Did you know? 4-year-olds are now eligible for TK!*
Entering TK and Kindergarten is a big step for families. We understand how important it is to make sure your child is set up to succeed. In Downey Unified, our goal is simple. We want to spark an interest in education that will last your child a lifetime!
Downey Unified’s full-day TK and Kindergarten classes foster an environment that provides abundant opportunities for play while also helping students develop their passion for learning.
Check out our video to get a glimpse of what a day in the classroom looks like for a Kindergartener.
Teachers Answer Your Questions
TK vs. K
A Day in the Life
Basic Life Skills
Academics
Downey Unified students are…
Readers, writers, mathematicians, thinkers, artists, scientists, helpers, and friends.
Our Kindergarteners learn…
…letters, sounds and how to read real books.
…how to hold a pencil, write letters and words to make sentences.
…to use technology to express their opinions, write stories and create books using apps on iPads.
…how and why to count numbers and how counting helps us in our everyday lives.
…to understand what a number really means and how to put two numbers together.
With Downey Unified’s STEAM teachers, our students learn…
…the elements of art and how to be an artist.
…about the parts of our bodies and all about animals.
…to solve problems.
…to be independent.
…to share and take turns.
…to explore the world around us.
…that school and learning are fun.
Samples of Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.
Are children required to attend transitional kindergarten?
No. Transitional Kindergarten, or regular Kindergarten for that matter, is not mandatory in California. It is up to parents to decide whether to enroll their children in preschool or transitional kindergarten.
*How old does my child need to be to be enrolled?
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students must be 5 years old before September 2, 2024.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for students who turn 5 years old on or after September 2, 2024, and before *June 2, 2025. Students with birthdays after June 2, 2025, should call us to be part of our waitlist.
*Currently under review for a possible extension to June 30, 2025.
| For students who have not participated in Kindergarten or First Grade programs prior to 2024–2025 | |
| Birthdate Criteria | Grade Level |
| Born after 06/02/20 | Not eligible for enrollment |
| 09/02/19 – 06/02/20 | Transitional Kindergarten |
| 09/02/18 – 09/01/19 | Kindergarten |
| 09/02/17 – 09/01/18 | 1 |
| For students who have participated in K-12 programs prior to 2024–2025 | |
| Birthdate Criteria | Grade Level |
| 09/02/17 – 09/01/18 | 1 |
| 09/02/16 – 09/01/17 | 2 |
| 09/02/15 – 09/01/16 | 3 |
| 09/02/14 – 09/01/15 | 4 |
| 10/02/13 – 09/01/14 | 5 |
| 11/02/12 – 10/01/13 | 6 |
| 12/02/11 – 11/01/12 | 7 |
| 12/02/10 – 12/01/11 | 8 |
| 12/02/08 – 12/01/09 | 9 |
| 12/02/07 – 12/01/08 | 10 |
| 12/02/06 – 12/01/07 | 11 |
| 12/02/05 – 12/01/06 | 12 |
Is Transitional Kindergarten free?
Yes. Transitional Kindergarten is a part of California’s K-12 public school system and children can attend at no cost.
Do children in Transitional Kindergarten have to meet the same vaccination requirements as in regular kindergarten?
Yes.
Does the Transitional Kindergarten teacher need a teaching credential?
The teacher must be properly credentialed as is currently required of kindergarten teachers.
Contact Us
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact us by filling out the form, call or email. We’re happy to help.
(562) 469-6553
kinder@dusd.net