Academics
We encourage students to pursue their interests, discover their strengths, and find their purpose. Our elementary programs will ensure your child has the toolkit necessary to thrive at the middle school and high school level.
Your child's elementary years are the basis for how they will learn throughout the rest of their lives. From their very first day of school, Hopkins students are immersed in a learning environment that is responsive, academically rigorous, and supportive. Our six elementary schools serve students in preschool through fifth grade.
Beyond the basic skills of literacy, math, sciences, social studies, physical education, and the arts, individual student needs are important. We meet those needs through:
- Personalized Learning
- Project Based Learning
- Spanish and Chinese language immersion options
- Multiage Learning
- Spanish instruction begins in kindergarten
- Schoolwide Talent Development
- STEM curriculum and technology-rich learning environments
- Orchestra and band
- Special education
- English Language Learners (ELL) programming
- Outdoor Learning
- Online Learning (VirtualEDU)
- Other support systems — nurses, guidance counselors, and social workers
Hopkins places a priority on world language and STEM to set students up to have a brilliant future.
Project Based Learning
To register your student, please visit HopkinsSchools.org/enroll or email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org, or call 952-988-4110.
For questions about elementary curriculum, please contact Kristina Shirokova: Kristina.Shirokova@HopkinsSchools.org or 952-988-4133.
We Believe in Personalized Learning
In Hopkins, we believe in the brilliance of our scholars. In our schools, you will find education opportunities that are tailored to the unique needs of each child. Personalized learning is for all students ages birth to 21 and provides flexible pathways to academic success with a common goal of helping each student reach their full potential. Your child’s voice is important in our learning environment, which values relationships, community, and each child’s unique heritage. Research shows that children who feel connected to their learning have increased levels of engagement and academic performance.
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Curriculum
K-5 Specials
Hopkins immerses students in a variety of content areas each week, including Spanish language, art, music, physical education, social emotional learning, and schoolwide enrichment. Through these programs, students develop as critical thinkers, holistic learners, and empathetic individuals. They have the opportunity to express themselves artistically—whether in painting, drawing, singing, or playing instruments—while also becoming confident and global learners. Hopkins' goals include fostering a love of the arts, helping children find joy in the creative process, and opening students’ eyes to the diversity of artistic experiences.
In Hopkins, Schoolwide Enrichment is based on three pillars: Exploration, Practicing Exceptional Behaviors, and Application. Students are exposed to ideas and knowledge through inquiry, develop critical thinking and creativity, and apply these skills by exploring topics and presenting their findings. Participation varies, with some students attending a weekly class and others experiencing integrated models.
Physical Education encourages a lifelong enjoyment of physical pursuits, builds children’s motor-development skills, and brings to life the values of collaboration, teamwork, and sportsmanship. PE teachers create lessons designed to enhance each child’s fitness and skill level.
Art emphasizes voice and choice, providing a supportive environment for student artists to build foundational skills. Through a wide range of materials, students observe, investigate, and explore art. This approach empowers them to take ownership of their learning, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Music focuses on nurturing foundational skills in a supportive setting for student musicians. By exploring various instruments and genres, students observe, investigate, and delve into music. This method encourages them to take charge of their learning, promoting innovation and teamwork.
Elementary Spanish introduces students to the Spanish language and culture in an engaging and interactive way. The program offers a variety of multi-modal activities that help students develop basic communication skills in Spanish while exploring the rich cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking countries. (In language immersion, this is not a special).
Hopkins' approach to social emotional learning (SEL) focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Through a comprehensive SEL curriculum, students develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Kindergarten
Literacy
In Kindergarten, scholars learn to recognize letters, follow text direction, and understand word separation. They develop phonics skills, read diverse texts, ask and answer questions, and understand author and illustrator roles. Additionally, they engage in discussions, share ideas, and create various forms of writing.
Foundational Reading Skills:
- Understand spoken words, syllables and sounds, rhymes, and alliteration (phonemes)
- Learns letter names and sounds
- Uses phonics skills and blending to read with accuracy
- Learns common words by sight to improve reading fluency
Reading Comprehension:
- Reads and understand fiction and nonfiction texts,
- Retells and identifies main ideas and key details
- Asks and answers questions about unfamiliar vocabulary
Foundational & Expressive Writing:
- Uses phonetic spelling to write words
- Writes for a variety of purposes
Idea Exchanges:
- Participates in whole group or small group conversations, sharing opinions and experiences
- Practices listening and speaking for a variety of academic purposes
Science
In Kindergarten, scholars are introduced to basic problem-solving and design thinking skills, exploring cause-and-effect relationships. They are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and use their creativity.
