Our Community

Our Communities: Chanhassen, Excelsior, Greenwood and Shorewood

As part of the Minnetonka School District, Excelsior Elementary School serves Chanhassen, Excelsior, Greenwood and Shorewood. These well-established, residential communities provide a range of single-family housing options and a home-town feel that is unique in the Twin Cities area.

Nestled near the shores of Lake Minnetonka, our communities have a relaxed and personalized atmosphere. Families who chose to live in our community place a high value on family, education, and community. Parents are very involved in their children's lives, making getting to know other families easy.

Quality of Life and Commitment to Families and Youth

High-quality schools attract families to the area.
Small definable neighborhoods, public celebrations, shared activities, the arts and community involvement increase residents’ sense of belonging.
People stay in the area, providing consistency and familiarity that help children thrive.
Convenient shopping areas, sporting events and cultural opportunities in the Twin Cities metro area.

Chanhassen

Population: 22,952
Area: 14,427 acres, 24 square miles; mostly located within Carver County, with 154 acres of eastern Chanhassen located in Hennepin County.
History: The earliest settlers came to Chanhassen in the 1850s to stake out farms. This was the leading industry until the late 1960s.
Outdoor Recreation: 500-acre park system with 34 community parks, neighborhood parks and open-space preserves; 55 miles of multi-purpose trails; Lake Ann Park and Lake Minnewashta Park beaches; skating rinks, 11 lakes (wholly or partially within the city).
Community Centers: Chanhassen Recreation Center and Senior Center.
Community Events: Annual 4th of July Celebration, February Festival, Spring Candy Hunt, Dave Huffman Memorial Fun Run, Halloween Party.
Attractions: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen Skate Park.
Business Community: More than 500 commercial and industrial companies, employing more than 8,500 people.
School Districts: The city of Chanhassen is divided into District #112 (Chaska Schools) and District #276 (Minnetonka Public Schools). Families seeking a home in the Minnetonka School District are advised to verify the address of a residence and designated school district through the county or state before signing a binding agreement.

Greenwood

Population: 688
Area: 0.35 square mile.
Attractions: This lakeside community is an intimate residential community on the south shore of Lake Minnetonka.
School District: Served entirely by the Minnetonka School District #276.

Excelsior

Population: 2,188
Area: 0.63 square mile.
History: Founded in 1853 by New York Colonists.
Outdoor Recreation: The Commons park and recreation area offers a beach, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and picnic areas. Several excursion boats are available.
Community Events: Art in the Park, Fourth of July Festivities, Apple Day, summer outdoor concert series.
Attractions: The recently restored Minnehaha steamboat offers round trip from Excelsior to Wayzata. Downtown offers a theater, antique shops, specialty shops and unique restaurants.
School District: Served entirely by the Minnetonka School District #276.

Shorewood

Population: 7,307
Area: 5.31 square miles, 3,600 acres. Includes three islands: Enchanted, Shady and Spray.
History: Settlers from New York founded the town of Shorewood in 1853. It was organized as a village from Excelsior Township in 1956, and it became a city in 1974.
Outdoor Recreation: Six beautiful parks; a trail for biking, hiking, walking and running; four ice skating rinks; a skate park and a beach.
Community Centers: Southshore Center (senior and community center).
Community Events: Artic Fever, Music in the Park, Spring Clean-Up, Holiday Food and Toys Campaign.
Business Community: primarily residential with several businesses scattered throughout the community.
School District: Served entirely by the Minnetonka School District #276.