Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten is a kindergarten program for children who do not have access to high-quality early learning experiences prior to kindergarten. A screening process is used to determine whether a child qualifies for the program.

Students qualify through an application and screening process. This free program is available for children who are not currently enrolled in an early learning program and demonstrate financial, academic, and/or social-emotional needs. Transitional Kindergarten will focus on essential academics, social-emotional skills, and learning habits to empower children as they launch into their academic journey.

When and where is Transitional Kindergarten?

Start date November 1, 2022

Transitional Kindergarten is a full day, full week program.

This district-wide program is located at five elementary schools in the Peninsula School District:

Discovery Elementary School
Evergreen Elementary School
Harbor Heights Elementary School

Minter Creek Elementary School

Voyager Elementary School

This program follows the same schedule and calendar as all PSD schools. 

Outdoor Transitional Kindergarten Programs

Outdoor Transitional Kindergarten Programs have been implemented at Evergreen Elementary and Voyager Elementary. 

Curriculum in Outdoor Transitional Kindergarten includes at least one hour of outdoor exploration and learning each school day, if weather permits. Students spend time outside learning new concepts and skills that incorporate with the curriculum from the rest of their school day. 

The idea for the program came from Gig Harbor's sister city Bodø, Norway. Superintendent Krestin Bahr and School Board of Directors President Natalie Wimberly visited Norway towards the end of the 2021-2022 school year, and were inspired by the amount of outdoor learning Norwegian students experience. 

Prerequisite Requirements for Transitional Kindergarten (must meet all):

• For the 2022-2023 school year, students who turn five 5 years old between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. 

• Not currently identified for participation in another preschool program

• Reside within the Peninsula School District boundaries

Qualifying Criteria for Transitional Kindergarten (must meet at least one of the following):

• Show a need in at least one of the following:

  • Academics

  • Emotional/social development

  • Fine and gross motor skills

  • Language development

  • Lack access to a licensed preschool opportunity due to availability or financial circumstances

  • Qualify for free/reduced meals

  • English Learner

Applying for the 2022/2023 School Year?

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS

Peninsula School District has a variety of early learning programs and locations to meet the needs of our youngest students. We offer a continuum of programming from part day to full day M-TH as well as full day Monday - Friday. Each program has specific enrollment requirements. In order to simplify the process for families, parents can submit an interest survey to help us connect you to the program that best fits your child and family's needs. All programs are free to Peninsula School District Residents. 

Click here to fill out the Early Learning Interest Survey

Haga clic aquí para español Encuesta de interés de aprendizaje temprano 

Check out the video below for more information: