Hutchinson School

Amazing teachers and administrators make the most of this school, which is over 100 years old and near the end of it's life span. The PTA is super active and involved. There is a newly appointed superintendent for the district who has spent a good deal of time solving issues that the past administration did not manage properly, like facilities, lunch time procedures, communication with the community. There is a new principal as of Sept. 2016 who is doing a great job. Teachers tell me if they were to send their children to school in Pelham, Hutchinson school is the best choice.

It is a safe (as far as entering and dismissal procedures) and clean school. Many pleasant staff members such as the custodians, art, gym and music teachers. The highlights emails are much appreciated and give you a glimpse of your child's school day. However, many teachers have poor attitudes and can be condescending towards parent and child. Their patience seems to be wearing thin in many cases and the passion for teaching is lacking in many of our teachers. International Day has not happened in a while which is interesting considering the school's diversity; there isn't much about acceptance and embracing one another's differences (disabilities, cultures, physical appearance, etc.). The school is not big on anti-bullying and fostering healthy peer relationships which is worrisome at times. I have understood other schools in our town take anti-bullying, respect and kindness very seriously. It would be great if Hutchinson took this same approach; it's a school with a lot of potential.

My child started Kindergarten at this school coming from a very close knit environment; despite my fear of bigger class size she has a great experience for the first 2 years. The teachers she had were great, they did a great job at teaching her independence and accountability. The curriculum is good even though they are learning more things at a younger age I think they benefit from it, unless they are coming from a school that is not at this speed (Its possible they may get lost in the shuffle). From what I saw in another parents experience, there wasn't an appropriate evaluation on educational level. This surprises me because I have to agree with the comments written below about emphasis geared on scores. The problems I see with this school are more so with the operation. I think the principal is very sweet and has good intentions but can do a better job with communicating among staff what may be going on with your child (including nurse and psychologist and teachers). I also think she emphasizes too much responsibility on the children if they are late, instead of the parent. Overall I think the child receives a good education.

This was my son's first year; 1st grade attending Hutchinson Elementary. The school is diverse in student body, well connected with the community. The teachers are very friendly and intune with students needs, and are always in communication with parents. The school makes a strong effort to keep the parents and student body aware of updates, events and ensures timely notifications of any changes within the school system.

Both my kids (now in Middle and High school) attended Hutchinson School. We always loved the highly diverse student body and the amazing teachers and leadership this school has to offer. It truly enriched our lives and our sons', My older kid is an A student and my youngest has a learning disability. Having had such different learners we have experienced first hand the effort they make to engage advanced students and to dramatically improve student's performance with greater needs. Loving, caring, professional... I always felt my kids received a tremendous amount of personal attention. Parents are tremendously active at this school - very involved. And it shows! They are doing a terrific job to support and improve Hutchinson Elementary School. I agree with other parent reviews that they don't get the same level of reputation as other schools in Pelham because of the diverse background of its students. I am also under the impression that most special ed students in Pelham attend Hutchinson School, fact that may have an impact on the school rating based on test results. Certainly teachers are A+++ !! Good job Hutchinson Elementary!!