Transitional Kindergarten

2026-27 Transitional Kindergarten Placement Form and Lottery

*New date* SSFUSD will begin taking requests for placement for TK classrooms for the 2026-2027 on January 27

Parents who complete applications between January 27, 2026 and February 28, 2026 are entered in the March lottery for school assignment. Students either be assigned to a school or placed on a waitlist based on results of that lottery and parents will receive email notifications in early March. Parents who apply March 1st or later will be processed as they are received and assigned to a school or placed on a waitlist based on space availability at the time of application.

• Only students born between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2022 are eligible for the 2026-27 TK program
• Students are placed at their school of residence whenever possible. 
• All elementary schools will have at least one TK classroom for the 2026-27 school year.
• New TK classrooms to open at Monte Verde and Junipero Serra! 
• Transfers are not available for Transitional Kindergarten. Parents and/or employees with students at other elementary schools please note your current school on your form in the space provided.
• When offered a school assignment, parents have up to fifteen days to register / enroll with the assigned school

2026-2027 School Placement and Registration 

Once your student is assigned to a school, parents are then invited to complete registration by collecting the required documents to submit to the assigned school along with completing a registration packet. 

Parents without a PG&E bill in their name can verify their residence by completing a residency affidavit / Spanish at the district office. Once the residency affidavit has been approved, please bring the approved copy to your assigned school office.

WHAT IS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN (TK)?

Transitional Kindergarten is the first phase of a two-year Kindergarten program that uses age-appropriate curriculum aligned to the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF). TK acts as a bridge between preschool and Kindergarten and is designed to provide our youngest learners with the pivotal skills and experiences needed for success in Kindergarten. This program is optional, and parents are not required to enroll their child in TK.

Students turning 5 between 9/2/2026-9/1/2027 are eligible to apply.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TK at SSFUSD?

TK gives our young learners:

• An opportunity to learn and grow in an environment tailored to meet their academic and social needs.
• A nurturing environment where children learn routines and social skills, and work collaboratively with other students.
• Instruction that focuses on all areas of child development, including social emotional, literacy and math foundations, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

HOW DO I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR TK?

Children learn quickly, especially when their parents are involved. Please help your child get a jump start on a successful TK experience by practicing the below skills at home:

• Use the bathroom by themselves (wiping properly, pulling up pants and washing their hands after). Please refer to our Toileting Independence policy (English), (Spanish)
• Put on his or her coat/sweater by themselves (including buttons and zippers).
• Tie or fasten his or her own shoes (or wear slip ons or shoes with velcro straps).
• Keep fingers out of noses and mouths
• Feed themselves.
• Use tissue to wipe their nose.
• Hold a pencil or crayon.
• Wash their hands with soap and water on their own.
• Leave parents of caregivers and say good-bye without being overly upset.
• Say and know their full name (not just their nickname).
• Listen to a story.
• Share willingly with others.
• Take turns.
• Sing the ABC song.
• Listen to and follow basic directions.
• Ask for help when needed.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO TK?

• Clothes that are easy for your child to use the bathroom independently, such as pants or sweatpants with elastic waistbands.
• Jackets/sweaters that are easy to get on and off independently.
• Slip-on or Velcro shoes to wear on school days (NO laces please).

Students should wear comfortable clothes that allow them to work and play freely. We play outside, use playdoh and other art materials frequently. Please keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpack in case of accidents.

WHAT DOES A DAY IN TK LOOK LIKE?

*Beginning of year early dismissal schedule TBD. Class schedules will vary by school.

Is your child currently attending TK? 

TK school assignments are not permanent placements. All students must register online with their school of residence for kindergarten. All students entering kindergarten must register as new student through the online registration kiosk. See the New Student page for registration information.