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In Kindergarten, scholars learn basic problem-solving and design thinking skills by exploring cause-and-effect relationships. They ask questions, make observations, and use creativity while studying weather patterns, Earth and space, material properties, motion concepts, and the needs, habitats, and growth of living things.
Ask questions and test ideas
- Tests ideas about how plants and animals live.
- Learns from weather forecasts to prepare for severe weather
- Investigates the properties of materials and the effects of forces on objects
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Observes characteristics of living things, focusing on basic survival needs
- Observes and describe daily and seasonal weather patterns over time
- Describes patterns in how different strengths or directions of pushes and pulls affect an object's motion
Create and revise models
- Creates simple models to show:
- how the needs of plants and animals relate to where they live
- how weather changes throughout the day
- Revises models based on new observations
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Explains different ways to prepare for changes in weather
- Compares and justifies design solutions that:
- reduce the warming effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface
- change an object's motion using pushes or pulls
Math
In Kindergarten, scholars build math skills by counting, sorting, and recognizing patterns in their everyday world. They explore shapes, compare objects, and represent data using simple tools like tally marks. Hands-on activities help them understand number relationships, laying the foundation for future problem-solving.
Data & Probability:
- Notices and describes patterns in data-rich situations
- Organizes objects and uses tally marks to represent data
Spatial Reasoning:
- Compares objects by measurable attributes (length, weight)
- Identifies and compares basic 2D and 3D shapes like squares, triangles, and cubes
Patterns & Relationships:
- Recognizes that numbers represent quantities and positions in sequences
- Counts objects up to 31, understanding the structure of numbers from 11 to 19
Standards of Mathematical Practice:
- Makes sense of problems and perseveres in solving
- Uses appropriate tools strategically, like ten frames and manipulatives
Social Studies
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Learns about various roles and relationships in society and in community
- Explores traditions, holidays, and seasons
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Discusses and develops the traits of a good citizen
- Develops responsible, educated citizens who are knowledgeable
- Explore local, state, and global communities and identities
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Understands basic visual maps, and the connection between place and directions
First Grade
Literacy
In grade 1, scholars understand sounds and syllables, and apply phonics to decode words accurately. They increase their sight word knowledge and read texts independently. They ask and answer questions about key details, and explore diverse perspectives. They also learn to write, share their ideas, and engage in collaborative discussions.
Foundational Reading Skills
- Understands spoken words, syllables and sounds (phonemes)
- Identifies, orally produces, blends, segments and manipulates syllables in multisyllabic words and sounds in three to four phoneme words.
- Knows all letter sounds and how they blend to form words
- Learns common words by sight to improve reading fluency
- Reads with accuracy, expression, and at an appropriate speed. (Goal: 60+ words per minute by end of year)
Reading Comprehension:
- Reads and understand fiction and nonfiction texts
- Retells stories, identify main ideas and key details
- Understands the roles of authors and illustrators in storytelling
- Asks and answers questions to clarify the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary and phrases
Foundational & Expressive Writing:
- Uses phonetic spelling to write words
- Writes complete sentences with capital letters and punctuation
- Reviews and makes improvements to written work
- Writes for a variety of purposes
Idea Exchanges:
- Participates in whole group or small group conversations, sharing opinions and experiences
- Practices listening and speaking for a variety of academic purposes
Science
In grade 1, scholars continue to develop their problem-solving, questioning and design thinking skills. They will be introduced to systems and modeling. They are learning to present and defend their thinking.
(OR)
In Grade 1, scholars learn scientific inquiry and the engineering design process. They explore material properties, motion, and energy concepts in physical science. In earth science, they observe weather patterns and understand Earth's materials and changes. Life science lessons focus on the needs of living things, recognizing habitats, and observing growth and change in plants and animals.
Ask questions and test ideas
- Asks questions, based on observations, about how young plants and animals are similar to or different from their parents
- Plans and conducts simple experiments to understand the relationship between sound and vibrations
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Finds patterns in how parents and their young behave to help them survive
- Determines the suitability of various materials for sound production and transmission
- Observes and describes patterns in weather and seasonal changes
Create and revise models
- Creates a model to show how plants or animals use their body parts to survive, grow, and meet their needs.
- Creates a device that uses light or sound for communication over distances
- Modifies models as new information is learned
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Evaluates multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land
- Communicates solutions aimed at reducing human impact on local environments, including land, water, and air
- Develops arguments showing how plants, animals, and humans change their environment to meet their needs
Math
In grade 1, scholars build on foundational skills by collecting and representing data, describing shapes, and exploring measurement with non-standard units. They deepen their number sense by counting to 120 and solving simple addition and subtraction problems. Hands-on manipulatives and visual models reinforce reasoning and real-world connections.
