What is Transitional Kindergarten?

In an academic world where standards for kindergarteners are increasingly similar to those once expected of first graders, transitional kindergarten provides an appropriate bridge to meet the social-emotional and academic needs of younger rising kindergarten students who might not be ready for traditional kindergarten.

Transitional kindergarten teaches children the foundational learning skills they need in order to be comfortable in a classroom environment among their peers. By delaying the enrollment year for kindergarten, 4-year-olds and young 5-year-olds are offered the time to build the foundation skills necessary for them to adapt successfully to kindergarten when they are ready. 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.

Who is Transitional Kindergarten for?

Transitional kindergarten is for any child currently eligible, but not ready for the rigors of the kindergarten classroom. Children with late birthdays (August-November) often benefit from an extra year before starting kindergarten. These children would turn 5 in the TK program, and 6 in kindergarten. Children with academic, social, emotional, or developmental delays may also gain value from a transitional kindergarten program. 

If you feel that your child may benefit from a transitional kindergarten program, please contact us. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your current concerns and goals for your child’s education.

Our Program

Currently, the leadership of Calvary Methodist Preschool is developing a Transitional Kindergarten Program.

The transitional kindergarten will be held Monday-Friday from 9-12 with a recommended extension from 12-2. The morning class will be taught by a certified teacher with over 8 years of public school experience. An assistant teacher will also be with the class to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. The Transitional Kindergarten curriculum will have a focus on academics in literacy and mathematics, while also preparing children for the social and behavioral expectations of the classroom. Developmentally appropriate and play-based practices will be used.

The extended day will be led by one of our school’s experienced teachers. During this time, children will be given the opportunity to eat lunch with their peers, and extend their learning through projects geared toward Science and Art.