Kindergarten

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

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In This Section

Welcome 2023-24 Kindergarten Families!

In Hopkins, we believe in creating a better world by inspiring all students to reach their full potential. When students feel heard, seen and valued, they can do their very best work.

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 Hopkins Public Schools, our amazing schools, and our kindergarten program — which is centered around your child's academic, social, and emotional success.

Hopkins Kindergarten Option Highlights

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 Alice Smith Elementary and Eisenhower Elementary.
Outdoor Immersion kindergarten at Gatewood Elementary
Online project-based learning at VirtualEDU

Enroll Your Child

Tour a School

Sign-up for Notifications

Upcoming Year-Before-Kindergarten Events

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.

District-wide Kindergarten Information Night: Nov. 10, 2022

Calling all Class of 2036 Royals!

Join us for a fun and informational night at Hopkins High School for Hopkins Public Schools' District-wide Kindergarten Information Night. Learn about Hopkins vibrant Vision and how it will enhance your child’s education as they transition to kindergarten and beyond. Meet each elementary principal, learn about our curriculum and programs, meet current scholars, and listen to a presentation from our superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed. This event is designed for caregivers and their scholars. Translators will be available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

This event has already taken place. Please view our other upcoming year before Kindergarten events.

Virtual Chinese and Spanish Immersion Kindergarten Information Session: Nov. 17, 2022

Learn about our language immersion programming!

Join Principals Eduardo Navidad and Melissa Ness on Nov. 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. for an online Kindergarten Immersion Information Session focused on exploring kindergarten language immersion and answering all of your immersion-related questions.

All families who are interested in learning more about Juntos Spanish Immersion and XinXing Chinese Immersion at Alice Smith and Eisenhower Elementary are encouraged to attend!

Virtual Immersion Kindergarten Information Session.mp4 from Hopkins Public Schools on Vimeo.

We invite you to take a tour!

One of the best ways to learn about our immersion programming is by experiencing it for yourself! Learn about Hopkins elementary immersion programs by scheduling a personal building tour.

Schedule a Tour

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.

Virtual Registration Information Session: Dec. 8, 2022

Ask all of your enrollment questions and learn how to apply to kindergarten!

Join our Enrollment Center team for our Virtual Registration Session! This online event will provide you with helpful information on how to apply for kindergarten, upcoming enrollment deadlines, and answer common enrollment questions. This event will be catered primarily to kindergarten families, but all families with children who are looking to enroll in Hopkins Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to attend!

The virtual immersion information session has taken place. Please see the video below for a recording of the event.

Virtual Immersion Kindergarten Information Session.mp4 from Hopkins Public Schools on Vimeo.

Somali In-Person Registration Information Session: Jan. 10, 2023

Ask all your enrollment questions and apply for kindergarten!

Join our enrollment team for an in-person Registration Session for Somali families! This event will provide helpful information on how to apply for kindergarten, upcoming enrollment deadlines, and answers to general enrollment questions. This event will be catered primarily to Somali speaking kindergarten families, but all families with children who are looking to enroll in Hopkins Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to attend!

The event includes:

Presentation on how to register and apply for Open Enrollment, In-District Transfer, Immersion, and VirtualEDU
Somali interpreters who can answer your registration questions
Support for enrolling your child that night
And free Somali food!

Kalfadhiga diiwaan gelinta Soomaalida: Janaayo 10, 2023

Weydii dhammaan su'aalahaaga isdiiwaangelinta oo codso xanaanada!

Ku soo biir kooxdayada Diiwaangelinta Kalfadhigayaga Diiwaangelinta ee qoysaska Soomaaliyeed! Dhacdadan qof ahaaneed waxay ku siin doontaa macluumaad waxtar leh oo ku saabsan sida loo codsado kindergarten, wakhtiyada kama dambaysta ah ee diiwaangelinta soo socota, iyo ka jawaabista su'aalaha diiwaangelinta guud. Munaasabadan waxaa loogu talagalay qoysaska ku hadla af-Soomaaliga ee cunuga galaya xanaanada, laakiin dhammaan qoysaska carruurta leh ee doonaya inay iska diiwaan geliyaan Dugsiyada Dadweynaha ee Hopkins sannad dugsiyeedka 2023-24 waa lagu soo dhaweynayaa inay ka soo qaybgalaan!

Munaasabadda waxaa ka mid ah:

Soo bandhigid ku saabsan sida loo diiwaan geliyo oo loo codsado Diiwaangelinta Furan, Beddelka Degmada gudaheeda, Immersion, iyo VirtualEDU
Turjubaano Soomaali ah oo ka jawaabi kara su'aalahaaga diiwaangelinta
Taageerada diiwaangelinta ilmahaaga habeenkaas
Iyo cunto Soomaaliyeed oo bilaash ah!

Isku diwaangeli onlayn dhacdada

*This event will be catered primarily to Somali speaking kindergarten families, but all families with children who are looking to enroll in Hopkins Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to attend!

Kindergarten Roundup Events: Feb.-Mar., 2023

Complete enrollment forms and engage in fun activities!

