It's Time for Kindergarten
Do you have a child eligible to enter kindergarten this coming fall? As the parent or guardian of a student in our schools, you are our most important and valued partner in our work to help your child achieve academic excellence. Start by scheduling an early childhood screening and then enrolling in Kindergarten. Use the resources on our page to navigate our website and learn more about Rochester Public Schools.
Let's start our Kick off to Kindergarten!
Hey, Future RPS Kindergarten students! We're hosting open houses at our elementary schools. Stop by to see what your future school will look like. You’ll meet our principal, see a kindergarten classroom, learn about our schedule, and more! We're excited for you to join us!
Bamber Valley Elementary: December 3, 5-6 p.m.
Bishop Elementary: December 2, 5-6 p.m.
Churchill Elementary: December 5
Elton Hills Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Folwell Elementary: December 10, 5-6 p.m.
Franklin and Franklin Montessori: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Gage Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Gibbs Elementary:
Virtual open house: December 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
In person: February 6, 5 p.m.; May 13, 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary:
December 3, 5-6 p.m.
January 23, 6-7 p.m.
Longfellow Elementary:
December 5, 5-6 p.m.
December 12, 5-6 p.m.
MNSync Online (virtual open house): December 3, 5-6 p.m.
Overland Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Pinewood Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Riverside Elementary and Spanish Immersion at Riverside: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Sunset Terrace Elementary: December 5, 5-6 p.m.
Washington Elementary: December 5 and January 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Districtwide Option (DWO) Schools/Programs
Each year, families can apply for Districtwide Option (DWO) Schools and Programs. These schools are located within Rochester and may deliver the curriculum in a different manner than neighborhood schools. Districtwide schools and programs are available tuition-free to students. Transportation is also provided to eligible students who are enrolled at DWO schools/programs.
Self-Transport Option
Families who do not live in the attendance area of an elementary school that is not a districtwide option school can enroll their student in the school if all of the spaces at the school are not filled by students who live in the attendance area and the family can provide transportation to and from the school. This allows families to have the flexibility to choose what programming best suits their child(s) needs.
All incoming kindergarten students need to be enrolled through our Skyward system. Learn how to enroll your student below. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is open!
Get Ready for Kindergarten
What does Kindergarten really look like?
Making the transition into the school system can be an emotional time for you and your student. Whether you're a first-time parent or caregiver or if this is your last student entering kindergarten, our team of staff is ready to help you along the way.
Take a peek into a day in the life of a Kindergarten student to learn more about what's in store for your student.