California · Transitional Kindergarten · 2026–27
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) age requirements in California.
California offers a free, optional grade level called TK for younger 4-year-olds. For the 2026–27 school year, all children who will turn 4 by September 1, 2026 are eligible.
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AB 130 / AB 167 expanded TK gradually. Each year's eligibility window widened until 2026–27, when TK became universally available to every 4-year-old in the state.
2022–23
Born Sep 2 – Feb 2, 2018
Initial window — 5 months.
2023–24
Born Sep 2 – April 2, 2019
Window widens by 2 months.
2024–25
Born Sep 2 – June 2, 2020
Window widens by 2 months.
2025–26
All children turning 4 by Sep 1
First universal year.
2026–27
All children turning 4 by Sep 1, 2026
Universal — current.
TK vs. Kindergarten — what's the difference?
Transitional Kindergarten
- Free and optional
- For 4-year-olds turning 5 in the school year or later
- Play-based with academic readiness goals
- Smaller adult-to-child ratios required
Kindergarten
- Free, technically optional in CA
- For children who turn 5 by Sep 1
- More structured academics
- Standard K class-size rules
Frequently asked
What is California Transitional Kindergarten?
TK is a free, optional grade level California offers for younger 4-year-olds. It sits between preschool and kindergarten, with smaller adult-to-child ratios and a play-based curriculum.
Who is eligible for TK in 2026–27?
Every California child who turns 4 by September 1, 2026 is eligible. TK enrollment expanded year-by-year between 2022 and 2025; 2025–26 was the first fully universal year.
Is TK the same as Pre-K?
Not exactly. TK is part of the public K–12 system, taught by credentialed teachers, and free to families. Pre-K (or preschool) is typically privately operated and tuition-based.
Source
California Department of Education — Transitional Kindergarten FAQ. AB 130, AB 167.