Data & Probability:
- Notices and describes patterns in data-rich situations
- Collects and represents data using drawings, tally marks, and bar graphs
Spatial Reasoning:
- Measures length using non-standard units and order objects by size
- Identifies and describes attributes of shapes like triangles and circles
Patterns & Relationships:
- Counts collections up to 120, grouping in tens and fives
- Solves addition and subtraction within 20 using strategies like counting on
Standards of Mathematical Practice:
- Constructs viable arguments and critiques the reasoning of others
- Looks for patterns and expresses regularity in repeated reasoning
Social Studies
In grade 1, scholars focus on understanding rules, recognizing symbols, identifying needs and wants, using maps, and learning about historical events and time. These skills lay the groundwork for future learning.
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Understands the concept of community and their role within it
- Learns about different community helpers and how communities work together
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Comprehends basic concepts of rules, authority, and fairness
- Learns about symbols and traditions
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Explores basic map skills, including understanding directions, using simple maps, and identifying different types of environments
Second Grade
Literacy
Foundational Reading Skills
- Understands spoken words, syllables and sounds (phonemes): Identify, blend, segment and manipulate syllables in multisyllabic words
- Works with sounds in words, breaking them into syllables and individual sounds
- Uses phonics skills to read words, recognizes vowel patterns, and reads multisyllabic words
- Reads with accuracy, expression, and at an appropriate speed. (Goal: 100+ words per minute by end of year)
Reading Comprehension:
- Uses a variety of strategies to read and understand fiction, poetry, and nonfiction texts, assigned and self-selected
- Builds vocabulary through our reading aloud and interdisciplinary topics of study
- Asks and answers questions about key details, identifies the main idea and supporting details
- Understands literary elements like characters and setting
Foundational & Expressive Writing:
- Uses correct punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization in writing Applies spelling rules for various word patterns
- Writes for multiple purposes (opinion, personal narrative expository, poetry, letter writing, responding to text), including learning beginning research skills
- Reviews and makes improvements to written work
Idea Exchanges:
- Participates in respectful storytelling, discussions, and collaborations, considering diverse perspectives, sharing stories, ideas, experiences, and connecting to others’ comments
- Creates and follows norms for discussions, and participates actively as speaker and listener
Science
In grade 2, scholars deepen their understanding of scientific inquiry and the engineering design process. They explore material properties, motion, and energy in physical science. In earth science, they study weather patterns, Earth's materials, and changes. Life science lessons focus on the needs of living things, recognizing habitats, and observing growth and change in plants and animals.
Ask questions and test ideas
- Asks questions about force and motion based on observations for investigation
- Plans investigations to understand how heating and cooling affects materials
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Observes, identifies, and predicts patterns in how forces affect an object's movement
- Represents and analyzes data about seasonal weather and evaluates how well objects work to reduce weather-related hazards
- Identifies water locations on Earth and describes global climates
Create and revise models
- Creates models to show reversible and irreversible changes from heating or cooling
- Modifies models as new information is learned
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Describes why certain living things can only survive in specific habitats
- Designs a device that imitates how plants or animals disperse seeds
Math
In grade 2, scholars organize data into picture and bar graphs, interpreting and making predictions. They measure lengths in standard units, explore areas by partitioning rectangles, and deepen spatial reasoning. With a stronger grasp of place value up to 1,000, they develop more advanced addition and subtraction strategies.
Data & Probability:
- Notices and describes patterns in data-rich situations
- Collects data and represents it using picture graphs and bar graphs
Spatial Reasoning:
- Measures lengths using inches, feet, centimeters, and meters
- Partitions rectangles into rows and columns of same-size squares
Patterns & Relationships:
- Counts collections up to 1,000 using groups of 10s and 100s
- Uses addition and subtraction within 1,000 to solve contextual situations
Standards of Mathematical Practice:
- Attends to precision in measurement and data collection
- Uses structure to recognize and describe place value relationships
Social Studies
In grade 2, scholars will participate in diverse activities and lessons covering subtopics such as citizenship and government, geography, history, economics, and ethnic studies. They will explore topics like rights and responsibilities, map skills, local history, economic concepts like goods and services, and cultural diversity through interactive discussions and activities. This comprehensive approach will enrich their understanding of their community and the world around them.
