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.
New to 2024-2025: Self-Transport Option - Application Needed
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
Get Ready for Kindergarten
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 MNSync Online (formerly RPS Online) through Open Enrollment.
MNSync 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.
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