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Huntington Beach City School District

Igniting Young Minds to Reach for a Bright Future

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Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten at Every Elementary School Beginning in 2026–27

After reviewing community feedback, enrollment trends, and early learning data, Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) will offer at least one Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom at every elementary school beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Based on projected enrollment, the total number of TK classes districtwide is expected to remain stable at approximately 10.

This model allows students to begin their educational journey at their neighborhood school, providing greater continuity for families while maintaining the quality, structure, and supports essential to four-year-old learners.

Community Input and Data that Shaped the Decision

Last month, the District invited families, staff, and community members to share their experiences with TK. More than 500 participants responded. Across responses, TK was consistently described as a meaningful bridge into elementary school, with participants highlighting gains in school readiness, social-emotional development, early literacy and numeracy, and the benefits of smaller, supportive learning environments.

TK teachers, instructional assistants, and site leaders also reported high satisfaction and emphasized the importance of collaboration, targeted professional learning, and maintaining appropriate class sizes to meet the unique needs of young learners.

This feedback was reviewed alongside enrollment history and findings from the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a research-based tool that provides a snapshot of how children are developing as they enter kindergarten, including social-emotional development, language and thinking skills, physical well-being, and communication. Our most recent EDI results show that more early learners are now “on target” across these key areas compared to prior years, with that progress reflected in kindergarten classrooms as students arrive better prepared to learn.

Community Survey Results

TK Staff Survey Results

Why Early Learning Matters

One of the most important things we can do as a Preschool–8 system is to give our youngest learners a strong start. High-quality early learning supports language development, social skills, and confidence, which carry forward into every grade level and contribute to long-term student success.

Enrollment Timeline and Next Steps

Families are encouraged to enroll early, as space will be limited at some sites. Additional details will be shared during the upcoming Early Childhood Education Meetings.

Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year opens on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM for new students.

Fiscal Context and Long-Term Planning

As a community-funded district, HBCSD continues to fund TK through the General Fund, as the State does not currently provide TK funding for districts like ours. While we remain hopeful that future legislation may address this gap, the District has been intentional in designing a TK model that balances access, quality, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring we can support early learners while preserving resources for all TK–8 students.

Informational Meetings

2026-2027 School Year

Early Childhood Education Options (Preschool, TK & Kindergarten) Meetings

The Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) invites families to join us for a virtual information meeting to learn about Early Childhood Education (ECE) program options, including Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten. 

Families will learn about:

  • Enrollment and registration requirements
  • Immunization guidelines
  • How to support your child’s learning and development at home
  • Program highlights and what to expect in each grade level
  • And more!

Each meeting will include time for questions and answers. Sessions will be offered in English and Spanish.

English Session (Spanish translation available) 
Zoom Meeting Link
Date: February 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM

Spanish Session
Zoom Meeting Link 
Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM

Recordings and Presentations

2026-2027 Early Childhood Options Meeting Recording

2025-2026 Early Childhood Options Meeting Presentation

2025-2026 Early Childhood Options Meeting Presentation (Spanish)

2025-2026 School Year

The District recently hosted virtual informational meetings in English and Spanish to provide families with key insights into our Early Childhood Education programs, including Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten.

Topics Covered:

  • Enrollment and registration requirements
  • Immunization guidelines
  • Tips for supporting your child’s development

If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information again, you can access the meeting presentations below.

Presentations

2025-2026 Early Childhood Options Meeting Presentation

2025-2026 Early Childhood Options Meeting Presentation (Spanish)

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

2026-2027 School Year

For students who turn four on or before September 1, 2026.

Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) will offer at least one Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom at every elementary school beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Eader, Hawes, Moffett, Peterson, Seacliff, and Smith Elementary

  • The first year of a two-year kindergarten program.
  • A free program aligned with the California Preschool Foundations. A year of preparation for students to succeed in kindergarten the following year.
  • Students attend the program five days a week. It is a full-day schedule with an earlier dismissal time than grades K-5.

TK enrollment will open on February 13, 2026, at 9:00 am for the 2026-2027 school year.

2025-2026 School Year

For students who turn four on or before September 1, 2025.

Eader, Hawes, Peterson, and Smith Elementary (subject to change, dependent on enrollment) 

  • The first year of a two-year kindergarten program.
  • A free program aligned with the California Preschool Foundations. A year of preparation for students to succeed in kindergarten the following year.
  • Students attend the program five days a week. It is a full-day schedule with an earlier dismissal time than grades K-5.

