The classic family comedy Kindergarten Cop was filmed primarily in Astoria, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California, with additional scenes shot in Beaverton, Oregon, and Denver, Colorado. The movie’s most recognizable setting, the elementary school, is actually the John Jacob Astor Elementary School in Astoria. This article breaks down every major filming location so you can plan a visit or satisfy your curiosity.
Main Filming Locations for Kindergarten Cop
Director Ivan Reitman chose the Pacific Northwest for its small-town charm, which perfectly matched the fictional town of Astoria, Oregon. The production team spent several weeks shooting in Oregon before moving to California for interior studio work.
John Jacob Astor Elementary School in Astoria, Oregon
This is the most famous location from the film. The school appears as the Astoria Elementary School where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, Detective John Kimble, goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. The building still stands today at 3550 Franklin Avenue in Astoria.
Fans often visit the school to take photos of the exterior, which looks much the same as it did in 1990. The playground and front entrance are instantly recognizable from the movie.
Other Astoria, Oregon Locations
Several downtown Astoria streets were used for chase scenes and establishing shots. The Astoria City Hall and the historic Liberty Theatre also made brief appearances. The nearby town of Cannon Beach was used for beach scenes.
- Astoria City Hall – Used for the police station exterior shots.
- Liberty Theatre – Visible in the background during the town parade scene.
- Cannon Beach – The beach where Kimble and his son play at the end of the film.
- Shively Park – Used for the picnic and field day sequences.
Filming in Beaverton, Oregon
The production also used the Beaverton School District’s facilities for interior classroom scenes. Beaverton is about 80 miles south of Astoria, and the district allowed filming during summer break. The classrooms were dressed to look like a typical kindergarten room from the early 1990s.
Today, the specific school building used for interiors has been renovated, but the district continues to operate as a public school system serving over 40,000 students.
Los Angeles, California Studio Work
After location shooting in Oregon, the cast and crew moved to Los Angeles for soundstage work. The house where Kimble lives, as well as the villain’s lair, were built on sets at the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. The studio lot at 4000 Warner Boulevard is still active today, offering tours that sometimes highlight famous movie sets.
The courtroom scenes were filmed on a standing courthouse set at the same studio. This is a common practice for films that need controlled lighting and acoustics.
Denver, Colorado Scenes
A small portion of the film was shot in Denver, Colorado, specifically for the opening sequence where Kimble arrests a suspect. The Denver Union Station and surrounding downtown streets appear briefly. These scenes were filmed on location in early 1990.
Denver was chosen because the city’s architecture matched the script’s description of a midsize American city. The production team spent only three days filming in Colorado.
Comparison of Key Filming Locations
| Location | Scene in Film | Current Status (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| John Jacob Astor Elementary, Astoria, OR | School exterior and playground | Still an active elementary school |
| Beaverton School District, Beaverton, OR | Classroom interiors | Renovated, still in use |
| Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA | House interior, villain’s lair, courtroom | Active studio, offers tours |
| Denver Union Station, Denver, CO | Opening arrest scene | Active transit hub, recently renovated |
Why These Locations Matter for Educators
For teachers and parents, knowing the filming locations can turn a movie night into a geography lesson. You can show students a map of Oregon and California, then discuss how filmmakers choose settings that match a story’s mood. The small-town feel of Astoria helped make the school setting believable.
You can also use the film to talk about how movies are made. Ask students to identify which scenes were likely filmed on a soundstage versus on location. This builds critical thinking about media production.
Actionable Tip for Teachers
Plan a virtual field trip using Google Earth. Search for John Jacob Astor Elementary School in Astoria, Oregon, and explore the street view. Then compare it to screenshots from the film. Students can write a short paragraph about how the location matches or differs from their expectations.
This activity works well for grades 2 through 5 and aligns with Common Core standards for speaking and listening.
Planning a Family Visit to Astoria
If you want to visit the filming locations, Astoria is a beautiful coastal town about two hours from Portland, Oregon. The school is not open to the public during school hours, but you can walk around the outside. The Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Columbia River Maritime Museum are also nearby attractions.
Summer is the best time to visit because the weather is mild and the days are long. Many fans of the film make a day trip out of seeing the school and downtown areas.
In summary, Kindergarten Cop was filmed in Astoria and Beaverton, Oregon; Burbank, California; and Denver, Colorado. The most iconic location is the John Jacob Astor Elementary School in Astoria, which remains a beloved landmark for fans of the film. Whether you are a teacher planning a lesson or a parent looking for a fun family outing, these locations offer a real-world connection to a classic movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the school from Kindergarten Cop filmed?
The school is the John Jacob Astor Elementary School located at 3550 Franklin Avenue in Astoria, Oregon.
Can you visit the Kindergarten Cop filming locations today?
Yes, you can visit the exterior of the school and downtown Astoria year-round. The school is still active, so please respect school hours and property.
Was any part of Kindergarten Cop filmed in a studio?
Yes, interior scenes like the house and courtroom were filmed on soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.
Why was Kindergarten Cop filmed in Oregon instead of California?
The filmmakers chose Oregon for its small-town charm and rainy weather, which matched the script’s setting of a quiet, fictional town.
Is the kindergarten classroom from the movie still standing?
The interior classroom was built on a set in Beaverton, Oregon, and that building has since been renovated. The original classroom set no longer exists.
