Final Year of California’s Universal TK Expansion; Arcadia Unified Filling Fast

 

ARCADIA – The Arcadia Unified School District has officially opened enrollment for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2025–2026 school year, which marks the final year of California’s phased expansion of Universal TK.

Under the state’s Universal TK plan, created by Assembly Bill 130, California has gradually expanded eligibility since the 2022–2023 school year. Beginning in 2025–2026, all children who turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll in TK. This will be the youngest age group ever eligible to attend public school in California, and this cutoff will remain permanent moving forward.

“This expansion is a landmark moment for early education in California,” said Arcadia Unified Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “Our Transitional Kindergarten programs provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment that helps lay a strong foundation for our youngest learners. We’re excited to welcome more students into our classrooms and encourage families to enroll early.”

Holly Avenue Elementary’s TK program is already at capacity, and other Arcadia Unified school sites are filling quickly. Families are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to help ensure placement for their child.

While TK enrollment is filling fast, the district offers a limited number of interdistrict permits to students who live outside of Arcadia. These permits are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Capacity for permits at the elementary schools has been reached, but there are limited spots available for TK, middle, and high school students. 

Arcadia Unified continues to be recognized as one of the top-performing public school districts in the country. The district was recently ranked in the top 1% of school districts in America by Niche, and Arcadia High School consistently earns accolades for its high graduation rate, broad selection of Advanced Placement and honors courses, athletics, performing arts, and extensive award-winning extracurricular programs.

“Our TK students enter a system built on academic excellence, innovation, and a commitment to the whole child,” added Dr. Vannasdall. “We take pride in the safe, supportive, and high-achieving learning environment that defines Arcadia Unified.”

For more information about TK enrollment and interdistrict permits at Arcadia Unified, visit https://bit.ly/enrollAUSD.