TK provides a bridge between preschool and kindergarten for young learners within the public K-12 system. There are many options on the Oakland Enrolls platform that will help your children build crucial social-emotional and academic skills as they begin their public school journey.
Oakland families have access to a range of TK options through Oakland Enrolls, from programs that embed “minutes of reading, minutes of understanding of numbers and comprehension” to those offering a unique, “arts-infused, and culturally rich experience.” This guide explores what local TK programs offer, helping you find the right first step for your child’s educational journey.
As one parent from an Education for Change school shared, seeing their child transform from being “very fearful and shy” to “reading, writing, speaking, asking for help” was a powerful testament to TK’s impact.
Aspire Public Schools
Offers full-day TK programs at all of its elementary schools (Aspire College Academy, Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy, Aspire Monarch Academy, Aspire Triumph Technology Academy). Aspire Public Schools provide a free, high-quality Transitional Kindergarten program designed to prepare young learners for success in college and life. Aspire Public Schools offer a rigorous, standards-based curriculum that bridges the gap between preschool and kindergarten, focusing on the essential academic and social-emotional skills. Aspire schools are intentionally small, ensuring personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships. This approach fosters an inclusive community where every child is known and supported, building a confident foundation for their educational journey.
Community School for Creative Education
Offers a distinctive Transitional Kindergarten experience. As a Waldorf-inspired charter, CSCE is focused on educating the whole child by celebrating students’ mind, spirit, and body. CSCE’s TK program provides a unique, arts-infused, and culturally rich environment and personalized curriculum.
Education for Change Public Schools
Offers full-day TK programs at all of its elementary schools (Learning Without Limits, Cox Academy, Achieve Academy, ASCEND, and Lazear). EFC emphasizes that their TK is not a daycare but an academic program setting students up for success in literacy and numeracy. Classrooms are intentionally designed with bathrooms inside and all furniture at child height. All staff are thoroughly trained, including on toileting practices, and the schools use family questionnaires to honor each parent’s approach.
Francophone Charter School
Offers a unique Transitional Kindergarten experience that immerses young learners in the French language. This full-day TK program provides an early foundation for bilingualism, using engaging techniques like gestures and visual aids to make learning accessible and fun. The immersive environment is designed to foster natural language acquisition while supporting crucial cognitive and social-emotional development. This early start prepares children to proceed on a path to becoming confident, bilingual students in a supportive and global-minded community.
Yu Ming Charter School
Expanding its offerings to include a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. The program will be housed at the permanent Chestnut Campus in Oakland. It is designed as a half-day morning program, with families having the option to enroll in extended care. A key feature is the seamless transition for students, as those enrolled in Yu Ming TK will automatically move on to Kindergarten the following year without the need to submit a new application. The school is committed to accessibility, offering extended care free or at a discounted rate for families who qualify for Free or Reduced Price Meals.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional charter schools available in Oakland! Explore all your options and find the perfect fit for your family on the Oakland Enrolls platform.
