Transitional Kindergarten serves as the bridge between preschool/pre-K and Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten provides the appropriate proficiencies to become school ready. At Notre Dame, the Transitional Kindergarten class meets Monday through Friday from 8:12 am to 1:30 pm. This class is open to children 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year.

The TK classroom is staffed by one teacher and an aide. The class size is limited to 26 students.

Our philosophy is that young children need to be socially ready to participate in a classroom setting to learn. Children learn in a variety of ways and learning styles. It is our job as educators to recognize these stages and provide the children with an enriching environment. To prepare them for a classroom setting, we work on the following:

• Daily prayer experiences and weekly participation in school liturgies.

• Language arts and math skills are emphasized in the curriculum to prepare the students for Kindergarten.

• Respect and kindness are practiced and taught daily.

• Communication skills and social skills are emphasized.

• Art and fine motor skills are practiced

• Physical Education with emphasis on large motor skills

• Music is taught and is a part of the daily routine

• The Church year is explained, and projects about the Church season are done throughout the year.

  
  Children enrolled in the TK program will have priority seating in NDS Kindergarten.

  Notre Dame School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum

Religion-Disciples in Christ Virtues, Blest Be The Children, and Friendzy

English Language Arts -Tara West standard-based engaging hands-on

SIPPS- Phonics program

Math- Tara West stand-based hands-on math program

Science- Mystery Science