TK-K
Overview
Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten are offered to our youngest learners on both the North and South campuses.
At Bullis Charter School (BCS), TK is considered Year 1 of the 2-year kindergarten program. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, children turning 4 by September 1st are eligible to enroll in TK. To enter Kindergarten, a child must be age 5 by September 1st.
Classrooms
& Playspaces
Dedicated
TK and Kindergarten have dedicated classrooms and playspaces designed specifically for this age group. The adult/child ratio averages 1:10 in TK and 1:12 in Kindergarten. There is a teaching assistant assigned to every classroom.
The TK and Kindergarten school day begins at 8:15am and ends at 3:05pm. After school care is available until 5:30pm.
Literacy
Foundational Math
Early
and
At BCS, our TK program is focused on early literacy and foundational math, taught through a play-based program that engages students through joyful, creative learning opportunities.
The mix of play and structured academics emphasizes the importance of social/emotional learning, which encourages children to develop the skills to interact with peers and adults alike.
In addition to group math lessons, our learners meet in math circles daily where they dig more deeply into the curriculum.
Literacy lessons include read-alouds, shared reading, and foundational phonics and phonemic awareness.
TK-K Core+
Curriculum
Every TK and Kindergartener participates in specialist classes weekly, including Mandarin, drama, art, music, physical education, and MakerSpace, where they participate in project-based learning. Push-in and pull-out services are available to students with IEPs.
For English Language Learners, BCS offers integrated and designated programming to build communication skills including speaking and listening.
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Play-based Centers
Learning
Small
Group
The TK program offers a balance of skill-based academic small group instruction and play-based learning centers that are used throughout the day. Each TK classroom learning center is designed to nurture creative thinking, foster social collaboration, and cultivate curiosity through play.
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The centers include:
• Dramatic Play
• Library/Listening Center
• STEM Center
• Drawing and Writing
• Art
Structured Learning
in
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners spend the morning in structured literacy and math blocks. Play-based learning and intentional open play are scheduled in the afternoon.
Play-based centers in the kindergarten classroom are thematic.
This is where we integrate project-based learning in subjects such as social studies that exceed the California standards for this age group.
The Kindergarten Core+ curriculum also includes science, which is taught during its own lesson block.
Outdoor
Activities
TK & Kindergarten learners spend time outdoors as weather permits. Our outdoor play centers are designed to promote fine and gross motor skills. Learners can choose to use the outdoor chalkboard, water table, sand table, balls and jump ropes.
Participation
in the BCS
Community
Like all learners at BCS, TK & Kindergarteners participate in our house system which encourages team building across grades and fosters a sense of community.
All BCS learners engage in team building and House competitions which foster a sense of community across all grades.
In addition, every 5th grader is a Reading Buddy with each kindergartener.
The relationships that are built with older students often blossom into friendships that may continue through the upper grades.
Currently, a child turning 4 between September 2nd and June 2nd is eligible to enroll in the tuition-free, public Bullis Charter School Transitional Kindergarten.
For the 2024-2025 school year, families are welcome to apply for open Kindergarten seats for learners who turn 5 by September 1st. Begin the enrollment process here.