Hudson College

The Our Kids Review

From the review: There are many reasons parents choose to enroll their children at a private school, from family tradition to elite sports. Parents who choose Hudson College, however, are less interested in the extremes at the edges of the private education market, and more interested in the foundational elements of a strong academic program and a positive learning experience: consistent social support, a sense of community, the flexibility to address student interests, and a consistent approach to curricular development. Jeff Bavington founded

User-submitted reviews   

• Parent reviews (2)
• Student reviews (3)

• Overall Experience
• School Leadership
• Teaching
• Academics
• Extracurriculars
• Students
• School Life
• Community
• School Location
• Admissions

School Busing:

• Toronto

Additional notes: Our bus route limited; please contact our Admissions team for details.

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Hudson College.

School Facilities Gallery

Photo-tour of facilities

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• Arts facilities
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• Classrooms
• Science facilities
• Instructional resources
• Shared spaces

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Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Hudson College.

• Curriculum Traditional, Reggio Emilia
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

  ---

  Curriculum approach at Hudson College : Traditional, Reggio Emilia

  Hudson College has a Traditional, Reggio Emilia approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Traditional, Reggio Emilia?]

  Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Traditional - 44%
    Liberal arts - 15%
    Progressive - 27%
    Montessori - 13%
    Reggio Emilia - 0%
    Waldorf - 1%
  

  Hudson College has a Reggio Emilia approach to secondary curriculum.

  Reggio Emilia programs are offered by some schools at the preschool and elementary level. The approach aims to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of projects (as opposed to activities or lessons): teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. They can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. The philosophy calls for a high degree of parent involvement as well, particularly when forming curricula and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).

  What Hudson College says: Our Humanistic approach to curriculum and is rooted in progressive philosophy and the child-centered movement. Developing every individual into a well-rounded, responsible community member is the prime consideration in our teaching practices. We provide an enriched, balanced curriculum with a focus on core academics, as well as music, art, and drama. Our teachers are facilitators and provocateurs of knowledge, encouraging critical thought and self-reflection, while also promoting cooperative and independent learning. Our Preparatory Program in the Middle Years (Grades 6–8) gives special attention to the ‘soft skills’ (organization, self-advocacy, note-taking, study skills, collaboration, communication) needed for success in the Upper School and university. Our Grade 9 and 10 students benefit from a supervised study period every day during the first two semesters, as well as tailored workshops to further support effective work habits.

  Approach:

  Focus
  Academic

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance
    Mathematics approach at Hudson College : Equal Balance

    Hudson College has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 67%
      Traditional math - 28%
      Discovery math - 5%
    

    What Hudson College says: Based on the results of an extensive review of different mathematics programs, Hudson College uses Saxon Math for its elementary division. Saxon Math ensures foundational mastery in underlying mathematical procedures and promotes the accurate use of mathematical language. As well, Saxon Math uses "Investigations" to engage students in thinking critically about mathematical problems and concepts. The Upper School mathematics program delivers the Ontario Mathematics curriculum. The program emphasizes mastery of a wide range of mathematical skills and logic-based thinking with regular opportunities for discovery through proofs, manipulatives and technology. Hudson College uses a balanced approach between exploratory methods and formal methods, where the latest technologies are utilized for exploring the wide range of mathematical applications while providing foundational mastery for the development of mathematical fluency.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Saxon Math from Kindergarten through Grade 8

    Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
    Early Reading approach at Hudson College : Balanced Literacy

    Hudson College has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

    [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

    Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

    Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

      Balanced literacy - 55%
      Phonics-intensive - 43%
      Whole language - 2%
    

    What Hudson College says: At Hudson College, reading and writing is introduced in Kindergarten. We use a balanced approach to teaching language that continues throughout the elementary grades. Critical thinking is fostered through novel studies and the reading of various genres. Writing for different purposes is a focus of our elementary language program.

    DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What Hudson College says: Hudson uses the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to test reading fluency and reading comprehension of students, Kindergarten through Grade 8.

  • Writing Equal balance
    Writing approach at Hudson College : Equal balance

    Hudson College has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Writing at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 80%
      Systematic approach - 9%
      Process approach - 11%
    

    What Hudson College says: Hudson College has a very strong writing program. Direct instruction is used to explicitly teach structure (sentence, paragraph, essay), planning, grammar and editing skills. Writing is closely correlated to the study of a variety of texts that deal with issues associated with social justice, historical eras and scientific knowledge. Students receive ongoing feedback on their written work during student-teacher conferences. Teachers prioritize the teaching of writing as a curriculum priority.

