Instruction is student-centered building from individual strengths, talents, and interests.
A strong foundation in the core curriculum is paired with adaptability, flexibility, and the development of strong leadership skills.
The curricular and extracurricular programs consider the student experience—what it means to be a teenager or a child participating in the learning environment.
The 50-page review of Hudson College is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
Parents are drawn to Hudson College because we really look individually at a child. There is a level of care, inclusiveness, and nourishment, when looking at a child individually, asking what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what we can do to help them academically while enriching their whole experience with clubs and activities. —From Interview with Hudson College Head of School: Jeff Bavington.
My daughter really became a changed person at Hudson College. She came out of her shell. We really realized that we made the right choice. At her old school, she didn’t feel like she had a voice. She always felt like she wasn’t being taught so much as taught at. She really loved how engaging the teachers are at Hudson College. —From 2021 roundtable discussion about Hudson College. (The quote comes specifically from Jane Gutcher, a parent).
The teachers at Hudson College want you to succeed, and they really want you to do well, which is something that helped me a lot. They’re always there for extra help—after school, before school, or at lunch. I was given so many opportunities, I was encouraged to succeed, to be better, and to do better. —From Interview with Hudson College alum: Sarah Robinson.
“I always equate it to stairs in the home,” says Jeff Bavington of the process from grade to grade, though he’s quick to note that “not all stairs are equal.”
The Kindergarten program at Hudson College capitalizes on young children's natural curiosity. Its Reggio Emilia-inspired educational approach provides fertile ground for learning, development, and growth.
“Some parents feel academics is the sole purpose to affix as the top priority for a school,” says Bavington, “what they can often forget, I think, is what it was like to be a teenager or a child."
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How Hudson College sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"Hudson is a place where you can be yourself. For over 20 years, we have served a diverse community of families from across Toronto. Our Lower School offers an experiential, collaborative learning environment, starting with a Reggio Emilia-inspired program to nurture children’s innate curiosity. We promote strong foundational skills in math, language and science, complemented by a curricular approach that interweaves critical thinking, fine arts, health and fitness, character education, and service. Our Upper School’s three-semester system carries on this tradition of balance, with students focusing on fewer subjects at a time for deeper learning. Guided study periods over two semesters allow students to seek support during school hours while participating actively in sports, clubs, and activities. We introduce age-appropriate technology and platforms at every level, with robotics and coding from Grade 2 and a 1:1 laptop program from Grade 9. Extracurricular activities include SSAF competitive sports, wide-ranging clubs from chess to creative writing, camp weeks, and field trips. With smaller class sizes, our dedicated teachers can help students to build academic confidence, take on new challenges, and explore personal strengths and interests. Every student’s journey is important as we prepare graduates to define their own path and success."
4.5-acre campus with full-size turf field
Reggio Emilia approach in JK–Grade 1
Before/after-school care up to Grade 5
Hot lunch program, prepared in-house
Mobile iPad and laptop labs
Dedicated media and AV spaces
Music and AIM French from JK
Extensive clubs and athletics
University guidance counselling
100% postsecondary placement rate
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our academic program is enriched and challenging – Hudson students are accepted to selective postsecondary programs and score exceptionally well on tests like the CTBS and UWaterloo contests each year – but we achieve this through careful scaffolding, attentive feedback, consistent pedagogy, and personal growth through extracurriculars, rather than a heavy homework load or overemphasis on competition. The result? Happy, well-adjusted students who are excited to learn every day."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"We're often told that the diversity of our students, down-to-earth environment, affordable tuition, and welcoming admission process set Hudson apart. As one parent noted, 'After my children attended for the visit day, they asked if they could start right away! That was a big factor in knowing that Hudson was the right decision.' Another explained, 'The interview felt connected, organic and natural; the questions were a true indication of a school that wanted to get to know who my daughter is.'"
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our team puts a huge amount of effort into understanding what our students need – individually and collectively – by forming positive relationships, using data well, and communicating closely across the community. This knowledge is carried and applied year-over-year in all kinds of ways, from learner profiles to co-curricular programming, and generates the kind of consistency and structure that is really special to a JK–12 school."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"New families are often pleasantly surprised by the choice in our club offerings and strength of our drama, music and visual art programs, especially for a school of our size. After several years, they tend to appreciate our proactive focus on expanding and adapting our curriculum: every year we add something different (recent additions include a full-time coding and robotics teacher, flag football for Grades 3–5, and a dedicated high school leadership course)."
Watch our Hudson College Q&A discussion with Jane (Parent), Brian (Parent), Taylor (Alum) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
Mr. Jack Bavington, School Director, Founder M. Ed.
With more than 35 years’ experience as an educator, I understand the importance of personalizing student programming to meet each learner’s individual needs. Hudson College provides academic and co-curricular programs designed to develop every student’s abilities and successfully transition to the next stage of education and life.
Hudson is a place where dedicated, highly qualified teachers and staff work to see that students at every level are provided with a nurturing, challenging and engaging experience every day. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, we offer enriching programs that encourage students to strive for the betterment of themselves and the wider community.
Some say it’s all about what you learn, I believe it’s first about how you're treated and nurtured in that learning environment. Only then will successful learning follow.
