A message from our superintendent
What’s Inside
About Hopkins Public Schools................................1-2 District points of pride......3-4
Creating a brilliant future for every student......................5-6
E-12 academics................7-13
Safe and inclusive school communities..................14-15
Financial stewardship...16-20
Classrooms of the future..............................21-22
Investing in future-ready schools and learning excellence
Dear Families,
At Hopkins Public Schools, we are committed to creating learning environments that prepare students for the future, support academic success, and reflect our values of innovation, equity, and inclusion. As part of this commitment, we are preparing for a bond referendum that will allow us to invest in critical facility upgrades across our schools and athletic spaces. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and security, create student-centered learning spaces, and modernize our facilities to better serve our students and community.
Our vision for future-ready schools includes upgrading learning environments to support creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. This includes reimagining spaces at Hopkins High School — including common areas and classrooms, as well as those used for career and technical education — to better align with the modern programs we offer. While our schools are well maintained, many were originally designed for an industrial-era model of learning and must evolve to meet today’s needs.
Like many of our neighbors, we’re facing tough financial decisions. This once-in-a-generation investment will help ensure Hopkins Public Schools remains a leader in education for decades to come. We’re excited to partner with our community to build future-ready schools that support student success.
We hope you enjoy this report and feel proud of the incredible things happening every day in Hopkins Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent
About Hopkins Public Schools
About Hopkins Public Schools
Hopkins Public Schools is an award-winning school district with a long tradition of excellence. Our school community is dedicated to vigilant equity and innovation. Our graduates are prepared to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace and are sought out by colleges, universities, and employers.
Our preschool programs are located on-site at all of our elementary schools and at our early childhood building, Harley Hopkins. We have six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one 3-12 online school with a blended learning option. Hopkins has K-12 Chinese and Spanish immersion programs and four International Baccalaureate (IB) schools.
Our Transition Plus program connects young adults, who need additional support, to career programs. Our Adult Basic Education program helps adults complete their diploma or obtain career-readiness skills.
The Hopkins Promise
Hopkins School Board Members
Shannon Andreson
Chair
Jason Ross Vice Chair
Rachel Hartland
Treasurer
Kaj Thompson Clerk
Brooke Ann Roper Director
Jen Westmoreland Director
Zhiming Zhao Director
We serve the city of Hopkins and portions of Minnetonka, Golden Valley, Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park.
Hopkins promises an educational experience for students ages 0-21 that prepares them to succeed in our increasingly complex, rapidly changing world. Our students are recognized as global scholars who work collaboratively, disrupt the status quo, and solve some of the world’s most complex problems. They are the best and brightest citizens of tomorrow. Together, we are creating a better world by inspiring each student to reach their full potential.
District points of pride
Hopkins Public Schools is a top E-12 Minnesota school district. We serve our community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement. Our district is a special place and unique in many ways. We are academically focused, but also human-focused. There is no typical Hopkins student, and we value that diversity. We are a blend of faiths, cultures, and backgrounds forming a district of individuals with rich stories. Hopkins at a glance
7,129 Pre-k-12 students
Our Schools
7 preschool locations
6 elementary schools
2 middle schools
1 high school
1 3-12 online + blended learning school
We’re a destination school district attracting students from 74 cities.
Our students represent 61 home languages.
1,400+ Employees
Hopkins educators have a median 14 years of teaching experience.
14 nominees for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award
Student Voice
Hopkins is one of a handful of public districts in Minnesota that have student representatives serving on the School Board.
First in Minnesota to
• Require financial literacy as a graduation prerequisite.
• Open an online and blended model (online and in-person) school.
• Offer a K-5 environmental-focus school.
Extensive high school academic program with 250 courses including 24 Advanced Placement classes, 8 College in the Schools classes, and 5 Honors classes.
10% of students receive Englishlanguage instruction
1,500 Students supported by Hopkins Special Education
Student demographics
49.2% White
24.4% Black/African American/Somali
11.8% Hispanic/Latinx
8.6% Two or More Races
4% Asian American
1.7% American Indian/Alaskan Native
0.2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Athletics & Activities
55+ Athletic teams, student clubs, and activities.
