Introduction

LIVING

ABOVE: Director Judy Hoeft worked with members of the Crow River Youth Choir in early 2020. RIGHT: Eighth-grade graduate Anastasia Berghuis holds up a “Thank you, teachers” sign while incoming New Discoveries Montessori Academy middle-schooler Haily Grinder waves a “Have a safe and happy summer” sign at the end of the 2019-20 school year.

A CITY FOR EVERYONE

Between numerous opportunities for worship, recreation, and community engagement it’s easy to connect. The city’s many choices for education are enhanced by a proven investment from the government and local businesses.

In addition to one of the state’s best performing public schools, two charter public schools offer additional options to families, as do parochial schools for all age groups.

Hutchinson Public Schools have taken career preparation to the next level with four academies designed to help students explore their passions and prepare for the future. A growing number of classes offer college credit, and college-level work on campus in a new building constructed around its Center for Technical Excellence. A group of local partners from the government, and private, business and manufacturing sectors helped equip the CTE with modern manufacturing equipment.

Many local high school students take classes at Ridgewater College, as do numerous other traditional students in more than 100 education programs. And there is Hutchinson Community Education and the University of Minnesota Extension service as well.

Common Cup Ministry, Hunger Free McLeod and United Community Action Partnership support local families and provide an array of services to help in hard times. The community’s many churches serve people of several faiths and denominations. Older residents may want to check out the Hutchinson Senior Center, which offers recreational opportunities for those age 55 or older.

Hutchinson has an active Special Olympics program, and the Unified Partners program helps connecting students with and without disabilities through sports. The city also has a club for adults with disabilities: Meghan’s Place.

“We have a lot of good things moving forward in the Hutchinson School District. I feel like we’ll be successful and come out the other end (of COVID-19) strong. I feel like our district is in a really good position from a leadership standpoint, and our teachers are some of the best and most engaged in the state.”

Chris Wilke, former Hutchinson Board of Education member