Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools (District 196) is excited to announce that its 20th elementary school, opening in Fall 2025, will be named Emerald Trail Elementary School. The new school, located at 13600 Ardroe Ave, Rosemount, MN 55068, near Akron Avenue and Bonaire Path in Rosemount, will serve students from adjusted attendance boundaries that include areas of Rosemount Elementary and Red Pine Elementary.

The name Emerald Trail Elementary School reflects the district’s commitment to community connection, sustainability, and innovation. Principal Chad Ryburn, who will lead the new school, shared his enthusiasm for the name in a message to families earlier today:

“During the parent stakeholder meeting, Emerald Trail stood out as a name that reflects the vision and values of our school. The group unanimously supported it, recognizing the importance of creating a welcoming and unique identity for this new chapter in our district’s history. Emerald Trail Elementary will be a place where students, staff, and families come together to grow, learn, and thrive.”

The naming process began in December 2024, when families, staff, and community members were invited to submit suggestions. Approximately 600 ideas were received and reviewed based on the established criteria. The district avoids names tied to individuals, specific neighborhoods, or other local schools. No other schools in Minnesota have the name  with Emerald Trail, and a trademark search confirmed no conflicts, ensuring a unique identity for the district’s newest educational facility.

Why Emerald Trail?

The name Emerald Trail Elementary School was chosen to represent:

• Community connection: the name fosters a sense of belonging and pride within the Rosemount community.
• Sustainability and innovation: The school will be a net-zero ready, high-efficiency building featuring geothermal energy with 440 wells and sustainable landscaping.
• Nature and walkability: School sidewalks will connect to city and county trail systems, encouraging walkability.

Emerald Trail Elementary School will open in Fall 2025, welcoming students into an inclusive and environmentally conscious learning environment. Staffing for the school is underway and will continue through May 2025. Families and community members can follow construction progress on the district’s website, including time-lapse photos from the project from start to finish.

In May 2023, District 196 voters approved a Building Our Future bond referendum to relieve overcrowding, enhance safety and security, and create consistently high-quality learning environments across the district. Emerald Trail Elementary School will be among the first of the completed projects. A new Rosemount Middle School is also under construction, expected to open in Fall 2027. Thank you voters for investing in our schools and our community.