Opportunities for student travel to Cuba, China, Europe, Costa Rica, Chicago, New York City, California and more.
Hopkins' Athletics prepare students for greatness — alumni include Olympic runners Joe Klecker and Joe Fahnbulleh, and #1 WNBA draft pick, Paige Bueckers.
Staffing demographics
Representation matters. That's why we're working to create a culture where staff and student demographics reflect each other.
White Educators Educators of Color
Creating a brilliant future for every student
Vision 2031 is Hopkins Public Schools’ long-term strategic plan that launched in 2018 with input from staff, students, and community members. It’s designed to transform our school system so that it is in alignment with the skills, traits, and experiences our students will need to thrive in the rapidly changing world they’ll inherit.
Vision 2031 aims to:
Create learning experiences that empower students to become problem-solvers, collaborators, and critical thinkers.
Measuring what matters
Cultivate schools that foster strong academic achievement in an environment that promotes belonging, empathy, and student voice.
In Hopkins, assessment goes beyond test scores. We use a wide range of tools from traditional tests like MCA and Fastbridge to social-emotional measures like Panorama surveys and student voice data, to understand how each learner is progressing, growing, and thriving.
Students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) have access to various learning environments and resources to support their unique needs, neurodivergence, and abilities.
Rethinking student success — one student at a time
Traditional assessments
Hopkins uses traditional assessments, including Minnesota
Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and FastBridge tests, to measure student learning. These assessments serve as one important data point that helps us understand system and student progress and guides instructional decisions.
Social-emotional growth
Our schools are communities where students are known as individuals and encouraged to thrive both personally and academically. We use Panorama surveys to measure emotional regulation, growth mindset, and sense of belonging.
Ensure all students are ready to lead, innovate, and contribute to their communities — locally and globally.
Hopkins' core belief is that every student can learn, and that their full story deserves to be seen in our data.
College and career readiness
Hopkins monitors each student’s readiness through ACT scores, college applications and acceptances, postgraduation plans, higher-ed credits earned in high school, and career readiness assessments.
Want to learn more about our Strategic Plan?
Visit hopkinsschools.org/strategic-plan to see a full list of strategic plan projects and deliverables.
Key Milestones and Progress
2018–2021
Hopkins created 24 taskforces that laid the groundwork for Vision 2031. Teams identified the key qualities every Hopkins graduate will have — what we call the traits of a Hopkins scholar.
2023–2024
Teacher teams outlined the traits of a Hopkins scholar from early childhood through 12th grade — defining what success means at each stage.
Teachers begin using traits in their classrooms to guide learning and growth.
2024–2025
The traits of a Hopkins scholar are introduced across all grade levels. Each school develops clear goals to incorporate traits into teaching, student assessments, and progress reports.
By 2031
Every student will be assessed and valued not just for what they know, but for who they are, how they learn, and the unique strengths they bring to their community. Personal learner profiles will highlight their academic growth and the essential life skills they're building.
Traits of a Hopkins scholar: Preparing our students with the skills of tomorrow
Hopkins is one of a few leading districts in the state of Minnesota that has built a Portrait of a Graduate. This is a set of traits and skills that define what our students will demonstrate to the world upon graduation. These traits aren’t just ideas, they are part of an intentional plan that starts in preschool and grows with our students during their time in Hopkins. It’s how we turn our vision into action, making sure teaching, learning, and student experiences all work together to prepare students for the future.
The six Hopkins graduate traits and why they matter:
Voice – Students learn to express themselves confidently and authentically. They play an active role in shaping their education and school communities.
Global-Minded and Well-Traveled – Students build awareness of the broader world. They understand global issues and their role in making a positive impact.
Holistic – Students develop emotionally, socially, and academically. They build selfawareness and navigate challenges with optimism and balance.
Empathetic – Students practice understanding others’ perspectives and working in diverse teams. They value relationships and build inclusive environments.
