It's Time for Kindergarten
Do you have a child eligible to enter kindergarten this next fall? As the parent/caregiver of a student in our schools, you are our most important and valued partner in our work to help your child achieve academic excellence. Start by 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.
Kindergarten enrollment for the 26-27 school year is open!
Not sure which school will be your school?
Help us ensure we have the most up-to-date information for you and your family
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 differently than neighborhood schools. Districtwide schools and programs are tuition-free. Transportation is also provided to eligible students enrolled at DWO schools/programs.
Self-Transport Option
Families who do not live in the attendance area of an elementary school that is not a districtwide option school can enroll their student in the school if all of the spaces at the school are not filled by students who live in the attendance area and the family can provide transportation to and from the school. This allows families to have the flexibility to choose what programming best suits their child(s) needs.
All incoming kindergarten students need to be enrolled through our Skyward system. Learn how to enroll your student below. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Get Ready for Kindergarten
What does Kindergarten really look like?
Supt InThe Halls: Kindergarten Edition pt 1
What's a typical day for an RPS kindergartener? Is it exciting? Are teachers friendly? Will there be snacks? In the latest installation of Supt in the Halls, Dr. Kent Pekel sits with RPS Kindergarteners who share their insightful experiences about their expertise in their day to day activities of kindergarten.
Supt InThe Halls: Kindergarten Edition pt 2
We've got even more Kindergartener content for you all! Our Kindergarteners were so good that we couldn't fit them into one video! Watch the second part of Supt in the Halls: Kindergarten Edition (Now with more Kindergarteners!).
A Day in the life of an RPS Kindergartener
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.