Transitional kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program in California public schools. According to the California Department of Education, starting in 2025–26 it is available to all children who will have their fourth birthday by September 1 of the school year, and it is free.
Key facts
- Age: fourth birthday on or before September 1.
- Cost: free, as part of the public school system.
- Adults in the room: from 2025–26, districts must keep an average of one adult for every 10 TK students.
- Where: at elementary schools in your school district; enroll through the district.
TK and child care
TK covers a school-day schedule. Many families still need care before or after school: look at school-age programs and at centers and homes on any city page. If you qualify for assistance, the extra hours may be covered.
TK or preschool?
Some families keep a four-year-old in a licensed preschool or State Preschool instead. Visit both and compare schedule, group size and commute.