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Discover Early Entrance
![EP Online female elementary student smiling with iPad]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729137400/edenprorg/l08rn6sx351t3gzkbntn/CEDARRIDGE.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729137400/edenprorg/l08rn6sx351t3gzkbntn/CEDARRIDGE.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729137400/edenprorg/l08rn6sx351t3gzkbntn/CEDARRIDGE.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729137400/edenprorg/l08rn6sx351t3gzkbntn/CEDARRIDGE.jpg","width":1024}])
Discover Early Entrance
Early Entrance to Kindergarten Option
Minnesota statute states that children entering kindergarten need to be five years old on, or before, September 1 of their kindergarten year. The law does, however, provide local school districts some flexibility for an early entrance procedure. Eden Prairie Schools offers an extension for early enrollment consideration with birthdays between September 2 and October 31. Children born after October 31 will enter kindergarten the following year.
Early enrollment is intended for children who demonstrate intellectual ability, social/emotional development and academic achievement well-advanced for their age. When considering students for early enrollment, we look for children who demonstrate the ability to be successful as a grade-accelerated student throughout their K-12 experience.
Early Entrance and Enrollment Applications, along with an Early Childhood Screening Summary, must be received on or before February 13, 2026. Early Childhood Screening is a required part of the application. If your child has not completed Early Childhood Screening, appointments are available online or by calling 952-975-6940.
Please see “Steps for Early Enrollment” tab below. Parents/caregivers with questions regarding the procedure or forms for Early Entrance to Kindergarten are asked to contact Molly Hammel, either by phone at 952-975-7060 or by email at molly_hammel@edenpr.org
Steps for Early Enrollment for Eden Prairie Residents
Parents/caregivers with questions regarding the procedure or forms for Early Entrance to Kindergarten are asked to contact Molly Hammel, either by phone at 952-975-7060 or by email at molly_hammel@edenpr.org.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Please download, complete, and submit your application to earlyentranceadmission@edenpr.org. Applications must be received on or before February 13, 2026. If you are a current resident who has missed the February 13 deadline, please enroll your student at the age-appropriate time for entering kindergarten.
For more information, please contact Molly Hammel by phone at 954-975-7060 or by email at molly_hammel@edenpr.org with questions.
Results
- An identification committee, which includes the Talent Development Programming Specialist, will review each child’s application and Early Childhood Screening scores to determine which children are eligible to move forward to Phase Two of the early entrance process. Families will be notified by March 29 regarding these results.
Phase Two is an opportunity to gather additional data to be included in the decision making process for early entrance to kindergarten. This phase includes both developmental and cognitive ability assessments. Families will be notified of these results by May 14.
The decision of the identification committee will be final.
Out-of-district residents must submit an open enrollment form for Eden Prairie Schools by February 13 in order to be considered for early entrance.
- We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Please complete and submit your application to earlyentranceadmission@edenpr.org. Applications must be received on or before February 13, 2026.
- For more information, please contact Molly Hammel by phone at 954-975-7060 or by email at molly_hammel@edenpr.org with questions.
Results
An identification committee, which includes the Talent Development Programming Specialist, will review each child’s application and Early Childhood screening scores to determine which children are eligible to move forward to Phase Two of the early entrance process. Families will be notified by March 29 regarding these results.
Phase Two is an opportunity to gather additional data to be included in the decision making process for early entrance to kindergarten. This phase includes both developmental and cognitive ability assessments. Families will be notified of these results by May 14.
The decision of the assessment team will be final.
Kindergarten
Need to Know
At our school, we believe that the first steps in education should be filled with wonder, exploration, and joy. Our Kindergarten program is designed to nurture young minds, spark curiosity, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Discover a place where your child’s journey begins with hands-on experiences, creativity, and a love for learning.
Early Childhood Screening
When your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, it’s time to schedule an Early Childhood Screening. This is a FREE and simple check of how your child is growing and developing, and includes a screening of hearing, vision, speech and motor abilities. Screening involves playful activities so your child has fun while being screened. The state of Minnesota requires that all children be screened before they enter kindergarten; typical child check-ups with a doctor do not replace screening.
Busing & Transportation
Busing is free to all families who live in Eden Prairie Schools attendance boundaries and enroll in either their neighborhood elementary school or Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Our bus drivers are highly-trained and adhere to strict safety policies. We have a strong safety record and our vehicles are maintained right here in Eden Prairie. We also provide training to all students on safe riding expectations and what to do in an emergency.
Before- & After-School Care
Eagle Zone offers a fun and safe environment that provides kids with engaging activities before and after school. Eden Prairie Community Education will begin accepting registrations in spring 2024 for September 2024 enrollment. Families are encouraged to sign up prior to August, as sites have a processing period of two weeks for all new enrollments.
Safety & Security
Student safety is our top priority. When you visit our schools, you’ll notice secure building entrances that are carefully monitored by trained staff. All visitors must sign in with a valid ID and wear a badge at all times. Students may not leave during the school day unless signed out by an authorized adult. All security measures are built on a foundation of strong relationships between students and staff.
Gifted & Talented
Each child has unique talents and abilities, which is why we provide multiple levels of accelerated curriculum to nurture the development of our learners. From our weekly Young Scholars and Key groups to the immersive full-day Mosaic program, your child will receive the right amount of challenge to reach their full potential.
Health Services
Our Health Services team has a unique understanding of students’ physical, social and emotional health and the resulting impact on learning. Each school is staffed by a nurse and a health service paraprofessional. Our nurturing staff members are here to give your child the best care possible.
Special Education Services
In Eden Prairie Schools, students with disabilities are served by highly qualified and caring teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators who are dedicated to meeting your child’s needs. From early intervention to community-based vocational training, students receive a quality, individualized educational program supporting as much independence as possible.
Parent Involvement
We encourage families to be involved in their child’s school and partner with them to enhance the educational environment for all of our students. Fundraisers and enrichment opportunities are held throughout the year at each school. To learn more about getting connected with the PTO and other volunteer opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, please contact the main office of your child’s school or visit our volunteer page to learn more.