California TK enrollment & deadlines (2026–27)
California Transitional Kindergarten (TK) enrollment for the 2026–27 school year opens months before the first day. Here’s how and when to enroll, the documents you’ll need, and the deadlines that matter — updated for the 2026–27 cycle.
TK enrollment opens in early 2026 for the 2026–27 year, which starts in mid-to-late August 2026.
California districts run their own enrollment, so exact dates vary — but most open TK registration between January and March 2026 and expect documents submitted before the first day. Your child must turn 4 by September 1, 2026 to qualify. Apply early: popular schools fill on a first-come basis.
When does TK start in California?
TK runs on the regular public-school calendar. The 2026–27 school year begins in mid-to-late August 2026 in most California districts, with a few starting in early August or after Labor Day. Your child’s exact first day is set by your district’s calendar — check it once you know your assigned school.
Enrollment almost always closes (or fills) well before that first day. Treat the start of 2026 as your cue to act, not the week before school.
How to enroll in California TK — step by step
- 1
Before applying
Confirm your child is age-eligible
For 2026–27, your child must turn 4 by September 1, 2026 (birthdays September 2, 2021 – September 1, 2022). Use our California TK eligibility calculator to confirm the exact fall they qualify before you start paperwork.
- 2
Late 2025 – early 2026
Find your district and its enrollment page
California TK is run by public school districts, not the state directly. Find your district of residence (the district where you live), then locate its “new student enrollment” or “TK/kindergarten registration” page. Most districts post their enrollment window and required documents there.
- 3
When the window opens
Gather required documents
Collect your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage), parent/guardian photo ID, and any health-exam or dental-screening forms the district requires. Having these ready speeds up the application.
- 4
During the enrollment window
Submit the enrollment application
Complete your district’s online enrollment form and upload or bring in your documents. Many districts let you list a preferred school; popular sites fill on a first-come basis, so apply as early as the window allows.
- 5
After you apply
Confirm your school assignment
The district verifies your paperwork and assigns a school — usually your neighborhood school, or the nearest available site if your first choice is full. Watch for a confirmation email or letter with your child’s school and start date.
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Mid-to-late August 2026
Start TK
TK follows the regular public-school calendar, so the 2026–27 year begins in mid-to-late August 2026. Check your district’s calendar for the exact first day and any back-to-school orientation.
TK enrollment deadlines & the enrollment window
There is no single statewide TK enrollment deadline — each district sets its own window. In practice, the pattern is fairly consistent across California:
- Priority / early enrollment: many districts open a first window in January–February 2026. This is when you get the best shot at your neighborhood school.
- Open enrollment / transfers: if you want a school outside your attendance area, inter- and intra-district transfer applications often close in late winter to early spring 2026 — earlier than standard enrollment.
- General enrollment: continues through spring 2026, with some districts staying open into summer for families who move in late.
- Late enrollment: still possible over the summer, but your first-choice school may be full and you may be assigned to the nearest available site.
Because popular schools fill on a first-come basis, the safest move is to apply in your district’s earliest window. Check your district’s website for exact dates — they’re usually posted by December of the year before.
Documents you need to enroll in TK
| Document | What it is |
|---|---|
| Proof of age | Your child’s birth certificate. A passport or hospital record may be accepted as a backup. |
| Immunization records | Up-to-date vaccine records meeting California’s school immunization requirements. |
| Proof of residency | A current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill showing your address within the district. |
| Parent/guardian ID | A government-issued photo ID for the enrolling parent or guardian. |
| Health & dental forms | A completed health/physical exam form, and in many districts a dental health screening — typically due before or shortly after the first day. |
Exact requirements vary by district. Always confirm the list on your district’s enrollment page before you apply.
Before you enroll: confirm eligibility
Enrollment paperwork goes smoothly when you already know your child qualifies. For 2026–27, that means turning 4 by September 1, 2026. Enter your child’s birthday in our California TK eligibility calculator to confirm the exact fall they start, or see the full date-of-birth eligibility chart.
Not sure whether TK is even the right choice for your family? Compare it with the alternatives in our TK vs preschool vs kindergarten guide, or read what Transitional Kindergarten is.
Frequently asked questions
- When does TK start in California?
- TK follows the regular public-school calendar, so the school year starts in mid-to-late August 2026 for 2026–27. Your child’s exact first day depends on your district’s calendar. Enrollment usually opens months earlier — often in early 2026 — so apply well before the first day.
- When should I enroll my child in TK in California?
- Most California districts open TK and kindergarten enrollment in winter or early spring of the year your child starts — commonly January through March 2026 for the 2026–27 school year. High-demand schools and transfer requests often have earlier deadlines. Apply as early as your district allows; waiting until summer can mean your first-choice school is full.
- Who is eligible to enroll in California TK for 2026–27?
- Any child who turns 4 by September 1, 2026 can enroll in TK for the 2026–27 school year — that means birthdays from September 2, 2021 through September 1, 2022. TK is free and has no income requirement. Confirm your child’s exact eligibility with our California TK eligibility calculator.
- What documents do I need to enroll my child in TK?
- You typically need your child’s birth certificate (proof of age), up-to-date immunization records, proof of residency in the district (such as a utility bill or lease), a parent/guardian photo ID, and any health/physical exam forms the district requires. Some districts also ask for a dental health screening. Gather these before the enrollment window opens.
- How do I actually enroll my child in TK?
- Identify your school district, find its enrollment or “new student” page on its website, complete the online enrollment application, and submit the required documents. Many districts let you upload documents online; others ask for an in-person appointment. After you apply, the district confirms your child’s school assignment before the first day.
- Is TK enrollment guaranteed if my child is age-eligible?
- TK is a public-school grade and every California district must offer it to qualifying 4-year-olds, so your child has a right to a TK spot in their district of residence. Your specific neighborhood school may be full, in which case the district will assign another nearby school — so applying early gives you the best chance at your first-choice site.
Helpful guides for parents
Published June 23, 2026, for the 2026–27 enrollment cycle. Enrollment dates vary by district — always confirm with your local school district. Not legal or enrollment advice.