Transitional Kindergarten: Proven Success in a Private Setting

With talk of transitional kindergarten abuzz in the tri-valley, parents find themselves seeking as many options as possible for their young children. Traditionally, parents whose children have fall birthdays choose whether to start their child in kindergarten at age four or wait until the following year. Transitional kindergarten classes may offer a solution to this dilemma by providing classroom instruction, allowing students to start school at age four and setting foundation for kindergarten. In the new school year 2012-2013, California public schools must offer this program within each school district.

While this may be a hot topic in parenting magazines, the idea of a transitional kindergarten program is not a new concept. It may be new to the public school system; however some private schools, such as The Quarry Lane School in Dublin, have been aware of the importance of these classes for years. 

The Quarry Lane School has successfully offered full-day junior (transitional) kindergarten since 1991. The full-day program is child-oriented, giving the teachers flexibility for a more one-on-one approach. In full-day junior kindergarten, the children are exposed to specialized learning in Spanish, physical education, music, art, library and computer studies in addition to the daily core curriculum.

The Quarry Lane junior kindergarten experience is a unique program working toward a gradual transition from preschool to a kindergarten environment. A balance between academics such as phonics, math, Spanish, science and independent choice activities provide young students with a stimulating and age-appropriate school experience. Learning how to function positively in a group setting fosters social growth, necessary peer interaction skills and self-esteem.

For more information regarding The Quarry Lane School’s junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs, please call the Admissions Office at 925-829-8000.

The Quarry Lane School is a college preparatory, K-12, nonsectarian, co-educational day school which supports a diverse faculty and student body. The mission of The Quarry Lane School is to create an atmosphere that inspires a lifelong love of learning so that each child can reach his or her fullest potential – emotionally, socially, academically and physically – in order to assume responsibility as a future citizen of the world. To learn more about The Quarry Lane School, visit www.QuarryLane.org