  • Science Equal Balance
    Science approach at Hudson College : Equal Balance

    Hudson College has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 69%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    Teaching approach: In our Primary grades, Science is inquiry-based. Most lessons focus on acquiring skills and knowledge through hands-on experiences. In our Elementary grades (5 - 8) Hudson utilizes Equal Balance teaching practices, hands-on experimentation and supports direct-instruction of scientific theory. Formal lab report writing is utilized in preparation for high school science. The Upper School Science program at Hudson follows an equal balance approach, with equal emphasis placed on inquiry-based learning and on knowledge acquisition through a variety of instructional methods. The Ontario Curriculum is covered thoroughly; areas of general interest to the students are explored in greater detail. Experiments are thoughtfully designed to enrich the students’ learning and give experience with instrumentation, procedures and lab reporting skills that will be utilized in their futures beyond Hudson. Students will leave Hudson with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.

    Treatment of evolution:

    Subject	offered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    Subject	offered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature Equal Balance
    Literature approach at Hudson College : Equal Balance

    Hudson College has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 74%
      Traditional - 22%
      Social justice - 4%
    

    What Hudson College says: At Hudson College, reading and writing are introduced in Kindergarten. We use a balanced approach to teaching language that continues throughout the elementary grades. Critical thinking is fostered through novel studies and the reading of various genres. Writing for different purposes is the focus of our elementary language program. Hudson uses the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to test reading fluency and reading comprehension of students, Kindergarten through Grade 8. Hudson College has a very strong writing program. Direct instruction is used to explicitly teach structure (sentence, paragraph, essay), planning, grammar and editing skills. Writing is closely correlated to the study of a variety of texts that deal with issues associated with social justice, historical eras and scientific knowledge. Students receive ongoing feedback on their written work during student-teacher conferences. Teachers prioritize the teaching of writing as a curriculum priority.

  • Social Studies Core Knowledge
    Social Studies approach at Hudson College : Core Knowledge

    Hudson College has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

    [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

    Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

    Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

      Core knowledge - 44%
      Expanding communities - 25%
      Thematic - 31%
    

    What Hudson College says: In our primary grades social studies is a thematic approach with a focus on expanding communities. As students move through the elementary social studies curriculum, the focus is core knowledge. Art and drama enhances the social studies program in all elementary grades.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Hudson College : Equal Balance

    Hudson College has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 9%
      Pragmatism - 9%
    

    What Hudson College says: In Grade 7 and 8, History and Geography take on both a perennialist and pragmatic approach depending on the specific topic of study in relation to the Ontario curriculum. Hudson College’s Upper School Social Sciences and Humanities Department employs equal balance overall. Where strong foundations and core knowledge (“cultural literacy”) are concerned vis-à-vis theory and pioneers, perennialism is emphasized. Similarly, when making these theories and innovators relevant to real-life and progressive in nature, a more pragmatic approach is emphasized as necessary.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
    Foreign Languages approach at Hudson College : Equal Balance

    Hudson College has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 62%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 36%
    

    What Hudson College says: In the Primary and Junior grades, students develop their French communication skills in part with the AIM program: proficiency with speaking, listening, reading, and writing is fostered through scaffolded techniques based on story-telling that features high-frequency vocabulary. In the intermediate years, students follow the Trillium-listed Odyssée series, wherein learning situations are presented with engaging themes and a wide variety of text forms designed to promote authentic communication in French. In our Upper School, students are taught the foundation of the French language using the rules of grammar and are then encouraged to use what they have learned based on structure and rules to express themselves in the most natural way in both spoken and written form. The goal is for the learner to show that s/he comprehends the language by means of natural use.

  • Fine Arts Creative
    Fine Arts approach at Hudson College : Creative

    Hudson College has a Creative approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Creative?]

    Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Creative - 40%
      Receptive - 1%
      Equal balance - 59%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Hudson College says: In middle school, the art program focuses on creating a sense of curiosity, creativity and confidence in students. This involves exposing students to art through trips to galleries, inviting in guest artists from the community and being challenged to think about the importance of art in the world. The creative process and experience not only develops critical thinking skills, but is also an outlet for students to express themselves in different ways, while building confidence in themselves. The Upper School Visual Art program at Hudson College takes a balanced approach to developing observational, technical and critical thinking skills. The creative process not only fosters imagination and innovation, but further develops the ability to solve complex problems. Working in a broad range of media helps to build students confidence and creates an environment where they are encouraged to grow and take risks.

  • Computers and Technology Medium integration
    Computers and Technology approach at Hudson College : Medium integration

    Hudson College has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Medium integration - 48%
      Light integration - 21%
      Heavy integration - 31%
    

    What Hudson College says: Our i-Hub is an intimate, interactive workspace, where we use 3D printers, Virtual Reality, robotics, electronics, and multimedia equipment to support learning across many subject areas. Our students demonstrate a remarkable aptitude for using technology to let their imagination and creativity shine. Some of the software used within the curriculum include Tinkercad, Sculptris, Calcflow, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Hudson College says: Our athletic program provides students with important life skills whether they play on competitive or intramural / house-league teams. Team and individual sports play a vital role in developing one’s physical, intellectual, social and emotional well-being. In addition to these benefits, athletic participation helps students develop self-confidence, sportsmanship, co-operation, discipline, commitment, pride and resiliency. At Hudson, we offer a wide variety of competitive and recreational sporting experiences for our students. Our students are encouraged to find their passion through physical activity and athletic involvements which will in turn compliment their academic endeavours as our students learn the value of hard work, commitment and discipline.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.
  • Sex and health education Not Ontario curriculum
    Sex and health education approach at Hudson College : Not Ontario curriculum

    Hudson College has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).

