Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the price of TK?

As part of California's public school system, Transitional Kindergarten is free. 

Why is TK only for students with certain birthdays?

Prior to the passage of the Kindergarten Readiness Act, California’s December 2 cutoff for kindergarten entry was one of the latest in the nation. It allowed children as young as 4 years and 9 months old to be in kindergarten classes with children more than a year older. Multiple studies showed that our youngest students (those who turned 5 between September 2 and December 2) rarely caught up to their peers. What’s more, they also had a greater chance of being misdiagnosed with a learning disability or retained later in their education. For this reason, California changed its kindergarten entry cutoff to September 1 (matching most of the nation). In order to continue serving those students now ineligible for kindergarten, transitional kindergarten was created. It has been so successful that the state of California recently voted to expand TK for all students, rather than only those born between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. This change will happen gradually, adding younger students each school year along the following schedule:

24-25:     5th birthday between September 2, 2019 – June 2, 2020

25-26 and beyond:  4th birthday by September 1, 2025

My child will turn 5 in August (eligible for K), is it possible for him/her to attend TK?

Unfortunately, students who are age-appropriate for kindergarten are not able to attend TK in Fremont Unified School District.

My child is just misses the birthdate cut-off (too young for TK), is it possible for him/her to attend TK?

Currently this is unlikely. However, things could be different as TK is gradually expanded over the next few years. Please contact your local school or district office to learn more about how they are handling TK enrollment requests outside the official birthdates.

How many kids are in a TK class?

Currently, the maximum number of students in a TK class is 24. Classes are typically full, and include one teacher. However, most TK and K teachers in Fremont public schools share classrooms, allowing for an additional adult in the room for part of the day. 

My child is already enrolled in preschool. Why should I send him/her to TK?

Transitional kindergarten is meant to act as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. Larger class sizes, “big kid” school environment, and credentialed teachers help young students adjust to school in a fun and playful way. It is due to this that TK students are typically noted to be confident, engaged leaders upon attending kindergarten.

How are TK and Kindergarten different?

Although much of the curriculum in transitional kindergarten is based on kindergarten standards, it is modified to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of younger children. The transitional kindergarten environment includes more opportunities for social-emotional, language development, and communication through dramatic play; small group instruction; and intentional teaching through hands-on activities.

Is the curriculum the same as Kindergarten? I don’t want my child to be bored next year!

No. Transitional kindergarten curriculum is based on a combination of the California Preschool Learning Foundations and Common Core Kindergarten Standards. Nearly all TK teachers have taught other grades, including kindergarten, in the past and are therefore uniquely qualified to prepare your child for a fun and successful kindergarten experience. TK teachers also work closely with their kindergarten colleagues to ensure minimal overlap of learning experiences. Typically, TK students love every day of TK and continue to enjoy their time in kindergarten the following year.

What if my child is academically advanced?

All children are different and thus develop in their own unique way. Academically advanced students are often still working to build their social emotional skills. This means that the active, social, play-focused environment of TK is the perfect place for students such as these to grow. At the same time, TK teachers, who are familiar and experienced with older grades, are well-prepared to find age-appropriate ways to engage and challenge their advanced students.

Is attending TK "keeping my child back a year"?

No. California’s age requirements for kindergarten are very clear: only children who have or will turn 5 before September 2 may enter Kindergarten. Whether or not your child attends transitional kindergarten, he or she will have the same set of grade-level peers. TK gives your child a head start on making friends, learning, and adjusting to school routines.

Can my child go from TK to 1st grade?

Since this would be moving your child from his or her age-designated peer group, moving from TK to 1st grade is considered “skipping a grade”. At this time, all public school students in Fremont must attend at least 8 months of traditional kindergarten before acceleration may be considered.

I don't live in or near Fremont. Can my child still attend TK?

Yes! Transitional kindergarten is available in all California public school districts. Just call your local school or district office for enrollment information!

I would like to share my experience with transitional kindergarten. Is this possible?

Yes! Just click here.

More Questions?

If you live in Fremont and have additional questions about transitional kindergarten, please call Fremont Unified School District at 510-657-2350 or email Johanna White at jbwhite@fusdk12.net.