School and District Boundaries
If you have an elementary student and are unsure which school attendance area you live in, the city boundary map or rural boundary map will assist you in determining which school attendance area you live in. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) generates and publishes maps that show school district boundaries; Click here to visit the state’s page.
You may also contact the district office at 507.645.3445 or email Chris Neset for assistance. Benjamin Bus provides transportation for the district and bus company staff can also answer boundary questions.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Children who are five years old on or before September 1 are eligible to begin kindergarten. Proof of birth date will be required for kindergarten entrance. Examples of accepted documentation include a copy of the child’s birth certificate, a hospital document, passport or baptismal certificate.
State law requires all students to complete Early Childhood Screening before they enter kindergarten. To schedule an appointment for a free screening, visit the Early Childhood Programs page. Parents may also be interested in an optional school readiness program, called Bridges to Kindergarten, that assists children in making a smooth transition to kindergarten.
Transferring From Another District
After enrolling, parents of middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students transferring to Northfield Public Schools from another school district should contact the Northfield Middle School Counseling Office (507.663.0664) or the Northfield High School Counseling Office (507.663.0636) to make an appointment with a school counselor who will assist you in registering your student for classes.
Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch
Free or reduced price meals are available for students whose family qualifies. The appropriate form must be completed each school year and submitted to Child Nutrition Services for approval. Minnesota Health Care Programs also have free and low-cost health insurance for families who qualify; check out Minnesota Health Care Program.
Weekly Late Start Days
Northfield Public Schools utilizes a one-hour late start each Wednesday for all schools throughout the school year. This is part of an effort to facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for staff.
On Wednesdays, parents or daycare providers who normally drop off students at the beginning of the school day will be able to drop off students one hour later. Students who ride the bus will arrive shortly before school is open on Wednesdays. Parents or daycare providers who must drop off students at the regular time may register for KidVentures’ one-hour PLC programming.
