About

Sparking curiosity through nature.

Two scholars sit next to a fire near Gatewood's forest.

Gatewood Elementary is a K-5 school within the Hopkins Public Schools District, located in the city of Minnetonka. Last year, we have served about 370 students and their families. Gatewood seamlessly connects the classroom to nature. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school with an outdoor learning model, our curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep connection to the environment. Through hands-on experiences and a focus on environmental stewardship, we equip students with the skills and values to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Why Families Choose Gatewood

a graphic of shaking hands in the shape of a heart

"They are so respectful. They are always communicating with me and when I have concerns they are always ready to help me solve the problem. My kids always tell me there teacher make them feel come in the class."

-Gatewood Parent

English learners at Gatewood are, on average, 64.2% to their progress target, compared with an average of just 46.4% to progress target statewide.

92% of Gatewood students say they feel understood by people at their school.

More student data

What Makes Gatewood Unique?

Environmental Focus

Gatewood Elementary is an environmentally-focused elementary school that heavily utilizes learning in outdoor classrooms where students develop critical-thinking skills, increase school engagement, and develop connections with the natural world. Students may learn to care for resident goats and chickens, work with the school’s on-site naturalist to examine pond water under microscopes, harvest maple syrup, and grow plants and flowers in our state-of-the-art greenhouse.

You can expect kindergarteners and first graders to spend 50% of their school day outside, and older students to participate in several outdoor learning activities each week.

More About Outdoor Learning

International Baccalaureate

Gatewood is currently a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), reflecting its commitment to delivering a globally recognized, inquiry-based education. The PYP emphasizes critical thinking, student agency, and international-mindedness, aligning with Gatewood’s mission to nurture curious, confident, and empathetic learners. This approach offers students a holistic education that combines academic rigor with real-world environmental engagement, preparing them to be thoughtful, globally aware citizens.

A student digs in the ground with a trowel.

Upon achieving IB authorization, Gatewood will be the only elementary IB World School in the United States with an environmental focus.

Restorative Practices

Here at Gatewood, we pride ourselves on providing restorative practices, where students feel welcomed, validated, and affirmed, and where students have a sense of agency through inquiry-led learning.

Gatewood's focus on wellness includes holistic partnerships with families, recognizing that student success is deeply connected to family well-being and community support. We offer self-regulation spaces in our schools to give students a calm, supportive place to reset and practice strategies that help them manage their emotions and behavior. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the school day, helping students build the skills they need —like empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.

Our in-school ICA Market ensures that families have access to essential items such as food and household goods. This resource helps reduce barriers that can affect student learning and allows families to focus on what matters most. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially.

Gatewood students pose with an auger used for tapping maple syrup