Understanding Kindergarten Enrollment in California: What Parents Need to Know
California’s Kindergarten Law and Its Implications for Families
Dear Parents,
Many of our students started TK (Transitional Kindergarten) or Kindergarten in public schools this year. As an educator, I was happy to send them on their new journey, knowing they are taking essential steps in their educational development. With this transition, many families have raised questions about California’s laws regarding kindergarten attendance.
Is Kindergarten Mandatory in California?
In California, Kindergarten is not currently a mandatory grade level for children. While the state requires children to be enrolled in school by the age of six, which is when they begin first grade, attendance in kindergarten is left to the discretion of parents and guardians. This means that children are not legally required to attend Kindergarten before entering first grade, though it is highly encouraged.
What Are the Alternatives?
Families who choose not to enroll their child in kindergarten may consider several alternatives:
Bonnie Academy offers a quality educational program balanced with a developmental approach to nurture your child’s development. We believe that our TK/Kindergarten program gives children the opportunity to succeed. We offer a full-day academic program that enables our students to excel in multiple areas of development, preparing them for long-term success in both school and life.
Additional interesting article: As California Schools Fall Even Further, A Charter School Shows How To Succeed