At our in-person Kindergarten Roundup events, your child will be involved in activities that will help them get to know their school and staff as well as other future kindergarteners. Parents and caregivers will be able to connect with the principal and school staff and complete enrollment forms.

Registration is strongly encouraged for staffing. Links to register coming soon!

Alice Smith: March 8, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
Eisenhower: March 7, 2023, 5-6:30 p.m.
Gatewood: Feb. 23, 2023, 5:30-7 p.m.
Glen Lake: Feb. 28, 2023, 5:30-7 p.m.
Meadowbrook: Feb. 23, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tanglen: Feb. 23, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
VirtualEDU: March 9, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.

Young student raising their hand in a classroom

Kindergarten Bridge Events: May 2023

Explore a kindergarten classroom at Kindergarten Bridge!

Join us for an in-person family-friendly event happening between April - May at your child's elementary school! Kindergarten Bridge will introduce your child to a kindergarten classroom, allow you to meet other kindergarten families, and provide you with tools and resources on how to prepare your child for their first day of school.

This event is intended for families who have already enrolled their child in Hopkins Public School's kindergarten. Register early to secure your spot!

Check back this winter for links to register!

Alice Smith: May 18, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Eisenhower: May 25, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Gatewood: May 11, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Glen Lake: May 9, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Meadowbrook: May 16, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tanglen: May 23, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m.

Kindergarten Playground Nights: August 2023

WATCH: Explore Hopkins Kindergarten!

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

Enroll in Kindergarten at Hopkins Public Schools

Step 1: Find Your School

To start, determine what K-12 school your scholar will attend by clicking on our School Finder tool. 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

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.

Step 2: 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

Step 3: Apply to Hopkins Kindergarten

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

We're excited to welcome your kindergartner to Hopkins Public Schools!

The deadline for Open Enrollment, In-District Transfer, Immersion, and VirtualEDU application forms is January 17, 2023. We encourage you to submit your child's forms ahead of the January deadline for the best chance to secure your child's spot at their preferred school. Application forms will need to be completed before the enrollment form. Once your application has been approved and you have been offered a spot at your child's school, you will be given instructions for how to complete the enrollment form.
In-district residents may enroll after the January 17, 2023 deadline, but we strongly encourage you to enroll ahead of the deadline to secure your spot.

Apply for Kindergarten

*Note: Enrollment application forms for the 2023-24 school year will be accepted starting November 10, 2022

What Your Kindergartener Will Experience at Hopkins

Our Elementary Schools

Hopkins Elementary Schools at a glance:

STEM learning begins 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 Elementary.
Outdoor Immersion kindergarten is offered at Gatewood Elementary.
Talent Development coordinators ensure elementary students have access to rigorous educational opportunities in core subject areas.
A staff of specialists are located at each school building including a social worker, counselor, special education teachers, and more to support your child.
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.
iPads are provided to all elementary students and technology support is offered in English and Spanish

Alice Smith

A neighborhood school with a strong community feel where all families are valued. Includes outdoor education, inquiry-based learning, STEAM specialist classes,
Spanish Immersion, and restorative practices that focus on the strengths of each child.

View Website

Eisenhower

Home to Eisenhower Community School, XinXing Chinese Immersion, Juntos Spanish Immersion, and is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.

View Website

Gatewood

An environmental focus school that helps students build connections to the natural world. Includes outdoor immersion classrooms, a greenhouse, on-site animals, and more!

View Website

Glen Lake

Home to Glen Lake GO, an experiential learning focused school that is fueled by monthly field trips, first-hand experiences, and connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.

View Website

Meadowbrook

Students have ample opportunity to build their sense of self and use their voice. Through inquiry-based and personalized learning, scholars explore a range of learning experiences that will inspire and guide them toward a brilliant future.

View Website

Tanglen

Recognizes its students as deep thinkers who are curious, capable, and ready to explore the world around them. Tanglen offers integrated Spanish learning starting in kindergarten, STEM, and inquiry-based learning.

View Website

VirtualEDU

K-12 student-centered, project-based learning in an adaptable online format. Provides the schedule and environment flexibility families need in an online community setting.

View Website

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

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

Three kindergarten students play outside at a makeshift play kitchen area

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, 2022. 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. Transportation to Eisenhower or Alice Smith Elementary 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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XinXing Chinese Immersion at Eisenhower Elementary

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

Juntos Spanish Immersion at Alice Smith and 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

Learning and exploring in nature

Your child will build connections to the natural world as they spark their curiosity, inventiveness, and excitement for school. While each of our elementary schools prioritize outdoor exploration and observation, both Eisenhower Elementary and Gatewood Elementary have dedicated outdoor immersion classrooms. Gatewood is an environmental focus school and has an outdoor immersion kindergarten program, a greenhouse, and other outdoor spaces where students can connect with nature and engage all of their senses in learning.

When scholars have opportunities to go outside to learn, they become motivated, observant, collaborative, and self-directed. Lessons held outdoors increase student engagement in school — even after students return to indoor learning spaces.

Learn more

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Before- and After-School Care

Join 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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