Transitional Kindergarten, often referred to as TK, is a free public-school program for 4-year-olds who turn 5 between September 2nd and February 2nd for the 22-23 school year. For the 23-24 school year, the student must turn 5 between September 2nd and April 2nd. It is essentially an extra public-school grade that began in 2012 and is designed to be a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. Children who are enrolled in transitional kindergarten can enroll in a regular kindergarten class the following year. Although there is no mandated curriculum, transitional kindergarten is modeled on a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.
The location for the Transitional Kindergarten varies each year according to space. Students who enroll in Transitional Kindergarten are assigned to the program and school for only one year.
Informational K Fair: English | Español
Informational Night: English | Español
School Visitation Hours: English | Español
- Round One: January 2 – February 3, 2023
- Round Two: February 6 – May 19, 2023
- Round Three: May 22 – June 23, 2023
- Ongoing: June 26, 2023 and beyond
Enrollment for current school year (2022-2023) is ongoing.
Please read the following instructions carefully before submitting enrollment documents via email. Emails with documents missing or documents sent through multiple emails will not be accepted.
Step 1: Download Enrollment Checklist
The enrollment checklist will help you make sure you are gathering all of the necessary documents.
Enrollment Checklist (English)Lista de verificación de pre inscripción (Español)Enrollment Checklist for Visiting Scholars
Step 2: Complete Enrollment Form and Declaration of Residency
You and your student must be residing in Berkeley when submitting enrollment documents.
After submitting the online form, a PDF of your completed form will be emailed to you. The PDF must be included when submitting the rest of your enrollment documents.
Step 3: Gather and submit required documents
Option 3: The Admissions Office is closed to the public. However, you may drop off a sealed envelope with your documents during business hours. A drop box is located in the lobby of the BUSD Administrative Building, 2020 Bonar St., Berkeley, CA 94702.
Please make sure ALL of the following documents are attached before sending your email:
- Completed Enrollment Form
- Completed Declaration of Residency
- Student’s birth certificate
- Parent/Legal Guardian, valid governmental picture identification card (i.e. CA ID or DL)
- Three (3) Proofs of Berkeley Residency
Provide one proof each from Groups A, B & C.
You will receive an email confirmation within 7-10 business days once all required documents have been submitted and reviewed by admissions.
Please note that, for Transitional Kindergarten, the assignment is for one school year only. You will need to re-apply for Kindergarten.
Questions?
See answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions or concerns, email admissions@berkeley.net.