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 which will last your child a lifetime!
Teachers Answer Your Questions
TK vs. K
A Day in the Life
Basic Life Skills
Academics
What Downey Unified Offers...
We are a 21st Century Learning Community...
Our students have technology integrated unto their daily instructional time. We have a 1:1 iPad ratio for students at each of our elementary schools.
We are a CHARACTER COUNTS! District...
Downey Unified is proud to be a model Character Counts! school district. Our commitment to character is unsurpassed! All of our schools follow the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.
STEAM is at our Core...
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is integrated into our schools’ transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade classrooms. This gives students the opportunity to apply their skills and talents from the areas of STEAM while solving real-world problems.
We have the best teachers and staff...



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 Child must be 5 years old before September 2, 2023.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for students who turn 5 years old on or after September 2, 2023, and before June 30, 2024.
For students who have not participated in Kindergarten or First Grade programs prior to 2022–2023 | |
Birthdate Criteria | Grade Level |
Born after 02/02/18 | Not eligible for enrollment |
09/02/17 – 02/02/18 | Transitional Kindergarten |
09/02/16 – 09/01/17 | Kindergarten |
09/02/15 – 09/01/16 | 1 |
For students who have participated in K-12 programs prior to 2022–2023 | |
Birthdate Criteria | Grade Level |
09/02/15 – 09/01/16 | 1 |
09/02/14 – 09/01/15 | 2 |
09/02/13 – 09/01/14 | 3 |
09/02/12 – 09/01/13 | 4 |
10/02/11 – 09/01/12 | 5 |
11/02/10 – 10/01/11 | 6 |
12/02/09 – 11/01/10 | 7 |
12/02/08 – 12/01/09 | 8 |
12/02/07 – 12/01/08 | 9 |
12/02/06 – 12/01/07 | 10 |
12/02/05 – 12/01/06 | 11 |
12/02/04 – 12/01/05 | 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) 469-6518
kinder@dusd.net