Kindergarten

2026-2027 School Year

Eader, Hawes, Moffett, Peterson, Seacliff, and Smith Elementary

For students who turn five on or before September 1, 2026.

Students attend five days a week. Class ends at the same time as grades 1-3.

A free, standards-based academic program taught by a credentialed teacher. Small group academic instruction in reading, writing, and math. Social studies and hands-on inquiry-based science. Developmental activities in creative learning centers, arts, and physical education.

For more information, please contact your child's Elementary School Office.

HBCSD MySchoolLocator

Kindergarten enrollment will open on February 13, 2026, at 9:00 am for the 2026-2027 school year.

2025-2026 School Year

Eader, Hawes, Moffett, Peterson, Seacliff, and Smith Elementary

For students who turn five on or before September 1, 2025.

Students attend five days a week. Class ends at the same time as grades 1-3.

A free, standards-based academic program taught by a credentialed teacher. Small group academic instruction in reading, writing, and math. Social studies and hands-on inquiry-based science. Developmental activities in creative learning centers, arts, and physical education.

For more information, please contact your child's Elementary School Office.

HBCSD MySchoolLocator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated: February 4, 2026

Does my child qualify for the TK program?

For students who turn four on or before September 1, 2026.

The first year of a two-year kindergarten program.

A free program aligned with the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Foundations. A year of preparation for students to succeed in kindergarten the following year.

Students attend five days a week. This is a full-day program.

Preschool/TK/Kindergarten enrollment is open for the 2026-2027 school year.

When can I register my child?

TK/Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-27 school year will open on February 13, 2026, at 9:00 am.

How do I register my child for TK/kindergarten?

Please visit the enrollment website to register.

What documents are needed to register?

All forms can be found on the district enrollment website. 

  • Verification of Identity
  • Proof of Residency
  • Completed Residency Verification Form
  • Student Services Questionnaire
  • Student Immunization Records
  • Oral Health Assessment Form
  • Other important documents to upload during online enrollment:
    • Student's birth certificate or valid passport.
    • Academic transcript or report card from the previous school. Prior school records are to be requested by the school site. 
    • Student IEP/504 documents, if applicable.
    • GATE letter from the previous district (only applicable for students entering 1st grade and above).
    • ELPAC language test documentation (only applicable for students entering 1st grade and above).

Do I need to wait until I have all the required documents before I submit registration?

No. We encourage you to submit your registration as soon as possible and upload any required documents you have available. This allows us to begin processing your registration. Your school will contact you if additional documentation is needed.

Please note that enrollments are processed in the order they are received. Due to the high volume of enrollments at this time of year, processing may take up to 5 business days. We appreciate your patience before contacting the school with questions.

What if my student doesn’t have all the required immunizations at the time of registration?

All required enrollment documents, including immunization records, must be submitted for enrollment to be considered complete. If, after review, your child’s immunization records are found to be incomplete, the school office will contact you and provide an Acknowledgement of Enrollment and Immunization Requirements form to complete. This form allows the school to temporarily hold your child’s spot while the required records are finalized.

How will I know which TK site my child will be assigned to?

Eader and Moffett: Students will be enrolled at their home school until spaces are filled. Once full, students will be assigned to Hawes Elementary for TK.

Hawes: Students will be enrolled at Hawes Elementary for TK.

Smith and Seacliff: Students will be enrolled at their home school until spaces are filled. Once full, students will be assigned to Peterson Elementary for TK.

Peterson: Students will be enrolled at Peterson Elementary for TK.

Overflow: If TK spaces are filled at Eader, Moffett, and Hawes, students will be assigned to Peterson Elementary.

I turned in some of my enrollment documents, but did not get assigned to my TK school.  Why?

A student's enrollment is not official until all required documentation has been submitted and you’ve received verification from the school. Until that occurs, you are not officially enrolled, and a spot at your home school is not guaranteed. Once spots are full at your home school, you will be placed at another school with space available. 

Students cannot attend school until their enrollment is fully processed. 

What is the daily TK class schedule?

Please check your child’s school website. 

Are school meals offered for TK/Kindergarten students?

Yes, all students have free school meals (breakfast and lunch). Please visit the Food Services website for more information.

Can I set up a tour of the school?

Open House is an excellent opportunity to see our school and TK classrooms. Elementary Schools Open House is on May 21, 2026. Check your child’s school for specific times. 

Is there before/after school care?

Yes, please visit the Before- and After-School Care webpage for more information.