All About Kindergarten
At Robbinsdale Area Schools, kindergarten is a great time to discover learning is FUN!
We offer exceptional opportunities for your child. Hands-on activities in literacy, math, science, art, music, health and well-being, and physical development make learning interesting and fun.
As students learn to be kind, make friends and work together, they acquire skills they will build on throughout their years in school.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Robbinsdale Area Schools offers tuition-free full-day kindergarten to all students, in eight neighborhood elementary schools and three magnet schools. (Magnet schools provide a comprehensive education with a school-wide focus on arts, science or Spanish immersion.) Use our school finder on the website to locate your school or to apply for a magnet school.
Your neighborhood school will be assigned to you based on your home address—this is your ‘attendance area school.’ Magnet school students are selected through a lottery system open to all district residents. Kindergarten enrollment forms and the school finder are online at rdale.org/kindergarten.
Kindergarten Family Guide
Our kindergarten brochure provides information regarding registration, open enrollment, important timelines, academic standards, school age care options and more.
Kindergarten Testimonials
![Jen Smith with students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745942273/rdaleorg/nahco0z8jjm7shdqd5zc/HHH02353.jpg","width":2200}])
As a teacher, a principal, and a parent, Principal Jen Smith has seen firsthand what it takes to build a place where kids thrive—strong relationships, diversity, and heart.
![Dannica O and her family]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745945327/rdaleorg/zetcbxzmhanhy5s7t81n/IMG_7470.jpg","width":1888}])
Dannica’s family chose Robbinsdale Area Schools for its diversity—and found a school community where their kids feel seen, supported, and excited to learn every day.
![Kenneth Wutoh with family]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745945570/rdaleorg/kksodkureawn6buhlg3d/IMG_1389-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":2200}])
Dr. Kenneth Wutoh has officially joined the Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) Board of Education after taking the oath of office during the Board’s regular meeting on Monday, April 7.
"Neill Elementary has been absolutely a phenomenal school. It's just an abundance of love. I mean, the first introductions knocked me off my feet. I was like, wow, that's the way to be – all loving and caring and polite, and most importantly, my word is 'invested.'
I do not like casual teachers. I like teachers who are invested. By that, I mean ask questions. When I say something, I like follow-up questions because I know you're present and you're listening. They're great communicating with me back and forth. It has been absolutely great."
– A NEILL ELEMENTARY PARENT WITH A CHILD IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Kindergarten information nights
Kindergarten Information nights will happen in May. If you missed an event, feel free to reach out to our schools directly to set up a personal tour. The school phone number can be found on each school’s website.
Check out our elementary schools
Magnet school information nights for incoming kindergarteners happened in January. If you missed an event, feel free to reach out to our schools directly to set up a personal tour. Additional information about our magnet schools can be found on their websites: Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, FAIR School Pilgrim Lane, and School of Engineering and Arts.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Children who reach their 5th birthday on or before September 1 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the school year. Magnet school applications are due in February. You're encouraged to register for neighborhood schools as soon as you can.
December 2, 2024: Magnet school applications available
February 28, 2025: Magnet school applications due
March: Magnet school lottery results announced
May: Kindergarten information and registration night at neighborhood schools
August-September: Elementary school open houses/information nights
Kindergarten Information Night
Neighborhood and magnet schools will host information nights/open houses in May. At this event, students and their families will tour the school, meet the principal, get a school supply list, and learn all about what to expect at kindergarten! If you would like an interpreter present, please call 763-504-7688 in advance. Watch for the dates and times on this page.
Bus Transportation
Transportation is provided to students if:
- They are enrolled in their neighborhood school and live more than a half-mile from the school.
- They live in the district and are attending a magnet school. Because students may come from across the district, bus rides to and from magnet schools can be longer than rides to and from neighborhood schools.
Adventure Club Before and After School Care
Adventure Club is the before and after school childcare program in Robbinsdale Area Schools. Adventure Club opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on all school days, and is open during the summer and over most school breaks. Students in the program will practice getting along together while engaging in physical activity, science and cooking projects, arts and crafts, and outdoor time. For more information or to enroll, please visit ced.rdale.org.
Explore Our Schools
Neighborhood or attendance area schools provide a comprehensive education service children and families who live in the neighborhood. These schools foster a sense of pride in the community and support community partnerships.
Magnet schools provide a comprehensive education with a school-wide focus on a special area of study. Magnet schools draw families from across the district with busing provided. Families must apply through a lottery system in order to attend a magnet school. More information can be found on our Enrollment page.
Kindergarten Screening
Early childhood screening is required by the state of Minnesota and can be done any time before your child starts kindergarten. The free screenings offer the opportunity to connect face-to-face with an educator to talk about your child’s strengths, get information about district and community resources, and ask any parenting or school questions you have. Children are screened for vision, hearing, speech, social/emotional development, general health, growth and immunizations. This free screening is an excellent way to get advice on working with your child before kindergarten so they get off to the best start possible!
We recommend your child be screened at age 3½ to identify potential concerns early.
To schedule a screening, call 763-504-4180 or visit https://rdale.ce.eleyo.com/.
Immunizations
All children attending schools must be in compliance with Minnesota Immunization Law (MS 121A.15) requiring immunizations for:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTap, DTP, DT)
- Polio (IPV, OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox; two doses required)
Your child will be unable to attend school until they meet the requirements of the law. Parents/Guardians may get legal exemptions for medical reasons or conscientiously held beliefs.
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About Robbinsdale Area Schools
Robbinsdale Area Schools serves approximately 12,000 K-12 students in seven communities in the northwest Twin Cities area, including Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale. Our District has 11 elementary schools - three of these schools being magnet schools. Elementary schools follow the same Minnesota Department of Education standards for kindergarten, and are in step with the district’s K-3 curriculum alignment.