2026-27 Transition Planning

Across Rdale, teams are actively preparing for the 2026-27 school year. Our focus is simple and steady: ensuring that every student enters next year supported, welcomed, and ready to learn. We know these changes are significant. We also want you to know: detailed transition planning is well underway. While not every detail is finalized, every detail is being thoughtfully planned. 

What's New for 2026-27

As Rdale stabilizes financially through the district’s SOD plan, we are also redesigning learning structures to ensure students across the district experience consistent, high-quality opportunities.

Two Middle Schools

Plymouth Middle School, Sandburg Middle School
Students who were at Robbinsdale Middle School and FAIR School Crystal for the 2025-26 school year have been reassigned to their neighborhood schools based on their home addresses. See the new Middle School Boundaries map.

Rather than reducing opportunity, this approach is designed to remove access gaps and bring innovative programming to more students across the district. This work also supports strengthened and consistent programming at both middle school sites, including:

• Offering Spanish Immersion at both middle schools starting in 2026-27
• Expanding Stages Theatre programming at both sites
• Integrated curriculum and a hands-on approach to learning, aligned with district instructional priorities
• Leveraging the expertise of FAIR educators and leaders to support program expansion and instructional design
• Ensuring a guaranteed and viable experience for all students

Nine Elementary Schools

FAIR School Pilgrim Lane, Forest Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Meadow Lake Elementary, Neill Elementary, Northport Elementary, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, School of Engineering and Arts (SEA), Zachary Lane Elementary

Students who attended Sonnesyn and Noble Elementaries during the 2025-26 school year have been reassigned to their neighborhood schools based on their home addresses. Out-of-district students who were open-enrolled to Sonnesyn and Noble have been assigned to Neill and Lakeview Elementary Schools, respectively.  See the new Elementary Schools Boundaries map.

Transportation Changes

Beginning with the next 2026-27 school year, Rdale will no longer provide bus transportation for open-enrolled students who reside in Minneapolis. Transportation eligibility for in-district students depends on where your family lives. Learn more on our enrollment page.

Coordinated Transition Planning

Cross-department teams are meeting regularly to coordinate all aspects of next year. This includes:

• School boundary implementation (completed and communicated)
• Staffing and enrollment alignment
• Special education placements and center-based programming
• Principal assignments (already communicated)
• Transportation updates and adjustments
• Technology transitions and classroom setup
• Movement of materials, furniture, and equipment between buildings
• Planning for summer cleaning, maintenance, and potential LTFM projects
• School open houses, fairs, and information nights
• Building walkthroughs to ensure nothing is missed
• And much more

More school-specific details, including open houses, classroom preparation updates, and back-to-school planning, will be shared in the coming months.

That said, families have received multiple updates over the past several weeks regarding transition planning. For your reference, prior communications are located below.

We understand that change creates questions. Please know that comprehensive planning is underway, and our commitment remains centered on students and families every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we prepare for a strong year ahead.