Transitional Kindergarten

Benefits of TK

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) bridges the path between preschool and Kindergarten and gives students the gift of time that will help them build a strong foundation for future school success. It blends social and emotional experiences with academic learning, so that students not only learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math, and other cognitive skills, but also develop social and self-regulation skills needed to succeed in school and life.

TK is a win-win-win for children, families, and schools! With TK:

• Children are better prepared to succeed.
• Families have an additional option to ensure their children enter Kindergarten with the maturity, confidence, and skills they need to excel.
• Schools benefit because children will be better prepared to succeed academically and less likely to be placed in special education or held back in later grades.

Research shows that the return on early investments in education is substantial. According to Deborah Stipek,former dean and a professor at the Stanford University School of Education, “the cost is paid back many times over in reduced grade retentions, special education services and in lower expenditures for incarceration. Returns also come in the form of the increased productivity that results from higher levels of academic achievement and high school completion rates.”

From TK California

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year we will hold virtual TK Parent Nights. During our times together we'll explore child development, play-based learning, home-school connections, fun learning activities to do at home, and much more! We hope you can join us!

Meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please click on the links below to log into the meetings.

October 15, 2025

January 28, 2026

May 13, 2026

Slides from 2025-2026 Events

Monday, August 11, 2025 - TK Welcome with Superintendent Stacy Yao

 

---

Archive from 2024-2025

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - TK: Supporting Your Child for the First Day of School (Recording)

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - TK Parent Night 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - Get Ready for TK! New Parent Orientation for 2025-2026 (Recording, Slide Deck)

 

• Which CUSD schools have TK?
  • All CUSD neighborhood schools, as well as McAuliffe, have TK classes. Note: TK is NOT available at Faria, Muir CLIP, or Murdock-Portal.
• What are the birthdates for TK enrollment?
  • All children who turn four by September 1, 2025.
• Are the birthdates flexible for enrollment?
  • No, there is not flexibility to enroll your child outside of the TK birthdate range.
• May I request for my TK age child be assessed or placed into kindergarten?
  • No. Students must complete the entire year of TK before moving on to kindergarten.
• How do I register my child for TK?
  • Visit CUSD’s Student Assignment webpage for the most current registration information.
• May I apply for my child to attend a TK program that is not my CUSD neighborhood attendance area school?
  • Applying for a school that is not your neighborhood attendance area school requires Open Enrollment. Visit CUSD’s Student Assignment webpage for the most current Open Enrollment information.
• May I register my child for TK in CUSD if I do not live within CUSD neighborhood boundaries?
  • Visit CUSD’s Student Assignment webpage for the most current registration information.
• How long is the TK school day?
  • TK has the same number of days and minutes as kindergarten and follows the kindergarten daily schedule.
• Is there a TK orientation day for parents/guardians before school starts?
  • Annual TK Parent Orientations take place in May. Information is provided on the TK webpage.
• Are there after-school programs for children enrolled in TK?
  • Yes. Each school has a fee-based after-school care provider on site, and some students may qualify for the state ELOP program.