New to the whole school-age child phase? Just moved to the area and don't understand what "TK" is? Confused on the TK age requirements? You aren't alone! Every parent goes through the learning curve of how enrolling your child in school works. Here is an easy breakdown of everything you need to know about Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in the Camarillo, Ventura, and Oxnard area. 

What is Transitional Kindergarten?

In California, TK stands for Transitional Kindergarten. It is a unique educational program that acts as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. It's designed for children who turn 5 years old after the school year starts but are still too young for traditional kindergarten. The goal of TK is to help these children get ready for kindergarten by offering a more developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Eligibility: Your child can attend TK if they turn 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year. 
2. Curriculum: TK focuses on building a strong foundation for early academic skills, social-emotional learning, and school routines. It includes play-based learning, early literacy, math skills, and introduces children to classroom structure, helping them transition smoothly into kindergarten.
3. Duration: TK is typically one year, just before kindergarten, and helps children adjust to the school environment in a way that's tailored to their age and developmental stage.

In short, TK is a great option to ensure your child has a solid start before moving on to kindergarten!

What do you do if your child does not qualify for TK?

If your child doesn’t qualify for TK, you have a few options:

1. Preschool: Enroll them in a preschool program to build foundational skills.
2. Kindergarten: If they’re close to the age cutoff, check with your district to see if they can start kindergarten early.
3. At-Home Preparation: Focus on key skills like literacy and numeracy at home to help your child get ready.
4. Pre-K Programs: Look for other pre-kindergarten options in your area that might offer a similar curriculum.
5. Future Eligibility: Stay informed, as TK eligibility will expand to include all 4-year-olds by 2025-2026.

Local school district TK options, registration dates, and policies in the Camarillo, Ventura, and Oxnard areas

Pleasant Valley School District (PVSD) in Camarillo, California

Eligibility: For the 2025–2026 school year, children born between September 2, 2020 and September 1, 2021 , are eligible for TK. 

Registration Dates: TK applications for the 2025–2026 school year were available from January 23, 2025, to February 14, 2025. 

Registration Process: Applications were to be submitted to the Enrollment Office, your neighborhood school office, or emailed directly to mvazquez@pleasantvalleysd.org. 

Expanded TK/K Program: PVSD offers an Expanded TK/K program with a common arrival time of 8:10 AM and dismissal at 2:25 PM. Families of TK and kindergarten students can opt into this program. 

Charter Schools in Camarillo offering TK:

Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education (CAPE) - 

Registration Process: Registration is a lottery for all grades, TK-8th. You can find the application and details here. 

University Preparation Charter School at CSU Channel Islands (UPCS) 

Eligibility: Transitional Kindergarten applicants must be 4 on or before September 1, 2025

Registration Dates: Lottery applications for all grades, TK-8th is open until March 6th at 4pm. 

Registration Process: To enroll, visit the website and fill out the application. Email or turn in your application in person by March 6th at 4pm. 

Additional Information: UPCS is a dual-language elementary and middle school that stands out due to its close partnership with the university, its college-preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, personalized learning approach, and emphasis on community engagement, all of which contribute to a rich, well-rounded educational experience.

Ventura Unified School District

Eligibility: Children must turn 4 years old by September 1, 2025, to enroll in TK. 

Registration Process:

1. Online Pre-Enrollment Application:
   • Dates: Online application looks to be available now - no cut off date is listed as of publishing
   • Details: Complete the online pre-enrollment application during this period. The lottery is not first-come, first-served; applications are selected via a random and unbiased lottery. 
2. Enrollment at School Site:
   • After Pre-Enrollment: Once the online pre-enrollment is completed, finalize the enrollment at the designated TK site. Enrollment is not based on residential boundaries, as the TK program is not offered at all VUSD elementary sites. Contact Student Support Services at (805) 641-5000, Ext. 1370, for placement assistance.

Rio School District in Oxnard, California

Eligibility: Children must turn 4 years old by September 1, 2025, to enroll in TK. 

Registration Dates: Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is currently open Feb 3 - March 31st, 2025

Registration Process: To enroll, visit the Rio School District headquarters at 1800 Solar Drive, Oxnard, CA, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Additional Information: The district offers an Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO-P) program called EXPLORE, available to TK and kindergarten students. Enrollment is open throughout the year, depending on availability. 

Oxnard School District 

Eligibility: For the 2025–2026 school year, children must turn 4 years old by September 1, 2025, to enroll in TK. 

Registration Dates: Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is currently open. 

Registration Process: To enroll, visit the Oxnard School District's Enrollment Center at 1051 South A Street, Oxnard, CA 93030, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Additional Information: The district offers an Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO-P) program called EXPLORE, available to TK and kindergarten students. Enrollment is open throughout the year, depending on availability.

Ocean View School District (OVSD) in Oxnard, California

Eligibility: For the 2025–2026 school year, children born between September 2, 2020 and September 1, 2021, are eligible for TK. 

Registration Dates: Enrollment packets available at all elementary schools beginning Feb 11, 2025

Registration Process:  Complete the online pre-enrollment at air.ovsd.org and submit required documents online.

OVSD Elementary Schools Offering TK:

• Circle View Elementary
• College View Elementary
• Golden View Elementary
• Harbour View Elementary
• Hope View Elementary
• Lake View Elementary
• Oak View Elementary
• Star View Elementary
• Village View Elementary

For more information, including specific school contacts and additional details, please visit the OVSD's Transitional Kindergarten page.

Hueneme Elementary School District (HESD) in Oxnard, California

Eligibility: For the 2025–2026 school year, children born between September 2, 2020 and September 1, 2021, are eligible for TK. 

Registration Dates: Registration for the 2025–2026 school year begins on Monday, January 13, 2025. 

Registration Process: Complete the online pre-enrollment at air.huensd.org and submit the required documents online.

HESD Elementary Schools Offering TK:

• Richard Bard Elementary
• Hollywood Beach Elementary
• Julien Hathaway Elementary
• Sunkist Elementary
• Fred L. Williams Elementary
• Parkview Elementary
• Larsen Elementary
• Hueneme Elementary
• E.O. Green Junior High School

For more information, including specific school contacts and additional details, please visit the HESD's Registration & Transfer Information page.

Please note that registration dates and policies are subject to change. It's advisable to verify the most current information directly with the district.