EDITOR NOTE: I can arrange interviews if you want to speak with either of the people quoted in this press release. Please contact me at jcanning@sandi.net or 313-580-2845. Thanks, James Canning.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego Unified Expands Transitional Kindergarten Access, Enroll Now
9 New TK Classrooms, 180+ New TK Seats for 2026–27 School Year
Enrollment Open Now at SanDiegoUnified.org/TK for the 5,200 available TK seats
SAN DIEGO (MARCH 2, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District is expanding access to free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2026–27 school year, adding nine new TK classrooms and creating 180 additional enrollment seats compared to last year. Enrollment is now open at SanDiegoUnified.org/TK for the 5,200 available TK seats. Students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2026, to enroll in TK for the upcoming school year.
"Transitional Kindergarten gives our youngest learners the strong start they deserve," said Shana Hazan, Trustee, San Diego Unified 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."
Transitional Kindergarten provides a full day, optional grade of learning and serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. TK follows the elementary school calendar and bell schedule while offering a play-based, developmentally appropriate experience.
All elementary and K-8 schools will offer TK (except Virtual Academy and Mt. Everest). If a school fills, placement will be offered at a nearby school with available space; some highly impacted sites may maintain a waitlist. Families are encouraged to submit applications between March 2 and March 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. It is an opportunity for families to build a connection to their school community," said Santos Gonzalez, Director, Early Learning Programs, San Diego Unified School District. "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."
Each TK classroom is staffed by two teachers, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where learning happens through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. The curriculum is based on the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF), building a strong academic and social-emotional foundation for future learning.
TK students may also participate in PrimeTime before- and after-school programs.
Enrollment
In alignment with San Diego Unified's new online enrollment system, families will complete a user-friendly online application available on the District's Universal Transitional Kindergarten webpage: SanDiegoUnified.org/TK
Families who need additional assistance may visit their neighborhood school, a nearby enrollment kiosk, or the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options (NSEO) office for in-person support with the online process. Additional information about the District's early learning programs is available here.
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| | James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net 4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103
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