    [Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]

    The sex education curriculum does NOT follow the provincial one taught in public schools - either in terms of structure, pacing, focus, and/or tone.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 46%
      Follows provincial curriculum - 54%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    Hudson College has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    Hudson College 's approach to sex-ed: This information is not currently available.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Early Reading

  • Writing

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Social Studies

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Preschool/K Curriculum Reggio Emilia
  [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

  Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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  Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Hudson College : Reggio Emilia

  Hudson College has a Reggio Emilia approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Academic approach).

  [Show: About Reggio Emilia?]

  Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
  If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.

  Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Reggio emilia - 6%
    Play-based - 20%
    Montessori - 30%
    Waldorf - 2%
    Academic - 42%
  

  What Hudson College says: Our teaching pedagogy encourages children to explore, investigate and grow. With the belief that children’s curiosity and innate sense of creativity should guide their learning, teachers engaging a Reggio approach observe children, support their interests and document learning to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways of expanding students’ knowledge. Long-term collaborative projects connect core academic areas of Language, Mathematics, Science and the Arts.

• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at Hudson College : Standard-enriched

  Hudson College has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 58%
    Accelerated - 15%
    Student-paced - 27%
  

  What Hudson College says: We adhere to the Ontario Curriculum. As well, our teachers engage in ongoing student assessment so as to enrich our students' learning experience by covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor. This is evident in our language programs that promote critical thinking and higher-level writing skills.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What Hudson College says about flexible pacing: Learner Profiles are developed and used by Hudson teachers to determine where students are in their learning, what interests their students and how do their students best demonstrate new skills and knowledge. Because of our commitment to the individual student, Learner Profiles inform our teaching practices across the curriculum.

• Academic Culture Rigorous
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at Hudson College : Rigorous

  Hudson College has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

  [Show: About Rigorous?]

  A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Rigorous - 48%
    Supportive - 52%
  

  What Hudson College says: We promote a strong academic culture, by providing ongoing assessment of our students to ensure that we exceed provincial standards in math, reading and writing skills. Developmental Reading Assessments (DRAs) – administered twice yearly; and the Canadian Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) – administered mid-year; continuously confirm our high academic achievements in relation to provincial or national standards. Hudson College students understand that high academic performance is necessary to gain entrance into competitive university programs. To-date, Hudson graduates have experienced a 100% percent acceptance rate into the post-secondary programs of their choosing.

• Developmental priorities Intellectual
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

  What Hudson College says: We are proud to help our students develop into independent, self-advocating, intelligent, global-minded individuals. While we promote independence in thought and action, our students also develop a strong sense of responsibility to their school, local, and global community. This strong sense of responsibility towards others is developed through the inclusion of topics that promote social awareness. Through a number of experiences, we equip our students with a strong sense of character, dedication to the community, and leadership skills, preparing them to take on leadership roles in a variety of future life and career opportunities.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  Hudson College offers No support

  Hudson College offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Type	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Type	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

  ---

  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

    Dyscalculia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

    Asperger's Syndrome

    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

    Down syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

    Williams syndrome

    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    Clinical Depression

    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

    Clinical anxiety

    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

    Suicidal thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

    Cerebral palsy

    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

    Muscular dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

    Blindness

    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

    Deafness

    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

    Cystic Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Dedicated gifted programs:

  Program	offered
  Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
  Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

  Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Hudson College says: This information is not currently available.

• Language English
  Hudson College offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, Hudson College students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Hudson College	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins	90 mins	90 mins	120 mins	160 mins
  Site Average	6 mins	7 mins	15 mins	17 mins	22 mins	29 mins	34 mins	40 mins	52 mins	56 mins	68 mins	80 mins	96 mins	109 mins

  What Hudson College says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	JK to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	JK to Gr. 12
  Academic achievement reporting	JK to Gr. 8
  Habits and behaviour reporting	JK to Gr. 12
  Parent-teacher meetings	JK to Gr. 12

With over 35 years’ experience as an educator in schools and universities, I understand the importance of personalizing student programming to meet each learner’s individual needs. At Hudson College, we provide 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. Starting from our Kindergarten program through Grade 12, our enriched program always encourages students to strive for the betterment of themselves and the wider community.

Some say it’s all about what you learn; I say first it’s all about how you are treated and nurtured in that learning environment ‒ only then will successful learning follow. Please visit our College to see how our smaller class sizes, well-balanced academics and supportive teachers make the difference to all our students; I look forward to meeting you soon.