San Diego Unified School District leaders Monday announced that free transitional kindergarten is being expanded for the next school year with the addition of nine new classrooms and 180 additional enrollment seats.
Enrollment is open at SanDiegoUnified.org/TK for the 5,200 available TK seats. Students must be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026, to enroll for the upcoming school year.
“Transitional kindergarten gives our youngest learners the strong start they deserve,” said Shana Hazan, trustee of the district’s Board of Education. “By adding nine new classrooms and expanding access to 180 more students this year, we are investing in early learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten and beyond.
“TK provides a nurturing, play-based environment where children develop critical academic and social-emotional skills through exploration and discovery.”
According to the district, TK provides a full day, optional grade of learning and “serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.” It follows the elementary school calendar and bell schedule while offering a “play-based, developmentally appropriate experience.”
The program is offered at all the district’s elementary and K-8 schools with the exceptions of Virtual Academy and Mt. Everest. If a school’s seats are filled, placement will be offered at a nearby school with available space, officials said.
Some highly busy sites may have a waiting list. Families are encouraged to submit applications between March 2-22 for the best chance of securing a seat in their neighborhood school.
“We want parents to feel confident that TK is more than just an extra year — it’s a thoughtful bridge between preschool and kindergarten,” said Santos Gonzalez, director of SDUSD’s early learning programs. “It is an opportunity for families to build a connection to their school community. Our classrooms are designed to nurture curiosity and support each child’s social and emotional development, while building the foundational skills that prepare them for long-term success in school and beyond.”
A TK classroom has two teachers, and the curriculum is based on state guidelines that allow for play-based learning to build “a strong academic and social-emotional foundation for future learning.”
Families can apply online. Those who need additional assistance can visit their neighborhood school, a nearby enrollment kiosk or the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options office for in-person support.
