Transitional Kindergarten Program | Columbia, MD

Columbia Academy has developed a unique transitional kindergarten program for students who turn 5 between September 2nd and December 31st, and do not meet the age requirement to enter kindergarten. Our transitional kindergarten program provides children who have already completed a four-year-old preschool program an additional year of preparation, providing the gift of time as they continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Transitional Kindergarten Program Enrollment

Ages Served

Children who turn 5 between September 2nd and December 31st

Schedule Options

Full day program available Monday through Friday

Hours

7:00 AM to 6:00 PM with academic day from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Is Potty Training Required?

Yes, students must be fully potty trained

Curriculum Focus

Kindergarten-level instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies with an emphasis on executive function skills

Daily Routine

Structured academic instruction combined with peer-to-peer social interactions, role playing, and group discussions

Classroom Experience

Small class sizes with individual attention from teachers and staff

About Our Transitional Kindergarten Program

Transitional kindergarten students get challenged with kindergarten-level instruction in the core subjects of language arts, math, science, and social studies. They enjoy rich peer-to-peer social interactions, role playing, and group discussion centered on social skill development. During this school year, independence gets fostered as students master foundational concepts needed to thrive in a kindergarten classroom and develop socially for future success.

Our two year kindergarten program offers young learners the bridge they need between preschool and traditional kindergarten. Children learn essential academic skills while building self-confidence and social skills that create a strong foundation for elementary school and beyond.

From 4 Years to 5 Years: Development Support for Every Stage

Our transitional kindergarten TK program serves as the perfect bridge for children who need extra time to develop before entering traditional kindergarten. Students who attend TK develop stronger literacy, language, and math skills that support their transition to kindergarten, first grade, and beyond.

The TK curriculum focuses on building executive function skills like self-control, flexibility, and organization that remain vital for successful learning. Young learners practice independence while receiving individual attention in our TK classrooms, preparing them for the kindergarten experience ahead.

Transitional Kindergarten Program Enrollment and Registration

Families considering whether their child would benefit from an extra year before kindergarten can explore our transitional kindergarten classroom environment. Determining if your child is ready for kindergarten helps parents make the best decision for their young learner's development.

Why Families Trust Columbia Academy in Columbia

For over 30 years, families throughout Columbia have chosen our transitional kindergarten program because we provide the gift of time for children who need an extra year to develop academically and socially. Our TK program builds self-confidence while preparing students for successful transitions to kindergarten and first grade. Check our calendar of events to see upcoming open houses and information sessions.

Benefits of Transitional Kindergarten Include:

Academic Preparedness for Elementary School We find that students who attend our transitional kindergarten program demonstrate better literacy, language, and math skills as they transition to kindergarten, first grade, and beyond, continuing in their academic success throughout elementary school.

Individual Attention in Small Classes With small class sizes, students benefit from one-on-one attention from teachers and staff, allowing for personalized instruction that meets each child's developmental needs.

Executive Function Skills Development Transitional kindergarten fosters positive behaviors like self-control, flexibility, and organization that remain vital for successful learning throughout their academic journey.

Successful Transitions to Kindergarten Students move onto kindergarten with the confidence to succeed and grow throughout their childhood, having built a strong foundation in our TK program.

Columbia Academy Parent Reviews

Parents consistently report that their children who complete TK feel more confident and prepared for kindergarten than they would have been without the extra year. Families appreciate how our transitional kindergarten program helps young learners develop socially while building academic skills needed for future success.

A Private School Serving Columbia, MD

Columbia Academy serves families throughout the Columbia area with convenient locations:

Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community.

Other Programs Available at Our Locations

Our infant and toddler program provides the earliest foundation for learning through responsive care and developmentally appropriate activities.

Learn more

Other Programs Available at Our Locations

Our infant and toddler program provides the earliest foundation for learning through responsive care and developmentally appropriate activities.

Learn more

The preschool program prepares children for kindergarten through play-based learning and social-emotional development.

Learn more

Our kindergarten program provides a nurturing environment where children build essential academic and social skills for first grade success.

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Elementary school students continue their educational journey with challenging academics and character development.

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Our middle school program prepares students for high school success through rigorous academics and leadership development.

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Before and after care provides safe, supervised care for school-age children outside regular school hours.

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Our summer camp offers fun, educational activities throughout the summer months.

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Digital citizenship education helps elementary students learn responsible technology use.

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FAQs

What children qualify for transitional kindergarten?

Children who turn 5 between September 2nd and December 31st and do not meet the age requirement for traditional kindergarten qualify for our transitional kindergarten program. These qualifying families often find TK provides the perfect bridge year.

How does transitional kindergarten differ from preschool?
Will my child be behind if they attend TK instead of kindergarten?
What academic subjects do TK students study?
How does TK help with social development?
Can students transition from TK to first grade instead of kindergarten?
What should parents expect during the school year transition?
How do you support students who need extra help building confidence?
Schedule a Tour!

Discover how our approach can make a lasting difference in your child's life. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, and become part of our vibrant school community. Our transitional kindergarten program provides the perfect foundation for children who need an extra year to develop before entering traditional kindergarten and elementary school.

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