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Explores cultural diversity, tradition, and celebrations
- Focuses on local history and significant historical events
- Discusses and explores rights and responsibilities, the roles of leaders, and the importance of rules
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Discusses concepts such as goods, services, and decision-making based on resources
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Learns about maps, directions, and identifying different regions and landmarks
Third Grade
Literacy
Foundational Reading & Writing Skills
- Identifies, blends, segments, and manipulates syllables and sounds in words using phonics knowledge
- Knows spelling-sound correspondences, decodes and spells multisyllabic words using complex phonetic patterns, and reads high-frequency words accurately.
- Reads with accuracy, expression, and at an appropriate speed (Goal: 125+ words per minute by end of year)
- Uses correct writing mechanics and grammar: punctuation, spelling, and capitalization, and parts of speech
Reading Comprehension:
- Monitors comprehension and uses strategies like decoding and making connections
- Reads broadly - texts of personal interest and a wide variety of topics and genres
- Asks and answers key detail questions including identifying characters, setting, conflict, resolution, and events
- Describes connections between events, concepts, or steps in a procedure in informational texts
- Understands how words with multiple meanings affect the tone or meaning in texts
- Uses strategies to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
Foundational & Expressive Writing:
- Expresses ideas and knowledge in writing for various audiences, purposes, and content areas
- Plans, drafts, revises, edits, and publishes writing with guidance
- Uses research skills to ask and answer questions, using vetted sources
Idea Exchanges:
- Shares ideas respectfully, listens to others, and connects their thoughts with what others say, while considering different viewpoints
- Creates content in various formats, and critiques digital tools used for their projects
Science
In grade 3, scholars will continue to develop their problem-solving, questioning, design thinking, and modeling skills. They will use data from multiple sources to construct explanations and defend their thinking.
(OR)
deepen their understanding of scientific inquiry and the engineering design process. They explore material properties, motion, and energy in physical science. In earth science, they study weather patterns, Earth's materials, and changes. Life science lessons focus on the needs of living things, recognizing habitats, and observing growth and change in plants and animals
Ask questions and test ideas
- Plans and conducts an investigation to determine how amounts of sunlight and water impact the growth of a plant
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Explains how variations within a species help with survival and reproductions
- Observes and records the sun, moon, and stars to identify predictable patterns
- Collects and presents data to show how daylight varies throughout the year
Create and revise models
- Shows how different organisms have unique life cycles but share stages like birth, growth, reproduction, and death
- Shows how light reflects off objects and enters the eye, making them visible
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Uses information from different sources to explain how plant and animal body parts help them survive, grow, and reproduce
Math
In grade 3, scholars analyze data with graphs, explore shapes by calculating perimeter, and compare numbers up to 100,000. They begin solving multiplication and division problems and are introduced to fractions using visual models. These skills build problem-solving confidence and a deeper understanding of math patterns.
Data & Probability:
- Notices and describes patterns in data sets; asks statistical questions
- Collects and organizes data using tables, bar graphs, and line plots
Spatial Reasoning:
- Measures to the nearest quarter unit using standard units
- Calculates perimeters of polygons with whole-number side lengths
Patterns & Relationships:
- Recognizes and describes place value relationships up to 100,000
- Solves multiplication and division problems using visual models
Standards of Mathematical Practice:
- Models with mathematics in real-world measurement and data scenarios
- Looks for and makes use of structure in understanding multiplication and place value
Social Studies
In grade 3, scholars will explore local history, significant figures in U.S. history, and the impact of personal choices on the economy. They will learn about government foundations, citizen responsibilities, and will use maps to understand spatial relationships and environmental adaptations.
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Understands community dynamics, contributions of individuals and organizations, and the local history and culture
- Uses timelines, describes daily life in different times, and recognizes key figures and events in U.S. history while Identifying significant people, events, and themes in local community history
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Explains how people make choices based on needs and wants, describe the role of money, and the importance of saving
- Identifies different types of work and explain how jobs contribute to the economy
- Learns about the foundations of government at various levels, responsibilities of citizens, and the key roles of government leaders
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Uses maps and globes to locate places and understand spatial relationships and explain how people adapt to and modify their environment
Fourth Grade
Literacy
In grade 4, scholars dive into richer texts, enhancing their reading comprehension through deeper analysis and inference skills. They’ll explore various genres and learn to extract meaning from complex passages, building a strong foundation for advanced literacy. Through engaging activities and discussion they will develop critical thinking skills and a love for reading that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Foundational Reading & Writing Skills
- Uses phonics skills to read and understand new multisyllabic words, both in and out of context
- Reads with accuracy, expression, and at an appropriate speed. (Goal: 140+ words per minute by end of year)
- Uses correct punctuation, including dialogue, commas, verb tense, grammar and capitalization
Reading Comprehension
- Reads and discusses self-selected and teacher-selected texts from all genres of literature
- Learns to analyze how literary features, perspectives, and time period affect a text
- Determines the author's purpose (entertain, inform, persuade)
- Differentiates between fact and fiction/opinion in texts
- Distinguishes literal from figurative language and shows understanding of word origin
Expressive Writing
- Plans, drafts, revises, edits, and publishes for a variety of audiences and purposes
- Writes using key elements like introductions and conclusions, sensory details and literacy elements
- Conducts research, uses a variety of sources, and paraphrases to avoid plagiarism
Idea Exchanges
- Respectfully exchanges ideas in discussions and collaborations, considering diverse perspectives
- Asks and answers questions to clarify viewpoints, gives and receives feedback, and uses precise language
- Creates and shares organized content using various tools, understanding their digital footprint
Science
In grade 4, scholars are encouraged to be curious, and ask questions about the world around them. They will continue to develop the skill of gathering data from multiple sources to construct explanations and defend their thinking.
