If you would like your child to be considered for placement in our TK class in an upcoming school year, click here to complete the Transitional Kindergarten Interest Form.
Transitional Kindergarten
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
The GES Transitional Kindergarten Program is a bridge between PreK and kindergarten with play-based learning being a core component while also incorporating more in the way of structured activities. Daily activities are theme-based and focus on 7 key areas: dramatic play, language arts, math, social sciences, writing/fine motor, gross motor, and social emotional learning. This tuition-based program costs $475/month for in district families and $500 for out-of-district families. It follows the school calendar and schedule with a start time of 8:30 and a dismissal time of 3:05. Bus transportation is available to families that live along the district's established bus routes.
Why Transitional Kindergarten?
Early childhood education gives children the best start in life. It provides them with opportunities to strengthen their social skills, develop independence, learn new routines, and build a foundation for learning while preparing them for the transition to kindergarten. At GES, we offer a half day Preschool for All Program that is limited to 20 students and an afternoon tuition-based program that serves 10 students. Because we only have spots for 20 children in our preschool programs, a faction of future Bulldogs is left out of the early childhood mix. Because the early childhood experience is so important in the development of the whole child, we have decided to start a Transitional Kindergarten Program.
Who does the program serve?
The Transitional Kindergarten Program serves 4-year olds that are not part of the Preschool for All Program and 5 year olds whose parents have opted to wait a year to send their child to kindergarten. The program is limited to 20 students. If there are still openings after all in-district children are placed in the program, slots will be opened up to GES staff members followed by out-of-district families.
How does program placement work?
For 4 year olds, the preschool screening process is used to determine participation in our early childhood programs. Anyone that is not placed in the morning Preschool for All Program will have the opportunity to participate in the Transitional Kindergarten Program.
Children who turn 5 years old on or before September 1 are eligible for kindergarten. For families choosing to wait a year before enrolling their child, the Transitional Kindergarten Program is a great option. Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given in the following order:
In-district 5-year-olds
In-district 4-year-olds
Children of GES staff members
Out-of-district 4- and 5-year-olds
If you would like your child to be considered for placement in our TK class in an upcoming school year, click here to complete the Transitional Kindergarten Interest Form.
When is program placement decided?
The program timeline is as follows:
March: Preschool Screening
April: Placement Decisions Made
May: Notify Families about Placement Decisions
August: Program Begins
Where does the program meet?
The program meets in the Germantown Elementary primary wing.
Meet the Teacher
Contact Robin Becker for more information.
Email: rbecker@ges60.org
Phone: (618)523-4253
Click here to complete the Transitional Kindergarten Interest Form.