Kindergarten

Welcome to kindergarten at Hopkins Public Schools! We encourage young learners to pursue their interests, find their purpose, and discover their talents.

In Hopkins, our scholars are at the center of everything we do. When students feel heard, seen, and valued, they can do their very best work — that's why love is one of our core values.

We are excited to partner with you and your upcoming kindergartner. We invite you to a series of year-before-kindergarten events designed to help your family get to know your school community and learn more about our kindergarten program — which is centered around your child's academic, social, and emotional success.

We welcome you to enroll your child in Hopkins kindergarten!

Our kindergarten options:

All-day kindergarten with Spanish curriculum at 6 elementary schools in Golden Valley, Hopkins, and Minnetonka.
Chinese immersion kindergarten located at Eisenhower Elementary.
Spanish immersion kindergarten located at Eisenhower and Alice Smith Elementary schools.
Outdoor Immersion kindergarten at Gatewood Elementary

Find your school

Enroll

Documents to Have Ready When You Enroll

Documents to Have Ready When You Enroll

Before you begin the online registration process, please gather the following materials:

Household Information — address and phone numbers;
Proof of Residency (one of the following)
- Utility bill delivered within last 30 days; (water, electrical, or gas bill)
- Original copy of either a current (signed) lease/rental agreement or purchase agreement for home
Student Information — original birth certificate or passport, health/medication information, previous school information, Hennepin County library card number (if they have one)
Parent Information — work and cell phone numbers, email addresses
Documentation of Early Childhood Screening — If screened in the Hopkins School District, the form will be sent directly to the elementary school. Please submit documentation if completed in a district other than Hopkins. If completed by a physician, please have the physician complete this form and submit it to your elementary school. To schedule a screening, go to Hopkins Screenings or call 952-988-5017.
Emergency Contact Information — phone numbers and address

If you need assistance, please call 952-988-4110.

Questions? Our enrollment specialists are ready to help:
Email: Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org
Phone: 952-988-4110
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Eisenhower Community Center
1001 Highway 7, Hopkins

For questions about kindergarten curriculum, contact our Innovation, Design and Learning team:
952-988-4036.

Welcome 2022-23 Kindergarten Families!

We look forward to meeting with you at series of information events designed to help you learn more about our kindergarten program and learning options. Anyone wanting to learn more about Hopkins kindergarten is welcome to attend these events.

Video: Explore Hopkins Kindergarten Anytime!

Have an online kindergarten adventure with your child!

This online adventure allows interested families and their scholars to virtually walk through a day in the life of a Hopkins kindergartener with interactive videos and activities. Learn more about our amazing schools, programs, and how to enroll at Hopkins.

Visit the Explore Kindergarten Virtual Adventure

Virtual Kindergarten Information Sessions: Nov. 3-19, 2021

Learn about Hopkins kindergarten and your school

Virtual Kindergarten Information Sessions will be held in November and are for parents and caregivers to meet school principals, learn about our kindergarten program, and enroll. You may attend multiple sessions if you would like to explore what each of our elementary schools has to offer.

For health and safety reasons, these sessions will be held online and you can join from the convenience of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection.

Each school's dates and times will be posted in late September 2021.

Schedule a personal tour!

Families are welcome to schedule elementary building tours throughout the year. Contact your school to schedule a tour.
School Contact Information

Chinese and Spanish Immersion Kindergarten Information

We invite you to take a tour!

Learn about Hopkins elementary immersion programs by scheduling a personal building tour! Please call 952-988-4300.

Video at right: Watch our Immersion Information Session recording from our fall 2020 presentation.

Hopkins Public Schools also offers Spanish Immersion Preschool. Families are welcome to register throughout the year when space is available. To enroll, please email: Preschool@HopkinsSchools.org or call 952-988-5000. Or, visit HopkinsSchools.org/preschool.

Recording from 2020 Immersion Information Session

Kindergarten Roundup Events: Feb. 28-Mar. 11, 2022

Complete enrollment forms and engage in fun activities

At Kindergarten Roundup Events, children will be involved in activities that will help them get to know their school and staff as well as other children. Parents and caregivers will be able to connect with the principal and school staff and complete enrollment forms.

Each school's dates and times will be posted in late January 2022.

Young student raising their hand in a classroom

Kindergarten Bridge Events: Explore the Rooms! May 2022

Explore a kindergarten classroom!

Kindergarten Bridge is a great opportunity for your child to become comfortable in a kindergarten classroom before school starts. Your child will enjoy exploring a classroom with other children and caregivers will hear from a parent educator on strategies to enhance your child's kindergarten experience and prepare for the coming school year.

Due to the pandemic, last year's Bridge was not able to be held in person. Please see last year's presentation at right.