Ask questions and test ideas
- Asks questions to understand how water moves through the Earth system
- Explores how electric and magnetic forces affect objects without direct contact
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Gathers information to learn that plants and animals inherit traits from their parents, and variations exist within groups
- Makes observations of patterns in Earth features (such as rock formations and fossils) to understand changes that have happened over time
- Interprets charts, maps, and graphs to understand how saltwater and freshwater are distributed in Earth's reservoirs
Create and revise models
- Understands the distribution of water on Earth and develops a model that describes how it interacts with other Earth systems
- Plans and conducts tests to improve models that prevent erosion
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Creates or supports an argument that traits in organisms can be influenced by different environments
- Generates and compares solutions to reduce the effects of natural Earth processes on humans
Math
In grade 4, scholars analyze data trends, explore geometric shapes, and calculate area. They solve multi-digit multiplication and division problems and learn about factors, multiples, and prime numbers. These skills strengthen their understanding of numerical structures and prepare them for more abstract concepts in the coming years.
Data & Probability
- Analyzes data sets to make predictions and recognize trends
- Represents data using line plots, bar graphs, and pictographs
Spatial Reasoning
- Understands area as the number of square units needed to cover a shape
- Classifies shapes based on their properties (e.g., number of sides and angles)
Patterns & Relationships
- Solves multi-step word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Understands factors and multiples, including prime and composite numbers
Standards of Mathematical Practice
- Uses mathematical tools to calculate perimeter and area
- Looks for patterns in number sequences and operations
Social Studies
In grade 4, scholars will explore Minnesota history and analyze diverse perspectives, focusing on indigenous peoples and statehood. They will develop critical thinking skills regarding government systems and civic engagement, while also learning about economic decision-making and U.S. geography.
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Recognizes how individuals and organizations interact, cooperate, and resolve conflict while maintaining certain traditions and practices
- Focuses on Minnesota history by studying significant events and developments from indigenous peoples to statehood to the present
- Tells factual stories using various sources
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Uses critical thinking skills to develop a deeper understanding of relationships between multiple systems of government, indigenous cultures, and gains an appreciation for the importance of civic engagement in local and global communities
- Understands economic decision-making, systems that impact economics, and the basics of personal finance
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Studies the geography and history of states and regions, fostering a broader understanding of the United States as a whole
Fifth Grade
Literacy
In grade 5, scholars are developing reading and writing skills, their love of literature, and strengthening their belief in themselves as readers and writers. This includes:
Foundational Reading & Writing Skills
- Knows and applies grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words, especially French & Latin origin and multisyllabic words
- Reads with accuracy, expression, and at an appropriate speed. (Goal: 150+ words per minute by end of year)
- Uses word study and spelling development through lessons on the meaning and origins of prefixes, suffixes, and base words
Reading Comprehension
- Reads and discusses self-selected and teacher-selected texts from all genres of literature
- Analyzes texts to gain deeper understanding of meaning, including a greater emphasis on inferencing, visualizing, and examining of text structures
Expressive Writing
- Writes including fictional and personal story development
- Researches writing to synthesize multiple resources into cohesive written texts
Idea Exchanges
- Exchanges ideas in discussions and storytelling, respecting diverse perspectives
- Asks and answers questions to clarify viewpoints, gives and receives feedback, and uses precise language
- Reports on topics with relevant facts, creates and shares content using digital tools, and understands ethical communication practices
Science
In grade 5, scholars will analyze and interpret data from various sources as they develop the skill of constructing explanations and defending their thinking. They will be encouraged to ask questions and design experiments or find resources to help them find answers.
