What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

Transitional Kindergarten is an early year Kindergarten experience that is now part of the state’s plan for universal access to four-year-old students. Each year until 2025, the age range for TK eligibility will expand. TK provides our youngest students with a year of kinder readiness, giving them a stronger foundation in their following year of traditional kindergarten.

How do I enroll my child in TK?

You can apply for the next school year at ChooseOUSD.org. You will need to submit a birth certificate, parent/guardian ID, and address verification. You can check age eligibility at www.ousd.org/enroll.

What about my child who turns 5 in the fall?

Transitional Kindergarten is available for 4 year olds who will turn 5 between September and December.

If my child attends TK, is he/she being held back?

No. TK provides a year of developmentally appropriate early education, so that students begin traditional Kindergarten with the academic, social, physical, and emotional skills that they need for success through the rest of their educational careers.

What grade will my child go into after TK?

TK is the first year of a two-year Kindergarten experience. Children are eligible to go on to traditional kindergarten after completing TK.

Does enrolling my child in TK mean that he/she will graduate high school late?

No. Children who attended TK will be 18 years old when they graduate high school and will turn 19 years old several months after graduation.

What is the difference between TK and preschool?

TK builds on skills that children may have learned in Preschool or at home and uses a “modified Kindergarten curriculum” that is developmentally appropriate for young five year olds entering into a traditional school setting.

How is TK different from traditional kindergarten?

TK is not a replication of traditional Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten uses a combination of standards including the CA Dept. of Education’s Preschool Learning Foundations and the Common Core Standards for Kindergarten. In addition, the TK classroom environment includes many more opportunities for social-emotional development, fine-and gross-motor activities, ongoing language development, and complex social play. This is accomplished through dramatic play time, small group instruction, and project-based learning.

What are the benefits of TK?

TK provides an intentional learning space for children to develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills with developmentally appropriate instruction. TK prepares students for the social and academic expectations of traditional Kindergarten, reducing the likelihood of future grade retention, and setting students up for academic success as they progress towards college and their future careers.

Does TK provide support for English Language Learners?

English learners in Transitional Kindergarten will have the same level of services as those in Kindergarten.

Is TK free or will I have to qualify based on income?

TK is part of California's K-12 public school system and is free and open to all age-eligible children.

What is the school schedule for TK students?

Transitional Kindergarten students share the same bell schedule as Kindergarten students and they participate in all activities at a school site like other students (field trips, assemblies...)