Admissions

AT HUDSON LAB SCHOOL

Welcome!

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year.


Choosing the right school is an important decision, and our Admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. Through virtual and in-person events, you’ll experience what makes HLS unique: a project-based curriculum that integrates social-emotional learning, strong academics, and innovation to prepare students to make a real impact in the world.

During the process, you’ll hear from our school leadership, teachers, and parents, while we also get to know your family—and most importantly, your child. Partnering with families is at the heart of who we are.

We invite you to connect with us and look forward to meeting you soon! 

Admissions Process + Dates

STEP 1: Get to Know Us

Discover Hudson Lab School and our project-based approach by visiting our classrooms on a School Tour, attending a virtual info session, and exploring the resources. We also invite you to complete an inquiry card for the 2026–27 school year; after doing so, our Admissions team will be in touch. Once you’ve taken these steps, you’re ready to move on to Step 2.

Virtual Information Sessions

Discover whether Hudson Lab School and project-based learning (PBL) are the right fit for your child and family. Along the way, learn about research in the science of learning, how education has evolved, and how Hudson Lab School equips students to thrive in the era of rapid AI advancements.

  • Dates Coming Soon

School Tours

What makes Hudson Lab School magical? Visit us to experience joyful learning for yourself. We look forward to meeting you!

  • Mondays @ 9:30 am

  • Wednesdays @ 9:00 am

Resources

Discover Hudson Lab School and our project-based approach by exploring the

STEP 2: Start your online application

Applications open on September 02, 2025

Applications due date: December 8, 2025*

Begin your online application, which includes a parent and student section — as well as a Documents section for uploading your supporting materials (such as a transcript and recent report card). For Kindergarten entry, children must be at least 5 years old by December 1st. Sibling applicants are given special consideration during the admissions process; however, admission is not guaranteed.

* Applications received after December 8, 2025, will be considered based on availability. To check availability, please email admissions@hudsonlabschool.com.

STEP 3: Set-up a Parent Interview

From October through February, we offer virtual parent interviews for applicant families. Once you submit an application, you’ll receive details on how to schedule your appointment. These conversations are an important part of our process—they give us a chance to learn more about your child through your perspective and allow you to ask questions, ensuring we build a strong partnership from the very beginning.

STEP 4: Experience a Student Visit

K-1 Play Dates: The Kindergarten through First Grade admission process includes an assessment of each child’s developmental readiness. During these sessions, children can expect to engage in play-based activities that highlight social, emotional, and early academic skills, while giving our teachers a chance to get to know each child in a warm and supportive environment. K–1 playdates will be offered on select dates after school from October through January.

2nd-8th Shadow Days: Second through Eighth Grade admission is based on a student’s character, academic ability, and previous school record. During these visits, applicants join classes, participate in group activities, and experience our project-based learning environment firsthand, giving both students and teachers a chance to see if HLS is the right fit. Shadow Days (half-day visits) will be offered from October through January.

STEP 5: Gather supporting materials

Supporting Materials Deadline: January 8, 2026

As part of your application, we ask for your child's report card and feedback from your child's current school. Please forward the HLS School Form via our admissions platform, FinalSite Enrollment, to your child's current school director or teacher.

STEP 6: Apply for Financial Assistance

Financial Aid Applications Deadline: January 5, 2026

The cost of an independent school should not prohibit a qualified student from obtaining a strong education. If you plan to apply for Financial Assistance, we encourage you to start your application as early as possible to ensure full consideration for the maximum award your household may qualify for. Financial assistance awards are based upon clearly demonstrated need. Further information is available on Clarity.

STEP 7: Open your Admissions Decision Letter

Families will receive an Admissions Decision Letter, and if a placement is available, it will include instructions for completing registration and the tuition contract online. A child’s spot is secured once the online registration is complete and the New Student Fee and Tuition Deposit have been submitted.

Kindergarten

  • February 5, 2026: Decisions emailed

  • February 12, 2026: Responses due

Grades 1-8

  • February 11, 2026: Decisions emailed

  • February 27, 2026: Responses due

Hudson Lab School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. HLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Got Questions?

We invite you to visit our school and experience how wonder and curiosity bring out the best in children academically and emotionally. If you have any questions, we invite you to reach out to our Admissions Team at admissions@hudsonlabschool.com or (914) 826-5586.

Cynthia Whitten
Assistant Head of School
cynthia@hudsonlabschool.com

Yvette Lopez
Administrative Assistant
yvette@hudsonlabschool.com