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.