With the passage of the 2021-2022 California budget, Transitional Kindergarten will be expanded, with full implementation of Universal TK slated for the 2025-26 school year. Expansion began in 2022-23 and incrementally increases eligibility for TK based on children’s birthdates until Universal TK is achieved by 2025-26 and will include all children who turn four before September 1 of the current school year.

What is Transitional Kindergarten?

Transitional Kindergarten is a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children turning five between September 2, 2024, through June 2, 2025. It provides young learners a head start and the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is tailored to meet their academic and social needs.

The TK curriculum is a blend of California Common Core Kindergarten standards and the CA Preschool Foundations for five-year-olds. The TK program gives students an additional opportunity to continue to build their skills and abilities. Their time in TK will help them to succeed in Kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom, and confidently navigate the school day routine.

The TK class provides more opportunities for social-emotional and language development, including mathematics functions through interactive, hands-on activities, which help students develop and build upon existing skills to be successful in kindergarten, and stimulating classroom centers, which focus on science, mathematics, writing, arts and crafts, and community role play.

TK is part of the public school system and is free to participating students. Registration in the program is optional. Students attend the one-year program and the following year begin Kindergarten. Credentialed teachers using the district-adopted curriculum teach Transitional Kindergarten.

Registration for the 2024-25 School Year