New Transitional Kindergarten Program

We will be opening a new Transitional Kindergarten Program starting this September for the 2023-2024 School Year!

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact the St. Edward on the Lake School Office for additional information. 810-385-4461

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Transitional Kindergarten Program

How is the Transitional Kindergarten Program different from Preschool and Kindergarten?

The TK Program will be using the standards that have been modified from the Kindergarten Curriculum.  A focus will be more on the academic component, while still realizing that the class will be comprised of four and five year-olds that are still developing in terms of their social, emotional, behavioral and academic well being.

What is the criteria for entrance into the TK classroom?

A determination on extending an invite to the TK Program will hinge on a number of variables:

1. You must be 5 years old and of Kindergarten age AND, if 4 years old, MUST be 4 by September 1^st.

2. The child must have one year of preschool before entering the TK program

3. The Principal, Preschool Teacher and Kindergarten Teacher will also review potential TK students from the preschool program and review their current developmental level to determine if the TK program is a good choice for that student.  Areas that will be considered include academic progress, and social and behavioral indicators that would show that the student can handle the rigors of the TK class.

4. An invitation will be forwarded to parents at the end of the year, if their child is a good fit for the program.

How many days a week is the program and what are the start and end times?

The TK program will be a five day a week program with start and end times following the normal school day of 7:45AM-3:05PM.

Will my child go to a special on a daily basis?

We are still working out the details on the Specials, but the expectation is that the students in the TK program will be going to a special daily.  Our K-5 students participate in five specials a week.  Music, Art, Gym, Technology and Spanish.  We are envisioning the TK students participating in 2 Music classes, 2 Gym classes and 1 Art class per week.  Stay tuned!

Will my child eat in the lunchroom and have recess with the other students?

The students in the TK Program will eat in the lunch room and will have recess with the other students.  Lunch is a 15 minute time block with a 15 minute recess.

Will there still be a rest time?

Rest time will be determined by the teacher, but it would look vastly different from preschool, as students will not be lying down/sleeping for a set period of time.

Where will the TK program be housed at the school?

The TK Program will be housed where our current Library is located.  The room will be transformed back into a classroom this summer.

How many students will be in the TK classroom?

We are anticipating between 10-13 students in the class this coming school year and will go up to 15 students maximum.

Once my child has gone through the TK Program, will they move on the Kindergarten?

YES. Once the student has finished the year in the TK Program, they will move on to Kindergarten.  If there is an extenuating circumstance, we will review it, but the expectation is that all students will move up to Kindergarten after TK.

Will my child have to wear a school uniform?

Yes. At this time, the expectation will be that students in the TK Classroom will wear uniforms.  Information on how to purchase a school uniform will be sent out at the end of the school year.

What will the cost be for the Transitional Kindergarten Program?

We are keeping the cost of the Transitional Kindergarten Program at the same rate as the five day a week preschool rate, which is $4000 dollars.  Once your child moves on to Kindergarten the following year, you will qualify for the “first year K-5” discount of $2500 dollars for Kindergarten.