Ask questions and test ideas
- Plans and conducts investigations to show that plants get most of what they need for growth from air and water
- Explores chemical reactions while learning that matter is made of particles that can combine to form new substances
- Asks questions and predicts how changes in energy relate to the speed of objects during interactions
Describe the world using observations and patterns
- Understands that energy can be transmitted in various ways (sound, light, heat, electricity)
- Describes patterns caused by the motion of the earth through space (ie. shadows, day and night, the seasonal appearance of stars)
- Analyzes data to show that matter is conserved during changes like heating or mixing
Create and revise models
- Uses models to show that the energy in animals' food, which helps with growth, movement, and body warmth, originally came from the sun
- Creates a model to explain that matter is made of tiny particles that can't be seen
Evaluate and defend ideas using multiple sources
- Evaluates solutions to problems caused by changes in plant and animal populations due to environmental changes
- Using evidence, explains how an object's speed is related to its energy
- Designs, tests, and refines devices that convert energy from one form to another
Math
In grade 5, scholars analyze data from multiple sources and solve statistical questions. They explore volume, angles, and deepen their understanding of decimals and fractions to solve real-world problems. Algebraic thinking continues as they analyze patterns and relationships using tables and graphs, connecting their learning to practical and theoretical applications.
Data & Probability
- Collects and interprets data from multiple sources to answer questions
- Uses visual tools like line plots to represent data and analyze patterns
Spatial Reasoning
- Understands the concept of volume as the amount of space inside a 3D shape
- Measures and compares angles using protractors
Patterns & Relationships
- Applies place value understanding in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division up to the thousandths
- Analyzes and generates patterns using tables, graphs, and rules
Standards of Mathematical Practice
- Uses appropriate tools strategically when measuring volume and angles
- Critiques the reasoning of others when solving multi-step problems
Social Studies
In grade 5, scholars will analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics while understanding how communities are shaped by migration, technology, and policy. They will evaluate sources to explore major North American events, learn about foundational government principles, and basic economic concepts, while utilizing tools like atlases to navigate geographical locations.
Analyze diverse perspectives and historical power dynamics
- Understands how communities develop and are affected by migration, technology, policy, and the importance of engagement in community improvement
- Evaluates multiple sources of information to explore major events within North America including colonization, Indigenous land conflicts, slavery, and the American Revolution to understand conflict, power
Assess sources and evidence to clarify global processes and relationships.
- Learns about the foundational principles and documents, individual participation and influence, and will understand the different levels of the US government
- Learns basic economic concepts such as scarcity, supply and demand, personal finance topics, and varying economic systems (market, command, mixed economies)
Utilize tools to comprehend concepts and navigate their world.
- Uses tools, such as atlases, to pinpoint North American geographical locations and to describe and identify landforms
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Elementary Programs
- Language Immersion
- Elementary Spanish
- Project Based Learning
- Multiage Learning
- LETRS
- STEM
- Schoolwide Talent Development
- Outdoor Learning
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- VirtualEDU Online Learning
Language Immersion
Hopkins Public Schools offers students a unique opportunity to develop language and cultural proficiency through two language immersion programs: XinXing Chinese immersion and Juntos Spanish Immersion. Both programs provide rigorous and innovative curriculum that opens the door to global competency for Hopkins students.
Elementary XinXing Chinese Immersion
XinXing is a fully articulated K-12 Chinese immersion program. XinXing attracts students from all parts of the Hopkins School District, as well as from other school districts in the Twin Cities area through open enrollment. XinXing Academy opened at Eisenhower Elementary School in 2007. It provides an early total Chinese immersion education for students in kindergarten through grade 5. Students will join our XinXing Chinese immersion program at West Middle School and Hopkins High School.
Elementary Juntos Spanish Immersion
Kindergarten Spanish Immersion began in fall of 2020. The program will grow into a full K-12 curriculum, adding one level at a time up to grade 5 initially. The Elementary Spanish Immersion program at Eisenhower Elementary complements the existing English and Chinese immersion pathways already in place and fits into our larger vision to develop holistic, global thinkers. The program will grow into a full K-12 Spanish Immersion Program one grade level at a time through grade 5. Students will join our successful Juntos Spanish immersion program at North Middle School and Hopkins High School.
Elementary Spanish
We are committed to providing high-quality world language instruction to all Hopkins students starting in kindergarten. All Hopkins elementary schools have Spanish language instruction integrated into their regular curriculum. This language instruction is not a full language immersion program — to learn more about elementary language immersion, please see the Language Immersion tab in this section.
Program Description
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Students have Spanish instruction for 60 minutes per week in grades K-5.
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The goal of the program is to develop Spanish language proficiency and cultural knowledge and understanding.
