SDUSD TK: cutoff & enrollment (2026–27)
Transitional Kindergarten at San Diego Unified School District, with the California September 1 cutoff, how to enroll, and licensed preschools and TK-age programs near you.
Your child qualifies for SDUSD TK in 2026–27 if they turn 4 by September 1, 2026.
San Diego Unified uses California’s universal TK cutoff: a child who turns 4 by September 1, 2026 qualifies for TK in 2026–27 (birthdays September 2, 2021 – September 1, 2022). Like all California TK, it is free public school with no income requirement, offered at elementary campuses across the district.
How to enroll in SDUSD TK
Identify your neighborhood school through the district’s School Finder, then submit the online enrollment. Families may also apply to magnet and choice schools through the unified enrollment window (typically opens in October). Have proof of residence, the child’s birth certificate, and up-to-date immunizations ready.
Need to confirm the exact birth-date window for your child? Our California TK eligibility chart maps every birthday range to the school year it qualifies for, and the enrollment guide walks through the statewide process.
Preschool & TK-age programs near you
Licensed preschool and child-care centers in San Diego Unified School District’s area, from public California licensing records. Tap any program for its address, licensed capacity, and contact info.
- Abc Children's Center At San DiegoPreschool / Day Care Center
12145 Alta Carmel Court #270, San Diego, CA 92128
- Abc Children's Center At San Diego - InfantInfant Center
12145 Alta Carmel Court #270, San Diego, CA 92128
- Adams State PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
4672 35th Street, San Diego, CA 92116
- Adobe Bluffs PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
8707 Adobe Bluffs Drive, San Diego, CA 92129
- Adventure Days PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
10881 Tierrasanta Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92124
- Adventure Days PreschoolInfant Center
10881 Tierrasanta Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92124
- Adventures In Montessori Ocean BeachMontessoriPreschool / Day Care Center
4735 Santa Cruz Ave., San Diego, CA 92107
- Aka Head Start - DarnallPreschool / Day Care Center
6020 Hughes Street, San Diego, CA 92115
- Alcott PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
4680 Hidalgo Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117
- Alexa's PlaycPreschool / Day Care Center
3685 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
- All Saints PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
6355 Radcliffe Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
- Al-Rribat AcademyPreschool / Day Care Center
7183A Saranac Street, San Diego, CA 92115
- Apple YouchienPreschool / Day Care Center
2550 Fairfield Street, San Diego, CA 92110
- Ascension Lutheran Children's CenterFaith-basedPreschool / Day Care Center
5106 Zion Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120
- Aspen Leaf NurseryInfant Center
3111 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
- Aspen Leaf Nursery-Barry Ted Moskowitz CccInfant Center
880 Front Street, Suite 1295, San Diego, CA 92101
- Aspen Leaf Nursery - University HeightsInfant Center
1730 Monroe Avenue, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92116
- Aspen Leaf PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
3518 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
- Aspen Leaf PreschoolPreschool / Day Care Center
3111 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
- Aspen Leaf Preschool-Barry Ted Moskowitz CccPreschool / Day Care Center
880 Front Street, Suite 1295, San Diego, CA 92101
- Aspen Leaf Preschool - University HeightsPreschool / Day Care Center
1730 Monroe Ave Suite C, San Diego, CA 92116
- Associated Students Child Care CenterPreschool / Day Care Center
5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
- Associated Students Child Care Center Infant CtrInfant Center
5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182
- Au Clair De LuneChild Care Center
1978 Coolidge Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Showing 24 of 360 licensed programs in SDUSD’s area. Browse all California preschools →
Frequently asked questions
- What is the TK cutoff date for this district in 2026–27?
- Every California district, including this one, uses the statewide September 1 cutoff. A child who turns 4 by September 1, 2026 is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten in 2026–27 — meaning birthdays from September 2, 2021 through September 1, 2022. Turn 4 on September 2 or later and your child starts TK in the following school year.
- Is TK free in this district?
- Yes. TK is a public-school grade, so it is free — no tuition and no income requirement. Every qualifying 4-year-old who lives in the district is eligible regardless of family income.
- Is TK mandatory in this district?
- No. Both TK and kindergarten are optional in California. Many families use TK as a free extra year of early learning before kindergarten, but you can also keep your child in preschool or at home instead.
- Where can I find preschool and child-care programs in this district?
- Below you’ll find licensed preschool and child-care centers in this district’s cities, drawn from public California licensing records. Each links to a detail page with the address, licensed capacity, and contact info. Always visit and verify a program directly before enrolling.
Published June 23, 2026. Eligibility is based on California Department of Education guidance and may vary slightly by district — always confirm enrollment dates directly with San Diego Unified School District. Not legal or enrollment advice.