Hugger Elementary School

Hugger Elementary School is a highly regarded public school in Rochester, MI, serving 512 students in grades PK-5 within the top-ranked Rochester Community School District.

Hugger consistently ranks in the top 12% of Michigan elementary schools, earning a 4-star rating and placing in the 88th percentile statewide. While its test scores are well above state averages, it trails some of its immediate district peers. For example, in 5th-grade math, Hugger's proficiency rate (57.3%) is notably lower than Musson Elementary School (81.1%) and North Hill Elementary School (79.3%). This pattern holds across most subjects, suggesting that while Hugger is a strong school, it is not the top academic choice within its own district. One of Hugger's most significant strengths is its exceptional support for special education students, who ranked in the 90th percentile statewide—a remarkable achievement. The school also stands out for its low chronic absenteeism rate of 9.0%, far better than the district (18.5%) and state (27.9%) averages, and among the lowest when compared to nearby schools.

A key area of concern is a persistent and widening gender achievement gap. In the most recent school year, male students ranked in the 91st percentile statewide, while female students ranked in only the 75th percentile—a 16-point gap that has grown over the past three years. This suggests the school is highly effective for boys but comparatively less so for girls, warranting a closer look at teaching strategies and school climate. On a positive note, Hugger achieves results broadly in line with its peers while spending less per student ($14,327) than schools like Brewster Elementary School ($17,905) or University Hills Elementary School ($17,710), indicating strong operational efficiency. For parents, Hugger offers a solid, well-rounded education with excellent attendance and special education support, though it may not be the highest-performing option in the immediate area.