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Curriculum is content-related and aligned to Hopkins content standards for language arts, social studies, and science.
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Instruction is primarily in Spanish.
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Students completing the K-5 Spanish program will be ready for Intermediate Spanish I in middle school, or they may choose to apply their language skills to the learning of a new language starting in grade 6.
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning
What is PBL?
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic, student-centered approach to education where students engage in exploring real-world challenges and problems. This method not only focuses on academic content but also emphasizes personal relevance, critical thinking, and practical application. Through PBL, students take ownership of their learning by investigating issues that matter to them and their communities, making learning more meaningful and impactful.
Why do we use PBL?
At Hopkins, we believe in amplifying student voice and agency. PBL aligns with our commitment to providing an education that is not just about memorizing facts but about preparing students for the future they will create. By allowing students to work on projects that resonate with their personal interests and the world around them, we empower them to become active, engaged citizens who are capable of solving complex problems
What does PBL look like in practice?
In a PBL classroom, students are evaluated through projects rather than traditional exams. They have the freedom to choose the focus of their project and the way they present their findings. For example, in a unit on social justice, students might choose to explore a specific aspect of the topic, such as environmental justice or racial equity. They could then demonstrate their learning through various modalities, such as creating a documentary video, writing a research paper, or designing an interactive website.
Where can you find PBL in action?
Elements of PBL are integrated across all our schools, with Meadowbrook and VirtualEDU leading the way in adopting this innovative approach to learning. These schools prioritize student-driven projects and provide rich opportunities for students to explore and present their understanding in creative ways.
Is PBL rigorous?
Yes, research supports that PBL is a rigorous form of learning. A study by the Buck Institute for Education found that students in PBL classrooms outperform their peers in traditional settings on measures of content knowledge and skills application. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in Review of Educational Research showed that PBL enhances students' problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and long-term retention of content compared to traditional instructional methods. This evidence underscores that PBL is not only engaging but also academically demanding, requiring students to synthesize information, collaborate with peers, and present their findings in sophisticated ways.
Multiage Learning
Multiage Learning
Tanglen Elementary, Glen Lake Elementary, and VirtualEDU have multiage classrooms. The multiage system affirms that children of the same age are different in their development and needs and believes that learning should be a child-centered process. This is accomplished through a relationship-based, family-oriented setting. Multiage classrooms are sometimes referred to as looping and allows students to develop relationships with the same team of teachers and classmates over a two-year period. Multiage classrooms promote collaboration, personalized learning, and social learning.
Why multiage learning?
Children learn and grow at varied times and rates and therefore there are advantages to a more flexible, multiage classroom model.
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Multiage classrooms build strong relationships among teachers, students, and families.
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Since students are with a teacher for two years, there is a lengthened teacher/student relationship. The teacher is more aware of a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning habits, as well as what engages the student.
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Less pressure on rigid benchmarks during these crucial elementary years frees students to learn where they are.
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Studies show that there is a correlation between positive feelings about school and increased social skills in a multiage classroom.
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There are natural leadership opportunities embedded in the classroom as a result of having two grade levels.
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Academically, children perform better or equivalently in multiage classrooms than in traditional classrooms.
Benefits of multi-age learning
Peer Learning: Older students can serve as mentors and role models for younger students, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership. Younger students can learn from their older peers, while older students reinforce their own learning by teaching concepts to others.
Social and Emotional Development: Multiage classrooms promote a sense of community and collaboration among students. Younger children have opportunities to learn from older peers, while older children develop empathy and patience as they support younger classmates.
Flexible Grouping: Teachers can implement flexible grouping strategies based on students' needs and interests rather than solely relying on age or grade level. This allows for more dynamic and varied instructional approaches.
Relationships: Students have the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with their peers and teachers over several years, which can contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and continuity in their educational experience.
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Research Sources
Edutopia: A Child First Approach to Classroom Design (April 2019)
Designing a Montessori Classroom
Website: Multi-Age Classrooms: Frequently Asked Questions - See section called “What does the research on multi-age education say?” Not current, but lists resources that may be worth exploring further. Multi-Age Classrooms: Frequently Asked Questions
Website: American Montessori Society In Montessori schools, multi-age groupings enable younger children to learn from older children and experience new challenges through observation.