Confident – Students learn to take risks, accept feedback, and grow from failure. They trust their voice and believe in their ability to overcome obstacles.
Critical Thinker – Students analyze, question, and innovate. They use knowledge across subjects to solve complex problems.
Pre-k and elementary academics
Early childhood & preschool
Hopkins’ youngest learners are introduced to personalized learning through our early childhood programs, which are inspired by a child-centered philosophy. Through play-based experiences built around their interests, children develop creativity, confidence, and strong social relationships while building foundational academic skills. Hopkins supports more than 650 children each year through our preschool and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs.
Elementary literacy is foundational
More than 95% of Hopkins' K-5 teachers are trained in, or are in the process of being trained in, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), a science-based approach to reading instruction. Using data from FastBridge assessments, teachers tailor instruction to meet each student’s needs — ensuring early intervention when needed and tracking progress over time. This work aligns with the Minnesota READ Act and reflects our broader commitment to helping every child become a competent, capable reader.
Elementary curriculum
The elementary years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. In addition to core subjects, we personalize learning through innovative approaches like multiage classrooms, STEAM-rich instruction, and schoolwide talent development. Each week, elementary students engage in Spanish, art, music, physical education, social-emotional learning, and enrichment.
Two of our elementary schools, Gatewood and Eisenhower, are International Baccalaureate (IB) authorized schools. They use the IB Primary Years Programme, a rigorous framework that supports critical thinking and empowers students to tackle real-world problems.
79% of Hopkins preschoolers scored “Proficient” in Language & Literacy, laying a strong foundation for kindergarten success.
Hopkins staff have collectively participated in more than 20,000 hours of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training to support student literacy.
Want to learn more about our elementary curriculum?
For details on literacy, math, social studies, and science curriculum milestones by grade, please visit our website: www.hopkinsschools.org/academics/elementary
Opening doors through bilingualism
Hopkins offers Spanish (Juntos) and Mandarin Chinese (XinXing) immersion programs that prepare students to thrive in a global world. Beginning in kindergarten for XinXing and in preschool for Juntos, students learn core academic content in a second language, with English literacy instruction introduced in third grade. Both programs offer opportunities for cultural exchange and travel, and are led by native-speaking educators.
Immersion education supports academic growth and cultural awareness. Bilingual learners often show stronger reading comprehension, better memory, and an increased ability to apply their learning in real-world situations. Many Hopkins students come to us bilingual, or even trilingual. Developing advanced language skills and cultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world is a critical asset in fields like business, healthcare, education, diplomacy, and technology.
Both immersion programs continue in middle and high school, where students can earn up to 16 college credits before graduation.
Spanish immersion enrollment growth
The number of elementary students in Juntos has increased by 275% from the 2021-22 school year, with over 350 elementary school Juntos scholars now enrolled!
Hopkins’ immersion programs go beyond language instruction by immersing students in the cultures of the countries where their target language is spoken. Juntos students celebrated El Día del Niño (Day of the Child) with performances of traditional songs and dances from Spanish-speaking countries, while XinXing students welcomed the Lunar New Year with Chinese songs and a lively dragon dance. Both programs allow opportunities for domestic and international travel as part of the learning.
73 Hopkins seniors were awarded a bilingual seal in 2025, demonstrating an advanced level of proficiency in their chosen language.
94% of XinXing Chinese immersion fifth grade students were rated as meeting or exceeding expectations for demonstrating grade-level speaking proficiency in Chinese on their Spring 2024 report cards.
Authentic inclusivity is a core value we embrace
Hopkins students are living out our values of authentic inclusivity, vigilant equity, and love in and out of the classroom. One powerful example is the Glen Lake Accessible Playground Project — an initiative that embodies the belief that every child deserves a place to play. Sparked by a $35,000 grant from the Hopkins Education Foundation, students, families, and community partners rallied together, surpassing their initial $300,000 fundraising goal. With generous support from donors like 3M, BMW, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, Glen Lake's PTO, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Minnesota Vikings, and many others, their vision expanded into a $1 million dream.
