Hudson Country Montessori

Have been at Hudson for a very long time. The administration as well as the staff feel like extended family, ask any parent there. I love the school and mention it to all. My children has been challenged and nurtured at the same time.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are overwhelmed by class size, some kids fall through the cracks and the administration is not particularly responsive to parents. The program seems to sell itself on a name alone.
—Submitted by a parent

terrible experience, in particular with pre-school teachers. school feels too regimented and disinterested in individual learning style and difference. would advise looking into other nearby montessori before settling here, if not another setting entirely as there are much better schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids have been in Hudson Country for the past four years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The classes are set-up so that three grades are kept together. When a child first starts in a classroom, they have two-years and three-years to help them with their lessons. As they progress into their second and third year, the children take on more responsibility and their confidence really grows because they are role models and mentors to the other kids. Learning in these multi-year groups, they experience a group dynamic and collaboration that I would not have expected them to see until they were in college. Having the same teachers for three years really allows the teachers to know the individual needs of each child and helps build that bond between the student and the teacher. The administration know my children by name and sight, and often have a funny story to tell me when I am picking up the kids. The after-school program has steadily improved such that now my kids do not want to leave until the very end of the day.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started at Hudson Country a little over a year ago. They have been like an extended family to us. They worked with us in everyway possible to help my son adjust to the school and he has grown so much since he started. They are community oriented and all of the staff devotes so much time and attention to each student. When a family has any sort of issue whether it be a job loss or medical issue everyone from staff to student pitches in to cook meals for them, raise money for them, anything they can do to help. I have never seen so many people band together to help each other.
—Submitted by a parent

wonderful school for parents who are involved with their childs education. I have been in the school for 5 years and have seen such a growth. the administration is always available and the buildings new growth is incrediboe. they must be doing something right. A graduate from the school just received a full scholarship into M.I.T and thanked the school for it!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in the pre K. I like her teacher. But the school is not that good in teaching the kids. I moved from another State and I wanted to put my kid in the montessori because I like the concept of Montessori teaching and I also have a very good experience in the other montessori school. But I am sorry to say that I am little disappointed. It is not worth spending so much money in this school. Whatever my child is learning is just becuase I teach her at home. There is no proper study time in the school. I can understand that they do not want to force the kids in the studies at that early age, but I think if the child in kindergarten you expect little better results from the school as well as from the child as compare to any other public school.
—Submitted by a parent

The individual teachers that my daughter had in the 3 and a half years at the school were all wonderful, but the administration was poor. The communication between the administration and the home was lacking, and we were often 'blown off' when we went to the administrators with concerns. The building is in very poor shape. The before and after school programs are disorganized and the people they hire for the after school program barely get involved with the children. The administration speaks of the 'family' of the Hudson community, but unless you are part of a select group of parents, you are excluded from that family.
—Submitted by a parent

Although my daughter received an excellent education for the 2 years she's been attending Hudson, we are very disappointed with the administration, and misdirected priorities when it comes to where to spend their money. The school is run down and in disrepair. Some of the teachers seem unhappy, and there is absolutely NO organization or order to their summer camp program which is very over priced. My daughter used to cry every day having to go to camp, it was not fun for her.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a strong foundation for your child its a best place. If you are looking for a day care this is not a place for you. You have to give atleast a month before you give up on a school. It worked out great for my daughter who is in the school for more than 6 years.
—Submitted by a parent

i put my daughter in the pre-school program as I had heard very good things about the school. What I found was very disappointing. My daughter used to go to pre school before and never disliked school as much as she does now. They keep emphasizing on independence and so refuse to give the attention which a new child needs. The teachers are overwhelmed and so are new students. I had to withdraw my child from there and have to look for a better place.
—Submitted by a parent

Hudson Country Montessori was a huge disappointment for our family. I am familiar with preschools as my children have attended childcare centers since infancy. The toddler program was mismanaged and teachers seemed unhappy. The staff was overwhelmed, and there was a lack of individual attention. I was present at the school from 9am-3pm daily, observing the classroom. Children would cry and be left unattended. If one teacher was comforting a crying child, that left 15 kids for the remaining 2 teachers. On the 4th day, I walked into the classroom, and was told that my child could only attend 1 hr because she cries too much. The teacher didn't inform me the day before, so that I could make arrangements. After 3 days, I disenrolled and found another school.
—Submitted by a parent

Individual curriculum gives my daughter unbelievable education and high self-esteem. Caring nurturing faculty great director. Summer program is both fun and educational.
—Submitted by a parent

This school recently moved to include infants (with a learning program for toddlers) through middle school. My daughter has been reading in pre-k and her self-confidence is astounding. The Montessori principle emphasizes one-on-one teaching, allows children to take leadership roles even when young, encourages teamwork as well as individual work and emphasizes academics. The teachers are encouraging and know each student very well. Teacher to student ratios are small.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent