students

It's Time for Kindergarten

Kick off to 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.

Save the date for our Kick Off 2 Kindergarten Event!

Calling all future kindergarten students and their families to our annual Kick Off 2 Kindergarten event, which will take place Thursday, May 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Century High School (2525 Viola Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906).

Stop by to learn more about Kindergarten and visit our Transportation, Student Nutrition, School Aged Child Care, and Registration departments, as well as community partner organizations. You can also take photos in our photo booth!

We hope you'll be able to join us!

Kindergarten student in cap and gown

Find Your School

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.

Learn more about 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.  

Learn more about Self-Transport

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!

Enroll Now

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Schedule an Early Childhood Screening
Learn about RPS Elementary Schools
Find My School
Learn about School Aged Child Care
Plan for Transportation
Learn about School Immunizations
Complete Student Health Information
Learn about Student Nutrition
Learning Opportunities for Students

What does Kindergarten really look like?

Supt InThe Halls: Kindergarten Edition pt 1

What's a typical day for an RPS kindergartener? Is it exciting? Are teachers friendly? Will there be snacks? In the latest installation of Supt in the Halls, Dr. Kent Pekel sits with RPS Kindergarteners who share their insightful experiences about their expertise in their day to day activities of kindergarten.

Supt InThe Halls: Kindergarten Edition pt 2

We've got even more Kindergartener content for you all! Our Kindergarteners were so good that we couldn't fit them into one video! Watch the second part of Supt in the Halls: Kindergarten Edition (Now with more Kindergarteners!).

A Day in the life of an RPS Kindergartener

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.

Kindergarten Enrollment Guide

Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten