It's time for Kindergarten

According to MN State Statute, a person shall not be admitted to a public school as a kindergarten pupil, unless the pupil is at least five (5) years of age on or before September 1, of the calendar year in which the school year commences. (120A.20, MN Statutes 2007) Students who demonstrate superior academic readiness will be considered for early entrance to kindergarten if they will be turning five (5) years of age between September 2 and August 31 of their early entrance school year. (120B.5, MN Statutes, 2004).

For more information, contact Monica Bowler at (507) 328-4275. All children in Minnesota are required to begin attending school by the age of seven. Children are not required by statute to complete kindergarten before beginning first grade. The district recommends that children attend kindergarten before entering first grade.

The district can assist families that may need a language interpreter during the registration process. Please let us know if you will need some assistance during registration by calling (507) 328-4237. 

Find your school by viewing attendance boundary maps and using Olmsted County tools and resources, or contact the Office of Registration and Records at (507) 328-4200.

By statute school districts are required to transport students living more than 2 miles from school. In Rochester, students in grades K-5 living more than 1.25 miles, grades 6-8 living more than 1.5 miles and 9-12 living more than 2 miles are provided transportation. 

Bus assignments are sent out each summer near the end of July, early August.

A parent/legal guardian may request that a child attend school in the neighborhood school serving the area in which the childcare provider resides. This is granted provided building capacity/class size will accommodate the request; agreed upon plan will continue for the entire year; transportation is provided by the district only if the address is within the attendance area of the receiving school and meets the distance requirements for the transportation; and the student maintains acceptable attendance and behavior as determined by the building administrator.

Kindergarten students get to experiences a variety of classes including art, physical education and health, and music specials. 

Kindergarten Curriculum

Yes. The Rochester Public Schools kindergarten program is all-day, every day.

Rochester Public Schools offers high-quality before and after school child care options for both preschool and school age children.  To learn more about school aged child care options, visit the SACC web page.

Make plans to have your child's immunizations up-to-date before beginning kindergarten. Although these are not required at time of registration, please bring a record if available; and keep in mind that an updated immunization record is required before your child/children begins school.

If your child was born in the state of MN, you can purchase a copy at the Olmsted County Courthouse in Rochester. If your child was not born in MN, contact the county of the state in which your child was born. We can photocopy the original for you.