Explorers - Grades K-5
Explorers is a high-quality, before-and-after-school childcare program for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, located at all elementary schools during the school year and select locations during the summer. Operating Monday through Friday, the program opens at 6:30 AM (school year), 7 AM (summer) and closes at 6 PM. Non-school day childcare also available.
At Explorers, children have opportunities to learn through a wide variety of activities such as art, music, science projects, cooking, games, writing, reading, crafts, outdoor play, computers, gym time, dramatic play, and practicing social skills, offering a balance of large group, small group, and individual choices. A consistent schedule of 2–5 days per week is required (for example, two mornings or two afternoons per week). Enrollment is currently accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
2026-27 Registration
- Summer 2026 Juniors & K-5 Explorers now open
- School Year 2026-27 Junior Explorers now open
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School Year 2026-27 K–5 Explorers now open
A few reminders as you prepare for registration:
- We strongly recommend registering on a desktop or laptop computer (rather than a phone or tablet) for the best experience.
- Childcare programs may fill quickly, logging in and requesting a contract as registration opens is recommended.
- Families must register for the school their child will attend in Fall 2026. Contract requests will be accepted only for the school selected during registration and cannot be transferred to another school. If a contract is submitted for a school your child does not attend, it will be deleted and you will need to re-register on the correct day for the correct school. If your child transfers schools, please contact our Billing & Enrollment team at 952-401-6838.
- To preview the registration questions, please click here.
- Minnetonka Community Education uses a system called Eleyo for registration and payment. To register for Explorers, you will first need to create an account. If you are registering for your child or another family member you will need to create a profile for them within your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Payment
- How much does Explorers cost?
- Is tuition assistance available for Explorers?
- How does billing work for Explorers?
- How do I make a payment for Explorers?
- How do I update my Explorers auto pay?
- Is there credit for illness or absence?
- How do I get copies of my invoices?
- Can I get year-end summaries of Explorers payments?
- Extended Absence Policy
- How are Explorers fees handled on unplanned school closure days?
How much does Explorers cost?
Is tuition assistance available for Explorers?
How does billing work for Explorers?
How do I make a payment for Explorers?
How do I update my Explorers auto pay?
Is there credit for illness or absence?
How do I get copies of my invoices?
Can I get year-end summaries of Explorers payments?
Extended Absence Policy
How are Explorers fees handled on unplanned school closure days?
Program
- Where is Explorers located?
- Is Explorers in session on non-school days?
- What is the security system for child pick-up?
- Do I need to notify Explorers if my child will miss a regularly scheduled Explorers day?
- Will my child have a snack at Explorers?
- How does Explorers handle children with food allergies?
- What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6 PM?
- How do I authorize new people to pick my child up from Explorers?
Where is Explorers located?
Is Explorers in session on non-school days?
What is the security system for child pick-up?
Do I need to notify Explorers if my child will miss a regularly scheduled Explorers day?
Will my child have a snack at Explorers?
How does Explorers handle children with food allergies?
What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6 PM?
How do I authorize new people to pick my child up from Explorers?


K-5 Explorers: Please note that there is a $100 registration fee per child, which is non-refundable.
Summer Explorers: Please note that there is a $50 registration fee per child, which is non-refundable.
Junior Explorers: Please note there is a $200 fee due at the time of registration approval. $100 of this fee is a non-refundable registration fee. The remaining $100 is a deposit for care that will be applied to your first months invoice as a credit.