School isn’t just about developing a child’s intellectual abilities; there are emotional, social, and physical factors to consider.  Allowing an extra year for our young five-year-olds provides an opportunity for students to grow in these areas before facing the rigor of the academic world:

• Improves social-emotional and cognitive development and focuses on self and social development and self-regulation skills.
• TK is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience. TK students will be better prepared to succeed in traditional kindergarten and beyond.
• Tremendous opportunity to integrate early learning and elementary systems.  Early childhood education reduces grade retention and special education placement.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) offers 4-year old students an opportunity to build skills they will need for kindergarten through hands-on, interactive learning.  Our TK curriculum is designed to provide a social and academic foundation to prepare students for kindergarten. TK is a full-day program offered at our elementary schools, giving our youngest students the opportunity to get to know the school campus and school staff, practice routines and social skills, and learn to work collaboratively with other students through dramatic play and small group instruction. TK teachers are fully credentialed in accordance with California credentialing requirements.

• CSD Transitional Kindergarten Presentation. 

CSD's TK Curriculum

• TK Curriculum Summary
• Get Set for School - Early Learning by Learning Without Tears 

Yes. We offer the same supports for English Learners that we offer in our elementary schools.

Yes. We offer the same support for children with special needs in TK as we do in our elementary schools. Eligible students have their supports defined in the student’s individualized education program (IEP).

TK is offered at all of our elementary schools based on enrollment. We do our best to place all eligible students at their neighborhood school if a program is available at the school. If we are unable to place a student at their neighborhood school, we do our best to offer a close alternative to families. TK is not offered at our magnet school, Steindorf K-8 STEAM School.

• For more information about registration, please visit the CSD Enrollment Website 
• Register your student at their home school and the child will be placed in one of the TK schools, based on availability. Please see below the current schools in Cambrian School District that offer a TK program:
  • Bagby School
  • Fammatre School
  • Farnham School
  • Sartorette School

Students who complete transitional kindergarten will enter kindergarten in the next school year.

• Register at your home school for our TK program offered at sites throughout the district.
• Stay or enroll in a private or public preschool.
• Spend another year in the home environment.
• TK is a parent's choice. Some students might benefit from another year of preschool, while others might benefit from the Transitional Kindergarten program.
• For more information, please contact your neighborhood school principal.

TKCalifornia is a resource you will find valuable, easy-to-use support and tips that will get your child off to a strong start!