Early Elementary

Early Elementary
Course of Instruction

Transitional Kindergarten
A Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in a private school uses a unique, specialized curriculum based on kindergarten standards and is designed to support students who are 4 years old by September 1st. TK emphasizes both social-emotional development and academic readiness and foundations. TK is part of the Kindergarten program and is taught by teachers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, Early Childhood units, and are in the process of earning a Teaching Credential.

The Benefits of a TK Program

• Unity with the rest of the school: A TK program will not be separated from the rest of the school in any way. TK students may attend morning assembly, have a "buddy class" relationship with students who can be role models for them, both of which are not possible under current licensing requirements. Furthermore, TK students do not need special permissions or face limitations in attending Mass or using any other facilities on our campus.
• Focus on academics: TK has a specific curriculum in the State of California that is designed to introduce students to all major Common Core standards for Kindergarten since TK is viewed as the first year of a two-year Kindergarten program. 
• Social-emotional focus: TK students will have the same social/emotional and developmental focus as a four year old student would have in a Preschool setting.
• Continued great teaching: As a regular classroom teacher, the TK instructor is required to either be credentialed or be in process to be credentialed within five years of the date of hire. Being on the same schedule as K-8 teachers will allow the TK teacher to participate in all collaboration and professional development opportunities provided by both MHT School and the Diocese of San Jose.

 
Please note, once again, that the age requirement range for TK students is 4 years of age by September 1, 2022 and 5 years of age by September 1, 2023.