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Parent Handout Download

Kindergarten Playground Nights: August 2022

Enroll in Kindergarten at Hopkins Public Schools

Find Your School

If your address does not connect to a school in the School Finder, please proceed to the Open Enrollment drop-down on the Enrollment page once you are ready to enroll.
If you want to enroll your kindergartner in a different school than designated:
- First, complete your Online Registration using your home school on the Enrollment page once you're ready to enroll.
- Then, complete the in-district transfer forms in the In-District Transfer drop-down.

To start, determine what K-12 school your scholar will attend by clicking on our School Finder tool. (Note: this will open in a new tab)

Once you enter the site, add your home address into the search bar to identify your schools of attendance. If you do not have an address or want to explore all schools you may click the "Find on Map" button to go directly to the map.

Find your school

Schedule Your Child's Early Childhood Screening Before Starting Kindergarten

Early childhood screenings are a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Screenings are strongly recommended between the ages of three and four and are required before starting kindergarten. Early screenings are beneficial because if there are any areas of concern, early identification will allow time for your family to access services prior to entering kindergarten.

Appointment times fill very quickly. You can expect to find appointment times 4 to 6 weeks (or more) from today. Schedule now to reserve your space.

Questions? Please call 952-988-5017.

Schedule your child's screening appointment

2019 State of Minnesota Statute 121A.17 - Developmental Screenings

Enrollment Information: Residents, Open Enrolling, Chinese or Spanish Immersion, In-District Transfer

Find enrollment information, forms, and enroll your child online today!

We're excited to welcome your kindergartner to Hopkins Public Schools! Please complete the online Enrollment Form using the button below.

Apply for Kindergarten

Documents to Have Ready When You Enroll

Documents to Have Ready When You Enroll

Before you begin the online registration process, please gather the following materials:

Household Information — address and phone numbers;
Proof of Residency (one of the following)
- Utility bill delivered within last 30 days; (water, electrical, or gas bill)
- Original copy of either a current (signed) lease/rental agreement or purchase agreement for home
Student Information — original birth certificate or passport, health/medication information, previous school information, Hennepin County library card number (if they have one)
Parent Information — work and cell phone numbers, email addresses
Documentation of Early Childhood Screening — If screened in the Hopkins School District, the form will be sent directly to the elementary school. Please submit documentation if completed in a district other than Hopkins. If completed by a physician, please have the physician complete this form and submit it to your elementary school. To schedule a screening, go to Hopkins Screenings or call 952-988-5017.
Emergency Contact Information — phone numbers and address

If you need assistance, please call 952-988-4110.

The deadline to submit all enrollment forms is January 15.

We encourage you to submit your child's forms ahead of the January deadline.

Hopkins Public Schools residents

If you are a resident of the Hopkins Public School District, please visit our enrollment page, email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org, call 952-988-4110, or drop in to the enrollment office between 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Enrollment Office
Eisenhower Community Center
1001 Highway 7, Hopkins

Do you live outside of the District?

Complete an Application for Open Enrollment.

If your family lives outside of the Hopkins Public Schools District and are Open Enrolling, your first step is to apply using an Application for Open Enrollment.

You will need to complete this form for each of your children before they start school.

You will need to complete the Enrollment Form after you receive a confirmation email that your child has been accepted into Hopkins.

Open Enrollment questions?
Patricia Wright, Enrollment Coordinator
Patricia.Wright@
HopkinsSchools.org
952-988-4003

Enrolling in Chinese or Spanish Immersion

Chinese and Spanish immersion is available to kindergartners who live in the Hopkins Public Schools District, or for families who wish to open-enroll their child into Hopkins Public Schools.

Complete the Chinese immersion or Spanish Immersion Application Form and submit it via email, fax, or in-person.

You will need to complete the Enrollment Form after you receive a confirmation email email that your child has been accepted into the program.

Do you want to enroll your child in a different school than your designated Hopkins school?

If you live in the District but you want your child to attend a Hopkins school outside of your assigned attendance area, you must complete an In-District Transfer Request Form.

Questions about In-District Transfer?
Deb Pauly, Administrative Assistant
Deborah.Pauly@
HopkinsSchools.org
952-988-4027

What Your Kindergartener Will Experience at Hopkins

Traits of a Hopkins graduate

When your kindergartner graduates, they will be prepared for a brilliant future.

Your kindergartner is entering a school community committed to supporting and helping your child explore a wide range of meaningful and relevant learning experiences that will challenge and inspire.

When your child graduates, they will have traits that we believe will set them apart from their peers and set them up for 21st century success.

A Hopkins graduate:

Has their own Voice
is Empathetic
Is Confident
Is a Critical Thinker
Is Global and Well-Traveled
Is a Holistic Thinker

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Our Elementary Schools

Hopkins Elementary Schools at a glance:

STEM learning beings in kindergarten. Our Engineering is Elementary (EiE) curriculum introduces student to deeper STEM concepts, collaboration skills, and problem solving.
Spanish language instruction is integrated into the curriculum for all K-6 students.
Chinese and Spanish Immersion elementary programs start in kindergarten at Eisenhower and Alice Smith.
Outdoor Immersion kindergarten is offered at Gatewood.
Talent Development coordinators ensure elementary students have access to rigorous educational opportunities in core subject areas.
Digital learning enriches the classroom experience, encourages critical thinking, and puts students at the center of their learning.
Social-emotional learning such as Yoga Calm and other self-regulation strategies create environments where students can thrive. Flexible classrooms give students agency over the space they need to support their learning.
Orchestra and band begin in elementary school.

