Transitional Kindergarten

What Is Transitional Kindergarten?

TK represents a true bridge between preschool and regular traditional Kindergarten.  Taught by a credentialed teacher with early childhood expertise, TK uses a unique, specialized curriculum that is based on the Common Core Kindergarten standards but is designed explicitly to support the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of young 5 year-olds.

Transitional Kindergarten is the first of a two-year Kindergarten experience for children turning 5 years old between September 2 and December 2.  TK gives our youngest Kindergarten students a head start in instruction and provides them with an opportunity to learn and grow in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs. TK is a free program within the public school system.

The TK environment includes many opportunities for social-emotional development, fine- and gross-motor activities, and oral language development for all kinds of learners, including those with special needs.  Arcata Elementary School’s TK program prioritizes purposeful, structured play, small-group instruction, and intentional teaching using hands-on, experiential activities.  TK truly provides our youngest Kindergarteners with the gift of time, enabling all students to begin traditional Kindergarten ready to thrive.

• Purposeful, structured play
• Small-group instruction
• Hands-on, experiential activities