The completed playground now features spaces where all can play, including wheelchair swings, a merry-go-round, sensory elements, and ramps. Building on this momentum, students have launched the Minnesota Play for All nonprofit, continuing to champion accessible playground initiatives across the state.
Learning with purpose through project-based learning
Glen Lake's playground was named 2025 Best Inclusive School Playground by Soliant Health.
Project-based learning (PBL) is a dynamic and rigorous student-centered approach where learners explore real-world challenges that matter to them. PBL helps students think deeply, solve problems, and be creative by focusing on real-world topics, asking questions, and working together. Students explore issues that matter to them, which increases their interest and engagement. Research shows that PBL improves content mastery and skill-building, often more effectively than traditional approaches.
While you will find PBL concepts in all of our schools, Meadowbrook and VirtualEDU are leaders in our district with a heavy focus on PBL. Both schools have earned reputations of excellence, drawing students from across Minnesota. At Meadowbrook, more than half of all students open-enroll from outside the district, while VirtualEDU welcomes students from over 30 different cities across the state.
VirtualEDU’s approach to project-based learning is rooted in social impact and action — aligning with Hopkins' core values. It’s not just projectbased learning. It’s learning that drives social change.
What is project-based learning? (PBL)
Plainly put, PBL allows students to show their learning in a variety of formats — such as a documentary, research paper, or interactive website — demonstrating deep knowledge of and engagement with their topic of choice.
Preparing students for higher learning
International Baccalaureate
At West and North Middle Schools, all students take part in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, a globally recognized framework. IB helps students prepare for the future by teaching them how to think critically, be creative, and navigate divergent perspectives.
Middle school IB students use the design cycle to solve real-world problems. They learn to identify issues, develop solutions, and test their ideas through hands-on projects.
Highlights of student learning using the design cycle include:
Building solar ovens to explore sustainable energy.
Designing and testing cardboard windmills.
Creating allergen-free granola bars based on dietary research and ingredient planning.
Award-winning leadership
North Middle School Principal Julius Eromosele was honored with the Minnesota International Baccalaureate Leadership Award. The award recognizes visionary leadership, collaboration, and a deep dedication to advancing IB values in Minnesota schools.
Improving our communities
All eighth grade students participate in a community service capstone project as a culmination of what they’ve learned through the IB program. By engaging in service projects — such as promoting native plants by collecting and sharing seeds, educating others about immigration through family interviews, or supporting mental health with student-designed wellness sessions — students deepen their understanding and see firsthand how they can make a meaningful impact. These experiences help students grow as thinkers, communicators, and leaders.
Student-created murals and cultural displays bring identity and voice into the environment. Outdoor courtyards, field trips, and community partnerships enrich learning in ways that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom.
Community schools
Partnerships with community organizations provide invaluable support to Hopkins students and families, ensuring they have access to essential services right within their school. Resources such as food pantries, dental care, and even haircuts are offered in some of our school buildings. These collaborations allow students to focus on learning while their basic needs are met, promoting personal growth and academic achievement.
West Middle School stands out as a full-service Community School, offering an extensive range of resources, including groceries, directly on site.
High school academics
Advanced Placement
Hopkins High School offers one of the most comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) programs in Minnesota, with 24 courses available to students. During the 2024–25 school year, 749 Hopkins High School students rose to the challenge by enrolling in at least one AP course. In 2024, 134 students earned recognition from the College Board for outstanding achievement on their AP exams.
Earning college credit
In 2024, Hopkins students scored above both state and global averages in 17 out of 23 AP subjects.
Hopkins students can save on tuition and experience college-level learning through four pathways:
Advanced Placement
Take college-level classes at Hopkins and earn credit through exam scores.
College in the Schools
Earn University of Minnesota credit through classes taught at Hopkins.
Igniting passions
Pathways
Explore career and technical education with Hennepin Technical College.
Take college classes at local colleges while still in high school.
