Hutton Elementary School

Great school, great parents, great community, great staff (especially the p.e. teacher, music teacher, and librarian) ... looking foreward to the "new school"
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the very top schools in the city. There is a strong culture of parent involvement. The principal works tirelessly to support teachers, parents, and kids. The school works hard to create as level a playing field for all kids regardless of socioeconomic background. We feel lucky to have our kids at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very thankful for the kindness showed my granddaughter this past year at Hutton. It was a great year and her teachers were fantastic. (except the PE teacher) I love everything about this school. They went above and beyond for us during a difficult time.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a great experience with Hutton. My child, who has had difficulty with learning, has received one-on-one help from qualified, caring teachers and has blossomed at Hutton. I have had countless opportunities to get involved (solicited via email by teachers and PTA alike), but I work outside the home full time, so it has been difficult to do so. Yes, the building is old, but it is slated for a remodel in the next few years.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not a good school for gifted children, high academic performers, children with conditions like asthma or parents who want to be involved. Teachers teach to the median and below, and they use their top performers as helpers but do not offer any enrichment for these children. The school building is charming but very old with a history of serious mold and use of toxic artificial air fresheners by teachers, which are prohibited. The principal only pursues changes that fit into his personal agenda and otherwise avoids any and all disputes/issues. Ex.: the safety patrol is not supervised by an adult but has to work dangerous 3+ way intersections that do not have signs. The principal made an agreement with the district to have an adult supervise, but there is no such adult. When I voiced my concern, I was told that it gets better in warmer months when the snow is gone. The principal has a "nothing bad has happened so far" attitude. An avg of 6 people attend the PTA meetings, and the same work horse parents are used year after year. Parents have no voice. Teachers have no voice but are protected by the principal enabling inappropriate behavior in favor of perpetuating complacency.
—Submitted by a parent

Hutton is the #1 school in the district. They work hard for all the students. My children are starting 3rd/5th grade. The PTA is fantastic, they pay for books for the library, computers for the students and after school art and language classes in Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Sign Language. With the standardized testing for the state constantly changing the teachers step up each year to give their best to their students. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classrooms and every other school activity and many do. The principal is very visible in the school. He knows all the kids names and is not only a disciplinarian but very encouraging to the students. In every PTA/school meeting I have attended they are always very open to suggestions and ideas that can make things better for the students at Hutton.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 2nd grade at Hutton at her teachers and other school staff have been wonderful! Wouldn't go anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 kids at Hutton. I moved to Spokane from Northern California (Menlo Park). I think this school is as good and in ways better than our previous schools. Hutton has a great sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent

Hutton is one of the best schools you could ask for in Spokane. The faculty is friendly and helpful as well as the students. We have chosen hutton for 14 years and it has not let us down. Hutton will put your kids on the right educational path for many years down the road and build morals and structure for your child to grow on.
—Submitted by a parent

Hutton is a wonderful school. We have been involved with it for over 10 years as our children have progressed through their academic years. The teachers give 110% to each student and they are willing to do whatever it takes (staying late, meeting with parents, phone calls, etc.) to assure each student reaches their full potential!
—Submitted by a parent

Hutton is a place where not all students are friendly.They need adult supervision while the students do safety patrol.The students aren't all welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at Hutton since K (3rd grade now) and although there are some short-comings, the waiting list to teach here is a mile long and that says something. The variety of before and after-school choices is my favorite part, but after many different experiences at many other schools (with my first) - this is the best, hands down. I do wish more parents were involved in the larger groups, but easily, this is our best experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the school performs well on standardized tests, there are other things to consider. Most notably, is that the principle is not willing to accept even the slightest bit of criticism. Also, since many parents went to the school themselves, they overlook many of the school's shortcomings. This school definitely has a 'But, we've always done it this way attitude.' Too bad.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Active parents, nice learning environment, challenging teachers, wonderful location. I would rather have my children go here than private school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Hutton for 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades. It is a great school. Extracurricular activites, active PTA, safe area, clean hallways, excellent teachers. I love it!
—Submitted by a student

I am a former Hutton student, It has great teachers, almost all parents are involved and is in a very safe neighborhood.
—Submitted by a former student

This school needs more parent involvement and more safety and discipline also. The teachers though need to be gentle yet stern and serious about their job as a teacher.