Incoming Kindergarten Students

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. The first step is 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.

View the Kindergarten Booklet

Kindergarten Email Updates

Kindergarten Open Houses

In February, each elementary school hosted a kindergarten open house where families could meet the principal, see classrooms, and tour the building. We know not everyone was able to make it to these. Families are invited to contact the schools and schedule a tour or meeting with the principal.

Save the Date

On Thursday, May 2, we plan to have a big kindergarten kick-off event including partner organizations. Save the Date and check back for more information as the date approaches!

New to 2024-2025: Self-Transport Option - Application Needed

With the approval of the Attendance Options Redesign proposal, new to the 2024-2025 school year, 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

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.

Students are automatically assigned to their neighborhood school when enrolling at Rochester Public Schools. To learn about a family’s interest in attending a districtwide school or program, students must apply to attend a districtwide school. To apply, complete the Self-Transport Application.

Start by Enrolling in Kindergarten

Enroll in Kindergarten

All incoming kindergarten students need to be enrolled through our Skyward system. Learn how to enroll your student below. Enrollment for the 2024-2025 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
RPS Online Ad

Did you know RPS offers an Online option for Kindergarten Students?

If you live in the state of Minnesota, your future kindergarten student is eligible for enrollment at RPS Online through Open Enrollment. 

RPS Online offers a K-12, synchronous-first, online learning environment for students across the state of Minnesota. Students engage in learning aligned to the Minnesota State Academic Standards taught by Rochester Public School teachers.

Instruction is provided primarily in a live, synchronous model. Our classes are designed based on best practice instructional design merged with learning and teaching research.

For more information on RPS Online, visit our web page.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten

Principal Kris Davidson walking kindergartener