At Hopkins High School, students have no shortage of opportunities to get involved, with more than 55 student organizations or athletic teams and multiple options for group travel and exploration. Participating in activities outside the classroom is a vital part of a high school student's growth and discovery of new passions. These experiences build connections, strengthen leadership skills, and enrich their educational journey.
The arts are alive at Hopkins
Hopkins’ exceptional music programs — choir, orchestra, and band — offer students vibrant, high-level arts opportunities, from performing with renowned artists like Brother Ali and Jeremy Messersmith to engaging in cultural exchanges abroad in Cuba and Costa Rica. In the classroom, students create dynamic projects from ceramics to animation. With standout theater, music, and visual arts programs, Hopkins empowers students to grow as artists and as people.
The HHS Concert Choir earned superior ratings from all three judges at the Section Large Group Contest in 2025.
HTC
PSEO
Prepared for what’s next
We work with families and students starting in ninth grade to build a set of academic courses and experiences as part of high school. A team of high school counselors, administrators, teachers, and career and education experts ensure that all Hopkins students have a plan for life after high school. Some of the ways we support students in their planning include:
ACT achievement
For students pursuing a four-year college or university, ACT scores can significantly influence admissions and scholarship opportunities. Hopkins takes this preparation seriously — and it shows. Our students consistently outperform both state and national averages across all ACT subject areas, including the optional writing section, demonstrating the strength of our academic foundation and college-readiness approach.
Field trips to connect with industry professionals
Prep courses including college application support
(Advancement via Individual Determination)
In-school ACT test preparation for juniors
Postgraduation plans for each student
In-house college fairs and off-campus college visits
Living out our core value of vigilant equity
Hopkins’ commitment to authentic inclusivity and equity is more than a promise — it’s a practice lived out daily by our students, staff, and community. Through cultural celebrations, student-led initiatives, like wearing Hopkins' Pride apparel on Wednesdays, and powerful partnerships that remove barriers and expand opportunities, we’re creating spaces where every individual is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Hopkins' Black Student Alliance organized Royally Speaking, a celebration of Black culture featuring performances from staff and students.
American Indian Education Program proudly honors Indigenous traditions, including a blanket ceremony for graduating seniors.
Hopkins High School students celebrate their identities at Culture Night. Our partnership with Black Men Teach helps bring more teachers of color into the classroom.
Hopkins Minnesota National
Career and Technical Education
Real-world learning
Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in various industries. CTE helps students explore potential career paths while developing practical skills that will benefit them in the workforce or postsecondary education.
Community and industry partners play a key role in shaping CTE curriculum, providing mentorship and offering students opportunities to interact with professionals. In business classes, students have worked with companies like General Mills, Amy's Cupcakes, and Caribou Coffee, allowing them to present marketing and business plans to real industry leaders.
30 Hopkins High School students have earned their state Certified Nursing Assistant certifications through the CTE Healthcare pathway.
The four CTE pathways at Hopkins High School
Each pathway is designed to align with industry needs, ensuring students gain relevant skills that will help them succeed.
Safe and inclusive school communities
Hopkins Schools uses a strategic approach to protect our students, staff, and community by upgrading decades-old infrastructure and creating preventionbased solutions.
Holistic Safety: Restorative practices
Our approach to safety is both proactive and holistic, combining physical security measures and inclusive practices that support students’ mental, emotional, and physical safety. Key components include:
• Comprehensive Preparedness — A district Holistic Safety team meets biweekly and partners with all schools.
• Community Partnerships — We work closely with local police, fire, and EMS through shared safety protocols and meet quarterly to ensure a coordinated and effective response to any safety concerns.
• Smart Security — AI-enhanced cameras, vape detection systems, and a visitor management system support campus safety.
• Staff Training — Trainings offered include harm prevention, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), trauma-informed practices, and equity-focused topics such as anti-racism, antisemitism, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Readiness and communication
Each school conducts 11 emergency drills per year, as required by Minnesota law. Additional training drills are conducted for school safety teams, but don't involve students.
If a real safety protocol is enacted, families will receive timely updates via phone, email, and text, depending on the situation’s impact. We prioritize direct communication to impacted families and will send those messages first.