The Atlantic: Inside a Multiage Classroom - Dividing students by arbitrary birthdate ranges doesn’t make sense, advocates say (2017)
Multiage Classrooms May Improve Learning, Student Experience
Multiage Education: An Exploration of Advantages and Disadvantages through a Systematic Review of the Literature - Australian Journal of Teacher Education (2019)
Multiage Education: An Exploration of Advantages and Disadvantages through a Systematic Review of the Literature
Broader Strokes: The Curricular and Pedagogical Possibilities of Multiage Educational Settings (2019)
The Multi-Age Learning Community In Action By Barbara Cozza, Chapter 1
An empirical model of mixed-age teaching (June 2015)
LETRS
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling
LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a professional development program approved by the International Dyslexia Association and the Minnesota Department of Education to support solid instruction for students with dyslexia or dyslexia characteristics. In Hopkins Over 75% of our K-2 teachers are LETRS trained. This training is vigorous and takes about 80 hours to complete. We anticipate that 100 percent of our K-2 staff will be trained next year so we can support all of our learners' literacy needs.
The Science of Reading
STEM
STEM Education
STEM is not just about learning science, technology, engineering, and math in silos. The most effective and true STEM learning is a hands-on integration of all these disciplines, through experiments and development of real-world problem-solving skills.
Students need STEM's project-based learning to build 21st century skills. Science and engineering jobs are growing 70% faster than other occupations. This means our students will be at an advantage when competing for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future.
Learning by doing is inviting and exciting so students remember more. Successful, hands-on experiences exploring engineering can have a major influence on motivation and confidence in learning. Ultimately, we hope to inspire students to challenge themselves and consider careers in STEM fields.
Schoolwide Talent Development
Schoolwide Talent Development
Hopkins' Schoolwide Talent Development framework is grounded in the belief that gifted behaviors are a skillset to be mastered. Talent Development capitalizes on the natural curiosity that all children innately have. Our program is affirming to all learners and provides pathways for each of our students to discover their talents, develop their strengths, and reach their full potential. This pathway looks different for every scholar.
Through gifted exploration, practice, and application, Hopkins' Talent Development approach encourages self-directed learning based on students’ interests and passions. Through our program, scholars will grow concepts like risk taking, resilience, empathy, responsibility, and collaboration. We use academically rigorous concepts to develop gifted behaviors and complex problem solving skills in all scholars.
Outdoor Learning
Learning and exploring in nature
Your child will build connections to the natural world as they spark their curiosity, inventiveness, and excitement for school. While each of our elementary schools prioritize outdoor exploration and observation, both Eisenhower Elementary and Gatewood Elementary have dedicated environmental-focused classrooms.
Gatewood Elementary is an environmental focus school and has an environmental-focused kindergarten program, a greenhouse, and other outdoor spaces where students can connect with nature and engage all of their senses in learning.
When scholars have opportunities to go outside to learn, they become motivated, observant, collaborative, and self-directed. Lessons held outdoors increase student engagement in school — even after students return to indoor learning spaces.
Benefits of Outdoor Learning
According to research, an outdoor learning environment has a positive effect on the brain and can lead to better learning outcomes.
Other benefits include:
• Increased engagement and focus
• Enhanced curiosity and discovery
• Connects children to the outdoors
• Encourages exploration and inquiry
• Develops resilience and confidence
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Nurturing learners who are curious, confident, and empathetic
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program builds on the belief that children are naturally curious and learn deeply when they are engaged in relevant topics. Children ask questions that guide their desire for knowledge, lead to discovery, and make education an adventure!
IB provides a rigorous curriculum framework that encourages students to think critically and solve problems. Hopkins' Eisenhower Elementary and Gatewoood Elementary are currently IB candidate schools. In each of our elementary schools your child will discover relevant and engaging subjects, instructors that encourage curiosity and exploration, and inquiry-based learning.
Why families choose IB
IB promotes conceptual based understanding, student agency, and inquiry that helps students build critical thinking, care, and connections in our diverse and interconnected world. (International Baccalaureate Organization, 2022).
Other benefits include:
- Learning about multiple perspectives
- Development of the whole child through engagement with the IB Learner Profile
- Building student confidence and collaboration skills
- Rigorous learning opportunities that encourage engagement, critical thinking and action
Gatewood & Eisenhower Elementary are Candidate Schools* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Gatewood believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
VirtualEDU Online Learning
Flexible options for scholars to thrive
VirtualEDU, online learning for students grades 3-12, is designed to bring out the best in your child. VirtualEDU students learn at their own pace with supportive teachers who care about them and understand their needs. Our closely connected school community offers strong peer and teacher relationships and our families are encouraged to partner with us.
Our smaller class sizes, multiage classes, and strong teacher-student relationships allow for a deeply personalized learning approach that meets your student where they are at and guides them to advance. Your child can dive deeper and take on new challenges or stay on a topic until they feel ready to move forward. Real-world project based learning with a social-change focus lets students pursue their passions, develop their talents, and reach their full potential.