• What is Transitional Kindergarten?

    • Transitional kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a developmentally and age-appropriate modified kindergarten curriculum. TK does not replicate preschool or kindergarten. It addresses the child’s language, literacy, and pre-math skills with an emphasis on social and emotional development. The program blends preschool and readiness standards for kindergarten with a focus on hands-on and experiential learning. Research shows that taking the time for readiness for school can predict success later in the formative years of elementary and secondary education. Getting a strong start is very important.

    2024 - 2025 School Year

    Who can attend Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?  

    • With the rollout of California's Universal TK, children who turn 5 from September 2, 2024 through September 1, 2025 are eligible to enroll in TK for the 2024-25 school year. (Students born between 9/2/2019 and 9/1/2020)

    My child turns 5 September 2, 2025.  Can an exception be made for my child to enroll in TK?  

    • No.  Children must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to attend TK.  Assessments are not used to determine TK enrollment eligibility.

    My child has a birthday that falls within the TK age-eligibility window. Can my child skip TK and enroll directly in Kindergarten?  

    • No. We strictly adhere to the age eligibility requirements for a child to enroll in kindergarten according to California Education Code guidelines.  A child  must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2024 to enroll in kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year.

    Transitional Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions

    What will the Transitional Kindergarten program look like for my child?

    • The TK program is taught by credentialed teachers and runs 5 days a week. Hours for the program are still being determined. TK offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that allows students to explore, create, and learn through purposeful play based activities. Social emotional, fine motor, and academic skills are all integrated in this hands-on program to build a strong foundation for meeting the rigor of kindergarten the following year.

    How is TK different from Kindergarten?

    • TK is a bridge from Preschool to Kindergarten. It does not replace kindergarten.  The TK curriculum provides a bridge for our young five year olds between the flexible, exploration based environment of preschool and the more structured academic setting of kindergarten. It promotes each child’s progress in all areas where they develop and practice the social, emotional and physical skills that support and naturally accompany a child’s intellectual growth.

    Transitional Kindergarten Important Information

    Transitional Kindergarten is defined as "the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate." (Education Code, Section 48000(d)).
    The benefits of a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program:

    • allows for the gift of time for children who would benefit from a two-year program
    • improves social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development
    • builds self-esteem and identity as a successful student
    • reduces grade retention and special education placement
    • offers a valuable opportunity to integrate the early learning and elementary systems
    • provides a credentialed teacher for the program

    The state of California is allowing individual school districts to create TK programs with standards and curricula that meet the unique needs of their student populations.

    Where do I enroll?

    • Our enrollment process is all online. The online enrollment application and forms are available on the Hillsborough City School District website at: Registration 

    Is TK mandatory ?

    • TK is not a mandatory grade. Families with students whose birthdays fall within the TK birthday guidelines (above) have the option to enroll in TK or keep their child in preschool. Many of you are familiar with the Hillsborough Recreation Preschool Program and we encourage you to view their programs.

    Do children in universal TK have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten? 

    What happens after a year of Transitional Kindergarten?

    • Transitional Kindergarten is intended to be the first year of a two year  kindergarten program. Students will move to kindergarten the following year, will have a space reserved for them at their resident school, and will not have to re- enroll.

    What if I have more questions?

    • For more information you may call Margaux Mansfield, District Registrar at (650) 342-5193.  Additional information regarding Transitional Kindergarten can be found in Education Code Section 48000.