Plans for 2017-2018 School Year
In response to the passage of The Kindergarten Readiness Act (Senate Bill 1381), Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) will enroll students who are born between September 2 and December 2, 2012 in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classes for the 2017-2018 school year. The following provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding our Transitional Kindergarten program.
Transitional kindergarten or TK is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate. Pursuant to law, (EC 48000[c]), a child is eligible for transitional kindergarten if a child will have his or her fifth birthday on or after Sept. 2 through Dec 2 of that same school year. For the 2017-18 school year, a student must have her or his fifth birthday on or after September 2, 2017 through and including December 2, 2017.
Parents must follow the same PAUSD registration process. Our website provides specific information about how to register for PAUSD schools.
TK classes will be held on the Greendell School Campus (4120 Middlefield Road). The program runs for 3 hours per day, five days per week. There will be no extended day program for TK students.
No, the TK classes will be held at Greendell School only.
PAUSD does not offer transportation for Palo Alto resident students to Greendell School. Voluntary Transfer Program students will receive transportation.
There is no child care offered on the Greendell campus.
The teachers hired to teach TK are fully credentialed.
No. The law does not allow students born after September 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten.
The curriculum will be comparable with differences based on the needs of the students enrolled.
Schedule: Young Fives is held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on a daily basis with extended day beginning in mid-October.
Parent participation/parent education component requirements will differ.
Please contact Greendell School for information about the Young Fives program and tours. 650-856-0833
Yes. Young Fives is a choice program, and there is an application and observation process. Families of students born between September 2nd and December 2nd may apply to Young Fives and should contact the school office for more information regarding tours and the application process. An observation day is scheduled in February each year and provides information to aid in determining recommendations for Young Fives. Only children registered in PAUSD are eligible to apply to Young Fives. Please call the school office for more information. 650-856-0833.
TK is not mandatory. Parents may choose to not enroll their children in TK.
No. TK is part of free public education.
Kindergarten students are enrolled in their neighborhood schools on a space available basis. All students enrolled in TK will have equal status to all others in the Priority One group of students at their neighborhood school.
Ideas for how to support your child can be found on the following websites:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- First 5 California
- Your child's preschool teacher is also a terrific resource!
For more information about Transitional Kindergarten in California, please visit the California Department of Education website.