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.

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What is transitional kindergarten (TK)?

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.

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How do I enroll my child in Transitional Kindergarten?

Parents must follow the same PAUSD registration process. Our website provides specific information about how to register for PAUSD schools.

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What is the structure of the TK program?

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.

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Will TK be held at our neighborhood school?

No, the TK classes will be held at Greendell School only.

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Will PAUSD provide transportation to/from Greendell School for my child?

PAUSD does not offer transportation for Palo Alto resident students to Greendell School. Voluntary Transfer Program students will receive transportation.

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Is there child care provided on the Greendell School campus?

There is no child care offered on the Greendell campus.

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What kind of background/experience will the TK teachers have?

The teachers hired to teach TK are fully credentialed.

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Can I opt to have my child attend kindergarten instead of TK if I think s/he is ready?

No. The law does not allow students born after September 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten.

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How is TK different from Young Fives?

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

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Can my child attend Young Fives instead?

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.

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Is attendance in TK mandatory?

TK is not mandatory. Parents may choose to not enroll their children in TK.

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Is there a cost to enroll in TK?

No. TK is part of free public education.

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If I choose not to enroll my child in TK, will my child have a reduced chance of getting into kindergarten at his/her neighborhood school the next year?

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.

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How can I support my child at home to better prepare him/her for kindergarten?

Ideas for how to support your child can be found on the following websites:

For more information about Transitional Kindergarten in California, please visit the California Department of Education website.