Our Community

Our Communities: Chanhassen, Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Victoria

As part of the Minnetonka School District, Minnewashta Elementary School serves Chanhassen, Shorewood, Tonka Bay and Victoria. 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, faith 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.

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.

Victoria

Population: 7,345
Area: 6.99 square miles.
History: The first settler is thought to have arrived in 1851. The name Victoria dates to 1856, when the community was named after St. Victoria, one of the first churches there.
Outdoor Recreation: Nine lakes; Smithtown Bay; 2,000 acres of park land, including the 1,800-acre Carver Park Reserve and 13 other parks. A new 40-acre community park is in development.
Community Events: Concerts in the Park, Victoria Volksfest.
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.

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.

Tonka Bay

Population: 1,475
Area: One square mile, located between the upper and lower bodies of Lake Minnetonka
History: Settled in 1853 by Peter Gideon, Tonka Bay incorporated as a village on September 11, 1901. With roots as an apple orchard and a vacation destination for people from Minneapolis who could take the railroad to the Tonka Bay Hotel on Lake Minnetonka. The area contained several large estates and apple orchards populated the area at the turn of the century. Once the heyday of steam boating died and tourists left, a more stable population began to fill the village. In 1909, a school was constructed for the 30 or so families who lived there year round. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were approximately 651 homes in Tonka Bay (310 off the lake and 317 on the lake). (source: Welcome to Tonka Bay 2015. www.cityoftonkabay.net)
Outdoor Recreation: Five beautiful parks; a trail for biking, hiking, walking and running; a beach and miles of Lake Minnetonka shoreline
Community Centers: Southshore Center (senior and community center).
Community Events: Artic Fever
Business Community: primarily residential with several businesses scattered throughout the community.
School District: Served entirely by Minnetonka Public Schools #276