Answers for applying families.
Everything families ask about applying to The Hudson School, in one place. Still have a question? Reach our admissions office anytime at admissions@thehudsonschool.org or (201) 659-8335.
Applying to Hudson.
How do I apply?
We have a three-step process. First, submit the preliminary application through the Ravenna Hub (our online admissions platform). Next, your child completes a student visit or interview. Finally, you submit supplementary materials to complete your file. You can start anytime by creating a Ravenna profile.
Do you have rolling admissions or fixed deadlines?
Both. We run three cycles, Early Notification, Standard, and rolling. Rolling admissions begins after the standard cycle and continues on an as-available basis, so we welcome families year-round. See the Admissions Process page for the current cycle deadlines.
What does the PreK to Grade 4 application involve?
A standard application and application fee, a Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, a report card from your child’s previous school, a teacher recommendation, and a playdate interview.
What does the Middle and Upper School application include?
After the initial Ravenna application, your supplementary file should include teacher recommendations in both math and English, a full transcript with the most recent grade report, and samples of graded work, along with the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, a School Records Request, and Fall Report Cards.
Our current school doesn’t write recommendation letters at this age. What do we do?
Our teacher recommendation is a short, standardized checklist form rather than a formal letter. We’re happy to contact your child’s school directly and walk them through it.
Is admissions testing (ISEE or SSAT) required?
No. Standardized test scores are optional. We’re happy to accept any scores an applicant would like to submit, but they are not required.
When will we hear back?
We bring completed files to our admissions committee. During our rolling cycle, we typically reach a decision within about two weeks of a file being complete, and decisions are shared in Ravenna.
How do we accept an offer and enroll?
You’ll log into your FACTS account to indicate your decision. Tuition accounts are also managed through FACTS.
How much is the application fee, and are fee waivers available?
The application fee is $80. Fee waivers are available on an as-needed basis. Please reach out to our admissions office.
Grades and entry points.
What grades do you serve, and what are the main entry points?
The Hudson School serves Preschool (PreK-3 and PreK-4) through Grade 12. Common entry points are PreK, Kindergarten, Grade 6, and Grade 9, though openings vary by year.
Do you accept students mid-year or in other grades?
We accept applications for Preschool through Grade 12, and space varies by grade. Please contact our admissions office to confirm current availability.
Visiting campus.
Can we schedule a tour or a call, even late in the year?
Yes. Because we have rolling admissions, we welcome tours and phone or Zoom calls year-round. You can self-schedule a tour, a one-on-one call, or an info session on our Visit Us page.
Where do tours take place, and is there a dress code?
Lower and Middle School tours and interviews take place at 422 Willow Avenue; Upper School tours take place at 601 Park Avenue. There is no dress code and nothing to prepare.
Tuition and financial aid.
What is tuition?
Tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $32,980 across all divisions. See the Tuition & Financial Aid page for what’s included and what to budget.
Are there additional fees?
New students pay a one-time building fee of $2,500, and international students pay an additional $5,000 fee. Aftercare (approximately $4,800) and Lower School enrichment programs are available at an additional cost.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Tuition is administered through FACTS, which offers a variety of payment-plan options. The enrollment deposit is typically $1,000 and is credited toward tuition.
Do you offer financial aid, and does applying affect our decision?
Yes. All financial aid is need-based (we do not offer merit scholarships) and is applied for through the Clarity app. The Hudson School is need-blind, so applying for aid has no bearing on admission decisions. In 2023–24, 29% of our students received need-based aid, with grants ranging from $1,200 to $24,000.
About the program.
What makes Hudson’s program distinctive?
Hudson is known for its strength in languages, classics, philosophy, and the humanities. We encourage autonomy, independence, and joy, and we want every student to find their own path while getting to be who they are.
What world languages do you offer?
Spanish begins in Kindergarten. Starting in Grade 5, students choose among French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese, and we offer Latin in the upper middle grades and Upper School.
Do you offer honors, AP, or advanced coursework?
Yes. Last year we offered 26 AP and honors courses in the Upper School, plus non-grade-specific math and world language courses so students are matched to the right level of challenge.
What support do you offer for students with learning differences?
We have a full-time learning specialist in the Lower School and separate social-emotional counselors in the Middle and Upper Schools. From Kindergarten on, support is evaluated case by case with the relevant division head.
Still have questions?
Our admissions team is here to help. Start an inquiry or begin your application anytime.
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