Did you know every tiger has its own unique stripes? Just like every child is unique!

At Princeton Public Schools, we know how important the kindergarten year is in your child’s education. That’s why we are excited to help each child discover their unique stripes, strengths and needs. In a playful and caring way, Princeton Public Schools’ high-quality kindergarten program provides a full day of learning and fun for children.

At Princeton Public Schools, we will support your child’s academic, social, emotional, analytical and creative growth. At a young age, students learn to be curious, work together, and problem solve — skills they will use throughout their education. We focus on teaching these skills while encouraging your child to discover their unique stripes and strengths, to develop self-esteem and confidence. At Princeton Public Schools, we love each of our little tiger cubs and we make learning fun!

But Don’t Take Our Word For It. See It For Yourself!

Selecting the elementary school your child will attend is a big decision. You will want to:

Meet the teachers who will grow to love your child.
See our light-filled, child-sized school – with plenty of room to get the wiggles out.
Feel the energy and excitement of learning and see how schools have changed.
Experience our Princeton Tiger Pride; you’ll understand why 97% of parents recommend Princeton Primary School to their friends and neighbors.

circle graphic reads: 97% of Princeton Primary Parents recommend our school to friends and neighbors

Inside Kindergarten

In Princeton Public Schools, we will support your child’s academic, social, emotional, analytical and creative growth. At a young age, students learn to be curious, work together, and problem solve — skills they will use throughout their education. We focus on teaching these skills while encouraging your child to discover their unique stripes and strengths, to develop self-esteem and confidence. At Princeton Public Schools, we love each of our little tiger cubs and we make learning fun!

How will your child grow during Kindergarten?

Our Kindergarten teachers will help your child develop:

Early literacy skills in a language-rich environment
A love of learning and nurturing curiosity
Community, social, communication, and problem-solving skills
Creativity through classroom content, music, and art
Science understanding through experiments and observations about the natural environment
Small and large motor skills with plenty of active learning and play
Healthy habits in food, exercise, and responsible behavior

Kindergarten teacher working with kindergarten student

What is a typical day like in Kindergarten?

Morning circle and planning our day (counting and social skills)

Math and numbers skills, shapes, patterns, quantities

Mid-morning snack and quiet time

Reading circles (early literacy and language development)

Small group activities (creative play, art, social & emotional learning)

Lunch time

Recess (exercise and large motor activities)

Science or social studies (active learning about the world around us)

Large group music, art or physical activities

Afternoon break and quiet time

Proud kindergarten student smiling about his work

Is before and after school care available?

We know you’re busy, so let our Tiger Club team continue to care for your child while you work. Before and after school care is offered at Princeton Primary School during the week and on most non-school days. Activities include arts & crafts, reading fun, math games, gym time, computer lab or iPad time, outdoor activities, as well as special guests, field trips and more. An after-school snack is included. Before and after school care hours are: 6:00 a.m. until school begins and after school until 6:00 p.m.

Princeton Kindergarten girl and boy doing high five

Do Kindergartners ride the school bus?

Sending your child to kindergarten on the bus for the first time is a pretty big deal. You can trust our friendly, safe drivers to care and guide your little tiger cubs from their first step on the bus. Princeton Public Schools partners with Palmer Bus Service to provide safe transportation for our students.

Visit our transportation page for more information or to setup your service.

How about breakfast and lunch at school?

We all know that healthy meals are the cornerstone of the success of every student. Our team of food and nutrition professionals are dedicated to students' health, well-being and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness.

Kindergarten students receive FREE breakfast everyday. Lunch is served at school, too. Families may pay for lunch online and avoid sending money to school with your child. Students on free or reduced priced meals receive FREE breakfast AND lunch daily. Apply for free or reduced priced meals electronically through Skyward family access after you enroll and update your application annually.

Princeton Schools utilizes the "Offer versus Serve" method for meal service. This allows children to choose food items that are offered rather than requiring them to take all foods listed on the menu. Students are required to select a minimum of a half-cup fruit or vegetable with each meal. Using this method reduces unnecessary food waste, acknowledges students' independent nature and ability to choose, and allows students to try new food items without having to take the entire portion. Parents who discuss food choices and encourage children to eat a variety of foods have a positive impact on a child's nutrient intake.

What is Early Childhood Screening?