Kindergarten is available at six elementary school locations.

Visit Hopkins Elementary School websites

Alice Smith	Glen Lake
Eisenhower	L.H. Tanglen
Gatewood	Meadowbrook

Immersion Programs

Cross-cultural communication skills and global perspectives are essential in today's world.

Chinese and Spanish immersion programs are available to Hopkins District families and families who wish to open-enroll their children into Hopkins. The XinXing Academy and Juntos Elementary registration forms and open-enrollment applications are due January 15. A lottery system is used at the January deadline if there are more requests for slots than spaces allotted. Additional spaces may be available after the application deadline.

There is no fee to attend XinXing Academy or the Juntos Elementary Spanish immersion program, both located at Eisenhower Elementary Community School. Transportation to Eisenhower is available for all students who live within the Hopkins School District boundaries.

Immersion Enrollment Information
Patricia Wright, Enrollment Coordinator
Patricia.Wright@HopkinsSchools.org
952-988-4003

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Chinese Immersion at XinXing Academy

XinXing Academy is Hopkins Public Schools' all-day Chinese immersion program located at Eisenhower Elementary. XinXing Academy provides children the opportunity to develop proficiency in a second language during their elementary years. Our goal is for XinXing students to reach an advanced level of proficiency by the end of grade 12, and to develop bi-literacy in both Chinese and English.

Our immersion classrooms follow the Hopkins Public Schools curriculum, except instruction is in Mandarin Chinese. In all grades, music, art and physical education are delivered in English, but we infuse Chinese cultural components into these classes whenever possible. In kindergarten through grade 2, students receive language arts/reading, math, science, social studies, and health instruction in Mandarin Chinese. Our teachers are native speakers of Chinese, and they strive to create a positive and authentic full-day immersion experience for your child.

Hopkins offers two Chinese immersion classrooms at each elementary grade level. Chinese immersion courses continue at Hopkins West Junior High and Hopkins High School. Students who complete the full Chinese immersion track will be prepared for advanced coursework in Chinese at the college level and can earn up to 16 college credits by graduation.

Learn More About Chinese immersion

Spanish Immersion at Eisenhower Elementary

Juntos Elementary Spanish Immersion program provides children the opportunity to develop proficiency in a second language during their elementary years. In kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in Spanish and 10% is in English. Students learn to read and write in Spanish first, and English literacy instruction is increased gradually as they progress through the program. Our goal is to develop Spanish-English bilingual students. Students who speak a language other than English or Spanish at home may become trilingual.

Hopkins offers two Spanish immersion classrooms at each elementary grade level. Spanish immersion courses continue at Hopkins North Junior High through our Juntos Spanish Immersion program. Additionally, Hopkins High School offers College in the Schools courses in Spanish through the University of Minnesota and AP Spanish Literature. Students who complete the full Spanish immersion track will be prepared for advanced coursework in Spanish at the college level and can which can earn up to 16 college credits by graduation.

Learn More About Spanish Immersion

Outdoor Immersion Kindergarten

Our outdoor kindergarten classrooms and greenhouse lab space at Gatewood Elementary will spark your child's curiosity, exploration, and excitement to learn!

An environmental focus school, Gatewood Elementary provides a holistic approach to learning, leveraging its beautiful grounds and outdoor classrooms, onsite naturalist, wellness programs, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse. We are a welcoming student-centered school community where building a strong relationship with your child is our priority.

Learn more

Before- and After-School Care

Kids & Company school-age care

Kids & Company is Hopkins Public Schools' before- and after-school care program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. We offer engaging opportunities that encourage creativity and positive relationship-building and that complement Hopkins' focus on social-emotional learning.

A fee-based program, Kids & Company is offered in each of the District's six elementary schools and is typically open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids & Company offers flexible scheduling to fit your family's needs. Non-school day care and summer care is also available.

Learn More

Five students smile with arms around each other posing for picture.

Vision 2031: Transforming School

The future demands a different type of student — that's why Hopkins is transforming school from the ground up.

The next generation of students will be asked to solve some of the world's biggest and most complex problems. The traditional school system was designed to prepare students for industrial work. At Hopkins, we are preparing students for the future, not the past.

Your kindergartner will enter a school community that is committed to supporting and helping your child explore a wide range of meaningful and relevant learning experiences that will challenge and inspire.

The core values that define us are:

Authentic Inclusivity
Intentionally Adventurous
Optimistic Innovation
Humility of Heart
Vigilant Equity
Love

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Learn More