Welcome to Kindergarten
Together we belong, together we learn, together we thrive
Accepting enrollments starting Nov. 13 for the Hopkins Class of 2039
2026-27 kindergarten school year
We are excited to welcome you and your upcoming kindergartner to Hopkins!
Welcome to kindergarten in Hopkins!
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In Hopkins, we understand the foundation of that choice starts with strong, meaningful relationships. We take the time to get to know you, your family, and your child. Our students are at the heart of everything we do.
When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to do their best — that’s why love is one of our core values.
We’re excited to begin this relationship with your family before kindergarten starts, so that your child enters school feeling confident and ready to learn. Our program focuses on academic and social-emotional growth, with caring teachers who will help your child explore their passions, discover their talents, and develop their strengths as they grow within Hopkins.
We look forward to meeting you at our kindergarten events and can’t wait to welcome your student next fall!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent
About Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed
Bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduate of the teacher preparation program, Yale University.
Master’s degree in education policy and administration, K-12 licensure, University of Minnesota.
Doctorate in education leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Meet your principal
Our principals
Behind every great school is an exceptional leader. In Hopkins, our principals are dedicated to centering students in everything they do and are committed to creating optimal learning environments. We invest in their leadership, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to serve our students, staff, and families at the highest level.
Melissa Ness
Principal, Eisenhower
“I choose Hopkins because Hopkins values each scholar as an individual who brings strengths and brilliance.”
Dr. George Nolan
Principal, Gatewood
“I choose Hopkins because every student who comes through our doors is valued and loved!”
Dr. Jim Hebeisen
Principal, L.H. Tanglen
“I choose Hopkins because it is a caring community with relationships as a foundation for great learning.”
Sabrina Schmidtke
Principal, Alice Smith
“I choose Hopkins because we are a district that leans into important conversations to ensure every scholar feels a true sense of belonging, grounded in humility, a commitment to equity, and above all, love.”
Jeff Radel
Principal, Glen Lake
“I choose Hopkins because we believe that every child deserves a brilliant future!”
Natalie Sawatzky
Principal, Meadowbrook
“I choose Hopkins because our district’s values closely align to my personal values. I lead with love, humility, and a quest for equity.”
Join us for these important events during your child’s year before kindergarten
November 13, 2025 — Kindergarten Information Night
This fun and interactive event is for families and their incoming kindergartners. Learn about Hopkins’ exciting vision, meet your child’s principal, and explore the many options available to your student.
Kindergarten Information Night at Hopkins High School: Nov. 13, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m. Register: bit.ly/3WhSD9X
December 4, 2025 — Kindergarten Language Immersion Fair
Families interested in our Spanish or Chinese immersion programs are invited to a fun and informational event at Eisenhower Elementary focused on answering all of your immersion questions.
Kindergarten Language Immersion Information Fair: Dec. 4, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. Register: bit.ly/4ohaM3z
January 12, 2026 — Kindergarten Curriculum Information Session
Interested in a deep-dive on Hopkins’ elementary curriculum? Join us for this virtual information session facilitated by literacy and math instruction experts from Hopkins’ curriculum team.
Kindergarten Curriculum Information Session: Jan. 12, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m. Register: bit.ly/46Mhvwo
Additional 2026 Year-Before-Kindergarten Events
Please check our website for upcoming year-before-kindergarten event dates including, Kindergarten Roundup in February, Kindergarten for Families in May and Kindergarten Playground Nights in August. Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/kinder.
Need help enrolling?
Our enrollment team is here for you!
Visit us: Eisenhower Community Center, Room 170 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins, 55305
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Virtual: 12-4 p.m. Call: 952-988-4110
If you need support outside of these hours, call our office to set up an appointment.
Early Childhood Screening
Screenings are required before the start of kindergarten and recommended between the ages of 3-4. Schedule a screening appointment at HopkinsSchools.org/screen.
Kindergarten Early Entrance
If your child will turn 5 after Sept. 1, and you are interested in Early Entrance to kindergarten, please email EarlyEntrance@HopkinsSchools.org or call 952-988-5000 to learn more about our process.
For more information on all of our year-before-kindergarten events, and to register online, scan the QR code.
Personalized learning
Learning tailored to meet individual needs
In Hopkins, we believe in the brilliance of every student. Personalized learning is available to all students, offering flexible pathways to academic success while helping each individual reach their full potential. We prioritize your child’s voice in an inclusive learning environment that values relationships, community, and celebrates each student’s unique heritage.
Benefits of personalized learning:
Students experience deeper engagement in their learning.
Students develop essential skills in agency and self-advocacy.
Educators tailor instruction to each student’s strengths, needs, and interests.
Hopkins elementary school offerings
• Schoolwide talent development and inquiry-based learning are available to all students.
• A staff of specialists is at every school including social workers, counselors, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and restorative practice specialists.
• Social-emotional learning and self-regulation strategies create environments where students can thrive. Flexible classrooms give students agency over the physical space they need to support their learning.
Project Based Learning
Amplifying student voice and agency
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic, studentcentered approach where students actively explore real-world challenges and problems. This method goes beyond academic content, emphasizing personal relevance, critical thinking, and practical application. PBL aligns with our commitment to provide an education that is not just about memorizing facts but about preparing students for the future they will create. When students work on projects that resonate with their personal interests, we empower them to become active, engaged citizens who are capable of solving complex problems. Through PBL, students take ownership of their learning by investigating issues that matter to them and their communities, making learning more meaningful.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Project Based Learning.
• Before- and after-school care is offered through our Kids & Company program: HopkinsSchools.org/kids.
• 1:1 iPad program ensures every student has equal access to tools that support creativity, research, and learning with built-in guidance for balance and responsible use.
• Orchestra and band begin in elementary school.
Learn more about our curriculum at HopkinSchools.org/academics/elementary.
Elementary schools at a glance
Alice Smith Elementary
801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN 55343
A neighborhood school invested in student success
Alice Smith is a neighborhood school with a strong community, where all families are valued. Our school offers weekly exploration, inquiry-based learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) specialist classes, integrated Spanish language learning, and a Spanish immersion option. Through the schoolwide AVID program, Alice Smith prepares all learners for long-term academic success by encouraging college and career readiness from an early age.
Eisenhower Elementary
1001 MN-7, Hopkins, MN 55305
Developing global citizens who will make the world better Eisenhower Elementary is home to Eisenhower Community School, XinXing Chinese immersion, and Juntos Spanish immersion. We offer students a unique opportunity to develop language and cultural proficiency in all our learning pathway programs. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, Eisenhower Elementary develops inquisitive knowledgeable, and caring young people who will help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Gatewood Elementary
14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Sparking curiosity through nature
Gatewood Elementary seamlessly connects the classroom to nature. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school with an outdoor learning model, our curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep connection to the environment. Through hands-on experiences and a focus on environmental stewardship, we equip students with the skills and values to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Glen Lake Elementary
4801 Woodridge Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Learning comes alive with Glen Lake Go!
At Glen Lake, students are empowered to learn through hands-on experiences rather than relying solely on lectures or textbooks. Through the Glen Lake Go! program, students engage in multiple immersive experiences and field trips each year, bringing learning to life. These real-world interactions make learning an exciting, unforgettable adventure!
L.H. Tanglen Elementary
10901 Hillside Lane W, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Bright futures begin with strong character
At Tanglen Elementary, we see our students as curious and capable individuals, eager to explore the world. By developing character strengths that support social, emotional, and academic success, we equip our students with a toolkit of skills essential for thriving throughout life. Each month, our school community focuses on practicing and celebrating one of these key traits, ensuring that students develop the habits of highly successful people.
Meadowbrook Elementary
5430 Glenwood Avenue, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Building skills and confidence for a changing world
Meadowbrook’s Project Based Learning approach provides dynamic, student-centered experiences tailored to each child’s unique needs. Through hands-on projects that tackle real-world challenges, students explore issues that matter to them and their communities, empowering them to take ownership of their learning while building confidence and developing critical thinking skills. Meadowbrook’s dedication to individualized learning equips students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Every child deserves to feel known, valued, and understood. We’re proud that 95% of our elementary students say people at their school understand them as a person. This sense of belonging is at the heart of our community and helps every student grow with confidence.
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 art, Spanish, music, physical education, social-emotional learning, and enrichment.
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. This work aligns with the Minnesota READ Act and reflects our broader commitment to helping every child become a competent, capable reader.
For details on literacy, math, social studies, and science curriculum milestones by grade, please visit HopkinsSchools.org/academics/elementary.
International Baccalaureate
Nurturing learners who are curious, confident, and empathetic
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program builds on the belief that children are naturally curious and learn deeply when they are engaged in relevant topics. Children ask questions that guide their desire for knowledge, lead to discovery, and make education an adventure!
IB provides a rigorous curriculum framework that encourages students to think critically and solve problems. Eisenhower and Gatewood are both IB schools. In each of our elementary schools, your child will discover relevant and engaging subjects, instructors that encourage curiosity and exploration, and inquiry-based learning.
Why families choose IB
IB assessment gives you and your child a richer picture of how they are doing in school, understands their strengths, and provides pathways for them to elevate their learning.
