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Should I Consider a Transitional Kindergarten Program?

Newer to the education scene, transitional kindergarten serves as an “in between” following Pre-K and a traditional Kindergarten program. In these transitional programs, teaching teams work to build young children’s confidence in language, critical-thinking skills, global knowledge, and empathy.

How do I know my child is a fit for transitional Kindergarten?

  • Your child will be 5 years old by September 1st of the school year. 

  • Your child may need extra time to develop academically, emotionally, physically, or socially

  • Your child may have just completed a 4-year-old preschool program and you’re looking for one more year before enrolling in a traditional kindergarten program

What to Look For in a Transitional Kindergarten Program:

  • Certified teachers trained in differentiating instruction

  • How the curriculum aligns with the Kindergarten Correlations Standards, situated between the Early Learning Standards and the Georgia Performance Standards for elementary school, inform course content and structure. 

  • Playing with a purpose - working on cognitive skills and working memory 

  • A creative and structured play-based curriculum that includes transition time (circle time, center time) with an emphasis in fine and gross motor skills as well as self-help skills

  • A focus in literacy (foundational skills in phonics, writing, and pre-reading)

  • A multi-sensory approach to math and numeracy

  • STEM activities

  • Collaborative group work 

  • Field trips 

  • Time outdoors 

  • Opportunities for art and music 

Preschools and Day Schools with Transitional Kindergarten Programs:

Saint James Preschool

Five/Six Year Old Class (Transitional Kindergarten)

5 years old by September 1, 2023

10:1 student:teacher ratio

Classes are Monday through Friday, classes extend until 1:00.

Marcus JCC

Transitional Kindergarten is Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Northside Methodist Preschool

  • Pre-K 5, 5 Year Olds: 5 days a week (M–Th 9:00AM – 1:30PM, Friday 9:00AM — 12:30PM)

Oglethorpe Presbyterian Preschool

Rainbows: Older 4’s/Young 5’s 

Ages: 4 – young 5 years old

•   4's: January–August birthdays

•   Older 4's/Young 5's: September–January birthdays

Days: 5 days/week

Ratio: 2 Teachers/12-16 Students

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Pre-K

Early Drop-off (Optional): 8:30 - 9:00 am
Lunch Bunch (Optional for 3s and under): 12:00 - 1:00 pm OR 12:00 - 2:00 pm Extended Day (Optional for Pre-K and Kindergarten): 1:00 - 2:00 pm
After School Care (Optional for all): 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

Children who will be five by August 31, 2023, may register for the Five/Six classes. The classes meet five days per week (Monday-Friday). On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the classes meet until 1:15 p.m. Dismissal is at 12:15 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and when Peachtree Afterschool is not in session. Five/Six classes have a 18:2 student-teacher ratio.

Peachtree Road UMC Preschool

5 years by September 1, 2023 (5 days; Full days TTH until 2:15)

Five-Six Class Hours (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) 9:00am - 12:25pm

Five-Six Class Hours (Tuesday, Thursday) 9:00am - 2:15pm

Early Riser Option 8:00am - 9:00am

Lunch Bunch Option 12:30pm - 2:15pm

After School Enrichment 12:30pm - 2:15pm

Saint Anne’s Day School

  • 8:25 AM – 12:25 PM

  • Meets Monday through Friday.

  • Approximate class size is 16-18 children and two educators.

  • Children in our Pre-K classes who have late spring through summer birthdays or who are recommended by our faculty are eligible for our Transitional Kindergarten class. Remaining available spots are filled by waitlist applicants.