teachers communicated with us were on top of their education. My children were sad to be leaving their school for the summer. Art, music and PE teachers are also fabulous. We have been very pleased with Hudson!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2014

I knew moving into the district 7 years ago that we'd be happy with the choice, but almost immediately during my child's kindergarten year did we realize what a great place we had found in Hudson. From the very small student:teacher ratio, to the principals, to the experienced educators (many of them at Hudson their entire career) this school is right for so many reasons. They offer advanced enrichment such as a gifted program, strings, chess, etc. However this school is unique in that each and every child, regardless of learning or physical ability, is in a classroom where the gifted students and special needs students alike are blended together and work with one another on a daily basis. This brilliantly teaches humility, and fosters cooperation and inclusion. Hudson parents are heavily involved in every aspect of the school and the community, and they enjoy doing so. Each and every teacher is a student favorite, and both of the principals we've experienced in my daughter's time at Hudson were the prefect blend of lovable and professional. I truly believe you'd be happy with any school in the Webster Groves School District, but it's apparent to me how much we will miss Hudson.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2014

I can't say enough good things about this school! The teachers are great, the principal is connected and involved, and if you have a special ed child like I do....you can breathe easy and relax when you send him/her here. That in itself is worth its weight in gold to parents of special needs children!
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2014

We have one child at Hudson and another who will attend when he's old enough. We debated about whether to send our children to Hudson or to a private school located in our neighborhood. After much thought, we went with Hudson, and we have been very happy with our choice. It is a wonderful community, where everyone looks out for each other and for each others' children. The staff is wonderful and knows all the kids. Hudson's "ROCKS" program has gotten our daughter to practice good citizenship, which is a great complement to academics. Her teacher is incredibly insightful and puts a ton of effort into communicating with parents and making sure we are working on the same things at home that she is working on at school. She recognizes our daughter's strengths and pushes her to excel. We love the diversity of the school, the caring community and the environment that Lisa Hilpert and her staff have created to make Hudson a place where kids are set up for academic and social success. I have mixed feelings about posting this review, because this school is a hidden gem, and that's part of what makes it so great. That said, the school deserves to be recognized for its excellence.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2014

My husband & I were young when we purchased our home and weren't really thinking about the schools at the time. We now have two children: one that has graduated from Hudson and a second who is currently in 3rd grade there. We count ourselves very fortunate to live in Hudson's attendance area. Hudson was once considered the step-child of the District, but has made tremendous strides in recent years. Hudson's smaller size makes it a very child and family oriented school. Every staff member from the Principal to the teachers to the aides and custodians are warm and inviting and sincerely care about the children. They take care of my children's emotional needs as well as providing them with challenging and innovative core classroom work. My child was well prepared for the 6th grade center because of the skills she learned at Hudson. I would highly recommend Hudson Elementary to any family. Hudson ROCKS!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2014

We recently moved to the STL area and I have two sons who attend. I have been quite disappointed with the competence of both the teachers and administration. Neither of my sons' teachers were able to articulate who or how the class curriculae were developed (I knew the answer before asking the question but I always ask it of every teacher as a control question). Their teachers also are completely non-responsive and seem completely lost regarding pedagogy for boys in particular. In fact, I get the distinct impression that the teachers and the administration harbor a clear disdain for boys and the typical challenges they present to elementary educators. We have met other parents who have observed the same phenomena and who have taken their boys out of the school. Would recommend anyone with boys to avoid this school if possible.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

We have achieved great success & happiness through Hudson. I feel lucky to have been able to use this school.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

Hudson Elementary is the best kept secret - it is a small, diverse school with a safe and nurturing environment. Our sons' teachers and principal, Ms. Hilpert, have gone above and beyond to meet our children's needs. We have been blessed to be part of such a great community. This encompasses not only the teachers, but the front office and administration. Hudson ROCKS!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

My 2 youngest children attended. I found that the student teacher ratio to be great usually 1 full time and one assistant in class size of 14 to 18. For all the years my kids went there the teachers were always available and responsive when I checked in on homework or behavior. They have great services for both gifted and recovery programs. My son especially needed both. We just loved our experience there and the children still love going back and checking in with their former teachers! We used the Aftercare too and very pleased with the program. My kids would be disappointed when I came to pick them up too early. They were having a great time.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

We have lived in the community for 20 + years now. We had one child finish at Hudson and another child attending now. What a "Jewel" of a school! The teachers are wonderful. The entire school and it's family atmosphere is dynamic. The education is above what we expected, preparing our son for gifted programs aiding in his college placement. Our youngest has a slight learning issue due to chemotherapy residuals and the reading specialists have helped her to develop in to a super reader. We will continue to volunteer at this tiny little school as long as our bodies and minds permit it.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

Both of our sons currently attend Hudson Elementary School - part of the Webster Groves School District. There are so many things we love about this school but my top two are: 1) the AMAZING teachers! Each year we have had positive experiences with our children's teachers as they go above and beyond for their students. Truly, all of faculty and staff, especially Mrs. Hilpert, the principal, are top notch. They know all of the children by name and make them feel safe and welcome in an inviting learning-focused atmosphere. 2) We love the diversity of Hudson. There are children from a variety of backgrounds, including race, nationality, income-level -- and all are welcome and loved from the moment they walk in the front door. We are truly grateful for the experiences we've had at Hudson. Academics are the first priority at Hudson but character-development and interpersonal skills are also priorities. They help create well-rounded students who are positioned to thrive in the 'real world' and achieve strong academic success in their future. Highly recommend!