Other benefits include:
• Rigorous learning objectives
• A student-centered approach to teaching
• International perspectives
Chinese and Spanish language immersion
Language immersion pathways
Hopkins offers Spanish (Juntos) and Mandarin Chinese (XinXing) immersion programs that prepare students to thrive in a global world. 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.
Chinese immersion
XinXing is Hopkins Public Schools’ all-day Chinese immersion program located at Eisenhower Elementary School. Chinese immersion students reach an advanced level of proficiency by the end of grade 12 and will develop biliteracy in Chinese and English.
Our teachers are native Chinese speakers who create a positive and authentic immersion experience for your child. In kindergarten through grade 2, students receive language arts/reading, math, science, social studies, and health instruction in Mandarin Chinese. In all grade levels, music, art, and physical education are delivered in English, with Chinese cultural components infused throughout these classes.
Chinese immersion courses continue at Hopkins West Middle School 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 the time they graduate high school.
500+ elementary immersion students currently enrolled in elementary immersion programs.
Elementary XinXing students significantly exceed the statewide reading achievement rate.
The number of elementary Juntos students has increased by 275% over the last three years.
Spanish immersion
GLOBAL LEARNING
Learn more about our language immersion programs at HopkinsSchools.org/immersion.
The Juntos Spanish immersion program encourages students to be globally minded, with the goal of developing empathy, confidence, curiosity, and proficiency in Spanish 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.
Juntos scholars can continue their Spanish immersion journey at Hopkins North Middle School and Hopkins High School, where they can earn up to 16 college credits for advanced Spanish coursework, and may earn Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals. Students who speak Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested in
language immersion?
Register for our Language Immersion Information Fair on Dec. 4!
Se les anima a los estudiantes que hablan español a aplicar.
Cultivating the traits and skills your 2039 graduate will need through Vision 2031
When your kindergartner graduates in 2039, they will be entering a world that is highly globalized and rapidly evolving. The traditional school system was designed to prepare students for industrial work. We need to prepare students for the future — not the past. That’s the purpose of Vision 2031, a vision of innovation to reimagine the traditional school system from the ground up.
VISION
Hopkins Core Values
• Authentically Inclusive
• Intentionally Adventurous
• Optimistic Innovation
• Humility of Heart
• Vigilant Equity
• Love
Class of 2039
Traits of a Hopkins Graduate
Our traits of a Hopkins graduate, crafted in collaboration with our community and staff, are designed to empower and prepare students for a future full of promise and opportunity.
These graduate traits align with our vision for success, emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, empathy, adaptability, and various literacies, ensuring our students are well-equipped for a rapidly evolving workforce. These traits also inspire our students to be change-makers in the world.
Continuing your child’s journey as a Hopkins Royal
At Hopkins, you’ll find a rigorous academic curriculum and an inclusive school community that enables every student to learn through trial and error, instilling confidence and creating opportunities for innovative thinking to emerge. When your child graduates, they will have key traits that we believe will set them apart from their peers and set them up for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The Hopkins Promise
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.
Hopkins Public Schools at a glance
7,129 Preschool-12 students
1,400+
(Gatewood and Eisenhower)
Hopkins educators have a median 14 years of teaching experience.
Paraprofessional support in all kindergarten classrooms.
Get to know us by attending Kindergarten Information Night!
Nov. 13, 5:30- 7 p.m. at Hopkins High School
Scan the QR code to register
Enroll beginning Nov. 13, 2025
All incoming kindergartners must submit a K-12 student enrollment form, including Hopkins School District residents and Hopkins preschoolers.
Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2026
• Chinese and Spanish language immersion students
• Open enrolling students
• In-district transfer students
Visit HopkinsSchools.org/enroll or email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org to connect with the Hopkins enrollment team.
Enroll online HopkinsSchools.org/enroll
For more information on Hopkins kindergarten, visit: HopkinsSchools.org/kinder Get email updates HopkinsSchools.org/ybkmsg
Schedule a tour HopkinsSchools.org/tour
Hopkins Public Schools key contacts:
District Enrollment Center 952-988-4110
Transportation Services 952-988-4115
Student Nutrition Services 952-988-4060
Special Education Services 952-988-4042
VirtualEDU 3-12 Online & Blended Learning
952-988-4050
Early Childhood Screening Appointments 952-988-5017, required for kindergarten
Early Childhood Programs & Preschools 952-988-5000
Kids & Company School-Age Care 952-988-4080
Get language support
Hopkins Public Schools partners with Weaving Cultures for translation services. Need to arrange for an interpreter, please contact Patty Ryman at Patricia.Ryman@HopkinsSchools.org or call 952-988-4000.