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. It is a free service of our public schools. In Minnesota, screening is required for all children before they enter kindergarten. We recommend families schedule screening at 3.5 years old. If your child has not completed Early Childhood Screening, please schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience:

What if my child will turn five after September 1?

Spanish Immersion KG

What is Spanish Immersion?

Families have the option to enroll in the Princeton Spanish Immersion program in kindergarten or first grade. The Spanish Immersion program currently runs through middle school, and we are exploring models for extending into high school. In Primary School Immersion classes, students are immersed in Spanish while they learn the Minnesota Academic Standards in mathematics, science, reading, writing and other content.

Immersion means that teachers communicate only in Spanish while teaching students. They learn through pictures, sounds, and nonverbal cues. The goal of language immersion is for students to become proficient in a second language and develop cultural awareness while learning content.

Key Components

Is Spanish Immersion a good fit?

The Spanish Immersion program is a good fit for any Kindergarten or First Grade student whose family values learning a second language in elementary school. However, immersion may not be a good fit for every child or every family.

Families who prefer their children have a profound command of the English language before learning a second language usually choose our Kindergarten program.
Developing second language skills will follow a similar pattern to a child’s first language development. If your child was older than most children in acquiring verbal skills or letter and number recognition in English, your child may be more successful in the English program.
The Immersion program may not be a good fit for a child who has a language-processing disorder.
If you are not sure whether immersion is a good fit for your child, contact our school principal for further consultation.

Wild About Kindergarten Events

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Kindergarten Timeline

Click on any event to learn more!

Get Ready to Enroll!

Enrollment is now open! Register now to be sure you receive all Kindergarten news and event information. Contact us at primary@isd477.org for assistance.

Enrollment Checklist

YOU WILL NEED:

Child’s birth certificate (by Sept 1)
Child's immunization record (by Sept 1)
A valid parent email

STEPS TO COMPLETE:

Create account in Skyward New Student Enrollment Portal
Complete enrollment information
Complete transportation request
Upload child’s birth certificate (or bring copy to school when available)
Complete immunization record (or bring copy to school when available)
Register for Tiger Club (before/after school childcare, if needed)
Schedule Early Childhood Screening appointment (if not already complete)

Current Family in District

Please follow these steps if you are:

Adding a new student to your family
Enrolling a student into Kindergarten from Pre-K

STEP 1 Log in to Your Pre-existing Family Access Account

Visit Family Access to enroll a new family member and register them.
- Need help logging in? You may follow the "reset password" link or call the Primary School at 763.389.6901 for assistance.
If your student is already in Family Access, click the "Register for Kindergarten" link, -or-
If your student is new to Princeton Public Schools click "New Student Enrollment" link.
You will need to:
- Add or review your student's information
  - If available, have child's birth certificate and current immunizations available for upload. If unavailable for upload, you may
- Verify your family's contact information
- Update or add emergency contacts
- Complete additional forms: Additional Placement Questionnaire, Language Survey, and Spanish Immersion Interest Form.

STEP 2Complete additional documentation.

If you have recently moved out of the boundaries of Princeton Public Schools: the MN Department of Education requires an Open Enrollment form be completed. If applicable, please download and complete the Open Enrollment form and return to your child's school. If you would like to check your school district based upon your street address, please enter your address into the MN SOS Pollfinder website.

STEP 3 Submit your application.

After submission, your application will be routed to your child's school office and you will be contacted with next steps.

New to the District

Please follow these steps if your student:

Has never attended Princeton Public Schools

STEP 1 Create account to enroll your student.

Visit our Skyward New Student Enrollment Portal.
Enter a valid email address to create a parent account and access the enrollment forms.

STEP 2Complete online registration.

Once account is created you will receive an email to continue registration. You will be asked to provide student and family information, and fill out some forms.
- Please have a copy of current immunizations available to upload during registration. If unable to submit electronically you may also drop off, fax or mail to your enrolling school.
- A birth certificate is requested to verify student date of birth and legal name. If unable to submit electronically you may also drop off, fax or mail to your enrolling school.

STEP 3 Complete additional documentation.

The Minnesota Department of Education requires an Open Enrollment form be completed for any students who reside outside of the Princeton School district. If applicable please download and complete the Open Enrollment form. If you would like to verify your school district based upon your street address, please enter your address into the MN SOS Pollfinder website.

STEP 4 Submit your application.