tRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
Prospective TK families
We are so glad you’re exploring our Transitional Kindergarten offering! This unique program, housed at our Grant Park location, serves up to 14–18 children with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher supporting the class community. TK is ideal for children who are age-eligible for Kindergarten but would benefit from a year of additional growth before heading into a traditional elementary school environment, or for those with fall/late winter birthdays who are eager for a bridge between preschool and K. The goal of the program is to foster a supportive foundational learning environment for our lifelong learners. Small Wonders is a school environment that understands child development. We balance our focused teacher-directed learning with ample time spent utilizing the workshop model for creative exploration. Our goal is to create a structured learning environment that also invites authentic spontaneous learning and moments of discovery.
While our TK has Small Wonders influences with art, projects, and play supporting the day the classroom and structure begins to mirror more of a typical school age setting. Days include whole group meeting (a time for group share and collaboration), teacher instructional moments supported by teacher tech tools, and generous workshop time. We believe those who do the talking do the learning! And to best connect with all learning styles we want the Transitional Kindergarten experience to be hands-on and interactive. Due to our low class size and low ratio we feel confident in being able to meet each child where they are and to foster their own unique skills and interests.
TK is designed to launch confident learners into Kindergarten—ready with the routines, skills, and social-emotional readiness to thrive.
FAQ
What is the age cutoff for a September start? Do you do rolling admissions?
For September starts we look to enroll children who turn five by October 31st. However, we look at each child individually. Age is only one factor we consider for enrollment.
Enrollment is on-going, those 4.5 older are best suited for programming
and peer matches.
What is the schedule?
The program runs until 5:30 with flexible pickup.
How does enrollment work?
Enrollment begins in January. We give priority to families already enrolled
in our schools. We consider a child’s age, past preschool experience, parent/guardian’s thoughts on educational steps for the next year, and desired ratio of ages and genders. When offering spots, we try to make the best decisions for both the kids and for our school. Current Small Wonders enrollment does not guarantee acceptance into this program.
Where do most kids go after?
Every family is different. Families typically elect to enroll in their neighborhood school, a specificity public school such as Japanese Immersion, Sunnyside Environmental, or Buckman Arts, or a private school in NE Portland.
Is this like another year of preschool or Pre-K?
No! But it is a wonderful stair step to the next setting. The day is infused with teacher directed learning, whole group experiences, small workshop centers, projects, and art. Body breaks and hands on learning are a large tenant of our practices and will continue to be. Given the small ratio supporting instruction we anticipate a graduating class of confident competent learners.