Required drills (students involved):
All student drills are age-approriate, calm, and minimally disruptive.
Lockdown Drills
Drills
5 times per year
Prepare for safe, orderly evacuation
1 time per year
Practice response for severe weather threats
Staff & safety team training (not involving students):
Safe learning experiences require strong cybersecurity
Schools manage a vast amount of sensitive information — including academic records, financial data, and personal details — which makes cybersecurity a critical part of student safety.
Through continued investment in systems, training, and threat response, we are building a secure, future-ready digital environment that ensures safe, uninterrupted learning for every student.
Key protections include:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for staff
A 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC)
Ongoing network and infrastructure upgrades
Hopkins is ahead of many districts with proactive digital security.
Why cybersecurity is essential to school security
Cyberattacks such as ransomware and phishing can shut down school networks, disrupting learning, operations, and communications. Schools are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for stronger security measures.
The cost of staying protected is increasing. Hopkins' cybersecurity insurance premiums have quadrupled since 2021, reflecting rising attack volume across K-12 schools and the expense of recovering from a breach.
Annual staff training on cybersecurity best practices
Routine phishing simulations and cyber incident drills
Intelligence sharing through the West Metro Security Consortium
Zero Trust security model coming soon ! Seven-layered cybersecurity model to protect student data
Collaboration with national cybersecurity agencies (e.g., CISA, MS-ISAC)
Hopkins’ Capital Projects Levy funding is essential to supporting cybersecurity initiatives.
Since 2016, over 1,600 cybersecurity incidents have been reported in K–12 schools nationwide — including 32 in Minnesota. However, most experts believe this is a significant undercount, estimating the actual number of incidents could be 4 to 10 times higher.
Strategic investments now protect our buildings and prevent costly disruptions later
Hopkins takes a proactive approach to maintaining our school buildings — investing in critical infrastructure before problems become emergencies. By addressing issues like outdated ventilation systems, aging roofs, and inefficient heating equipment early, we reduce long-term costs, improve safety, and ensure our schools remain safe, warm, and dry.
This approach helps us avoid deferred maintenance — repairs or upgrades that are delayed due to limited funding. When maintenance is deferred, problems often worsen over time, leading to higher costs and greater safety risks.
Built on trust
Our 10-year capital plan is updated annually, allowing us to prioritize projects based on safety, learning impact, and cost-effectiveness. By bundling interconnected upgrades — like ventilation, electrical, and technology systems — we save money and minimize disruptions to learning. This thoughtful planning has earned Hopkins a reputation for balanced tax rates and exceptionally well-maintained schools.
With over 1.7 million square feet of facility space and an average building age of 55 years, Hopkins takes a strategic, long-range approach to building maintenance.
What's in a 10-year capital plan:
The impact of deferred maintenance is costly
Plan A: Replace an aging boiler in 2010
Still functional, but near end of life
Installed proactively
Replacement Cost: $175,000
Plan B: Delay replacement until emergency
Emergency or failure likely
Higher costs and disruption
Cost: $275,000-$310,000
Hopkins Education Foundation sparks innovation
Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) partners with families, educators, donors, and organizations to strengthen our community by investing in students’ futures. HEF-funded initiatives equip students with innovative learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and leadership — building a skilled workforce and a thriving local economy.
Since 1995, HEF has awarded $3.9 million in grants to enhance education, supporting students, teachers, and staff. Each year, the Royal Bash raises funds for a major project with lasting impact, from STEM initiatives to mental health programs. The partnership creates opportunities that enrich every student’s journey in Hopkins. To learn more about HEF, visit HopkinsEducationFoundation.org.
Providing before- and after-school care for 750+ students at 6 school locations
HEF has funded more than 663 grants supporting Hopkins students.
Community education
We believe in bringing our community together for connection, exploration, and learning. Here are some of the ways we achieve this goal through community education programs.
• Youth Enrichment & Care: Programs like Kids & Company, Camp Royal, Hop-Kids, and Youth Enrichment served 3,416 children and teens during the school year and summer months. These offerings provide safe, engaging spaces for learning and growth.
• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): This year, 261 children and their families have participated in ECFE. These early connections support healthy development and introduce families to the strong community within Hopkins Public Schools.
• Hopkins Preschool: Located at seven district sites, our preschool program offers flexible class options and extended-day care. This year, 355 young learners have taken their first steps into formal education with us.
• Adult Options in Education: Our adult learning consortium has supported more than 1,300 adult learners from 82 countries. With free ESL, GED, and career readiness classes offered in-person and online, we are proud to support lifelong learning in our community.
Unique and fun summer programming for youth in preschool-grade 12
• Adult Enrichment: Anyone from any community can participate in adult enrichment programs at Hopkins. View the night sky through the Lawrence Sauter telescope, take a day trip with Medicine Lake tours, or try horseback riding, pickleball, or oil painting.
Financial trust and transparency
Hopkins is committed to strong fiscal stewardship — balancing innovation with responsibility and keeping students at the center of every financial decision. The district manages a total combined budget of $166.7 million across several dedicated funds.
The General Fund is our largest fund, representing $123 million. These dollars are used to support classroom learning, staff salaries, operations, technology, and transportation.
The Capital Projects Fund is about $15 million and supports long-term facility improvements and infrastructure.
The Debt Service Fund is $13 million and is used to repay school construction bonds.
The Community Education Fund is about $11 million. This budget is separate from the General Fund and supports learners of all ages, supporting programming in early childhood, preschool, youth enrichment, and adult enrichment.
The Food Service Fund is $4 million and supports student nutrition.
Did you know?
The General Fund is the only fund that can be used to pay classroom teacher salaries.
How we're funded
Hopkins receives most of its funding from state aid (63%), followed by local property taxes and fees (27%), and federal aid (10%). Unlike cities and counties, schools have limited ability to raise additional local revenue beyond what the state provides — making adequate and equitable state funding essential.
Hopkins believes that all staff should be fairly compensated. Cost-of-living salary adjustments have an enormous impact on the district’s overall budget as 83% of the budget supports salaries and benefits.
Financial trust and transparency
Statewide funding shortfalls
While we work hard to do more with less, the state’s 2% per-student funding increase falls short of covering rising costs in salaries, transportation, and basic school operations as inflation and operating costs are rising at a higher rate (3%+ for non-salary costs and 4% for salaries).
The state also does not fully fund mandated programs such as the Free School Meals for Kids Program, Special Education, and English Language Learner services, shifting those costs to local districts.
State funding vs. cost increases
Special Education funding gap
About 19% of Hopkins students qualify for Special Education services, but neither the state nor federal government fully funds these services. The district must cover the gap between the cost of providing Special Education and what the state and/or federal government reimburses, requiring cross-subsidy from the General Fund.
This gap means that state funding is not keeping pace with the actual cost of running schools, forcing the district to either make cuts or use fund balances, which is not sustainable long-term.
Planning ahead with fiscal responsibility
Despite funding challenges, Hopkins maintains a healthy fund balance of about 12% (well above the state minimum of 6%), giving us critical flexibility to manage cash flow and avoid borrowing.
The district uses a multi-year budget projection model and receives guidance from the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) to ensure long-term, transparent decision-making. These tools help us prioritize classroom investments, preserve programs, and make adjustments before cuts are necessary.
Read the 2025 Citizens Financial Report
The Citizens Financial Advisory Committee is a volunteer group of financial experts that advises Hopkins Public Schools on financial matters.
The gap that the district must cover
Federal aid and third party reimbursements
Advocating for what students need
Hopkins' Legislative Action Coalition (LAC) is actively advocating for solutions that benefit our students and reflect our community’s values.
The LAC's top legislative priorities are:
• Increased state funding for mandated programs like Special Education, English Language Learner (ELL) services and the Free Schools Meals for Kids Program.
• Greater investment in school safety and mental health supports.
• Local flexibility to generate additional revenue when needed.
