Most elementary classrooms are organized in traditional grade levels. We use a variety of approaches to respond to the individual learning needs of students, including large and small group activities and individual projects. Differentiation is an important focus of the District's Strategic Plan to personalize education and meet children "where they are at" and move them to the next level.
During the important and formative elementary school years, your child will have instruction in the following areas:
- Language Arts: reading, writing, grammar, spelling, handwriting, speaking and listening
- Mathematics
- Science: hands-on kits bring science to life
- Social studies
- Art: explore creativity and problem solving through art history, art criticism, art production and aesthetics.
- Health (physical, mental and social)
- Media and technology
- Music: general music for all students in grades K-5, strings (option) beginning in grade 4,
band (option) beginning in grade 5
- Physical education
Minnetonka schools focus on the heart as well as the mind. High expectations for respectful behavior ensure a caring, safe and orderly learning environment. Character education programs teach children about responsibility, trustworthiness, respect, honesty, caring, and giving back to the community. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of service learning projects throughout the year.
All Minnetonka schools offer a full range of educational services for students with special needs, English as a Second Language, High Potential Services (gifted and talented) and student support services.
All students eat lunch at school which provides at two hot lunch choices each day. Our student nutrition professionals plan a healthy meal in accordance with requirements of the federal school lunch guidelines. Minnetonka also participates in the federal free and reduced school lunch program, which serves approximately 5% of our students.
For children in need of before- and/or after-school care, we offer Explorer's Club at all elementary schools for children in grades K-5. Hours are 6:45 am until school starts and after school until 6:00 pm. Call (952) 401-6832 for more information.
Transportation is provided for the majority of children residing in the school district at no charge to the family. To ensure student safety, all bus drivers are well trained, every bus uses safe crossing gates and students learn bus safety rules during the first week of school.
We invite you to visit any of our six elementary schools to experience Minnetonka's unique elementary education experience.