New London Schools Expand Transitional Kindergarten Program

NEW LONDON, CT — The school district is expanding its transitional kindergarten program to all elementary campuses beginning this summer.

The following is a statement from the district outlining the transitional kindergarten program:

Does your child turn 5 between September 1 and December 31? If so, he or she may be eligible for New London Public School’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program. One of only two districts in the area offering this option, TK has been expanded to all New London Public School district elementary campuses, including CB Jennings International Elementary; Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School; and Winthrop STEM Elementary Magnet School.

TK is also offered on a year-round calendar beginning July 7, to better accommodate the needs of families.

A specially designed program to support children who missed the state cut-off age, TK is a bridge between Pre-K and kindergarten to help young learners prepare academically and emotionally for the next step in their education. Benefits are smaller classroom sizes; a curriculum aligned with kindergarten readiness; and focus on social and emotional growth as well as early literacy.

“We want to emphasize that TK is not a second year of preschool,” says Janet Farquhar director of magnet pathways. “It’s a unique option for children who demonstrate some kindergarten–level skills but are not ready to take the next step. Parents have found that the program provides their children with a strong, confident start to their school journey.”

An all-magnet school system, New London accepts city residents as well as students from more than 40 towns and 25 school districts in Connecticut.