With no significant increases expected in state or federal funding, continued advocacy and community engagement will be key to protecting the high-quality education Hopkins families expect and deserve.
Community trust backed by data
Hopkins was one of the first districts to implement a student school board representative program. Every school board meeting includes student voice.
Legislation
passed by students
Hopkins students are empowered to use their voices to create real change in their schools and communities. Through initiatives like the Student School Board Representatives program, students actively engage with district leadership, ensuring their perspectives are heard at all levels of decision-making.
Hopkins students have also successfully influenced policy at the state level, advocating for legislation on issues like menstrual product accessibility and teen vaping prevention. The Hopkins scholar traits — confidence, empathy, critical thinking, voice, and global awareness — equip students with the skills to lead, collaborate, and drive meaningful progress, preparing them to shape the future as informed and engaged citizens.
79% of Hopkins Schools residents trust the School Board and Administration to further their children’s education — significantly higher than many Minneapolis metro districts.
82% of district residents agree that the community receives a good value from its investment in Hopkins Schools.
Learn more about the Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition!
The Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition is always looking for new members. Learn how you can get involved!
Classrooms of the future
Modern learning spaces are key to preparing students for a changing world. Traditional classrooms were built for an industrial model of education — but today, we know that the physical space students learn in influences academic performance, motivation, creativity, and collaboration. Flexible classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and shared common areas give students room to work together, try new things, and stay engaged in their learning.
In Hopkins, VirtualEDU and Gatewood Elementary are leading the way in redefined learning spaces that support student engagement — whether through flexible online and in-person environments or immersive, nature-based classrooms.
VirtualEDU
VirtualEDU is a groundbreaking 3-12 school that offers both fully online and blended pathways. Based in the Hopkins East building, it stands alone in Minnesota as the only school with a blended model where students learn in-person two days a week and online the other three — providing flexibility without sacrificing connection.
The learning environment at VirtualEDU is intentionally designed to support this innovative approach. The space looks more like a modern startup than a traditional school, with flexible layouts that adapt to different learning preferences. Small breakout rooms encourage collaboration, while open seating areas support group discussions and community-building. It’s a school that reimagines both how and where students learn.
Experience our space in this video tour of VirtualEDU.
Outdoor learning
At Gatewood, our environmental-focused elementary school, outdoor learning is an essential part of education at all grade levels. The school’s unique campus — complete with a greenhouse, wooded areas, pond, and resident pigs, chickens, and goats — provides opportunities for hands-on exploration. Students harvest maple syrup, care for animals, study native species in their natural habitats, and grow plants and flowers.
Learning in outdoor classrooms helps students develop critical-thinking skills, increase school engagement, and develop connections with the natural world.
Innovation in learning spaces across the district
Hopkins has introduced modern learning spaces at all school sites in select areas. North Middle School has a developed design wing equipped with 3D printers and breakout spaces to support hands-on projects and dynamic groupings. In elementary schools, nearly all classrooms are outfitted with flexible seating, providing options for students who need to move their bodies to improve focus. Across the district, these intentional design choices reflect a broader commitment to student-centered learning. Teachers are empowered to adapt their environments to meet the needs of their students — whether that means rearranging seating for collaborative work, creating quiet zones for reflection, or using breakout areas for small-group instruction.
move their bodies,
activities.
Looking ahead: Facilities for the future
As we look to the future, Hopkins is committed to continually evolving our learning environments to meet the needs of today’s students — and tomorrow’s. As part of our upcoming bond referendum, we plan to prioritize safety and security enhancements, ADA compliance updates, and the renovation of Hopkins High School, including the transition to single-stall bathrooms and the expansion of student-centered spaces. These changes reflect our belief that every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and designed to support their growth. By investing in physical spaces that honor individual needs and promote collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a more innovative and equitable future in education.
Wobble stools allow elementary students to
which increases engagement in classroom
A 3D printing lab at North Middle School helps students bring their designs to life.
Breakout spaces at West Middle School facilitate small group work.
The woodshop at Hopkins High School gives students experience with carpentry tools.
