Sharks
Transitional Kindergarten
5 year olds
1:12 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Maximum Class Size of 24
About the Sharks
The Sharks Class is our private TK classroom designed to prepare students for kindergarten. With a 1:12 teacher-to-child ratio, our teachers are able to provide more individualized attention and support for each student. Assessments are conducted throughout the school year to monitor progress and guide learning. In addition, our program offers full-time hours, providing more consistent learning time compared to traditional public school schedules.
Curriculum & Daily Activities
The Sharks are preparing for kindergarten through a combination of fun activities and challenging academics.
During their daily Circle Time, students discuss the calendar, review instructions for table assignments, and participate in reading, music, and body breaks. This time helps build routine, listening skills, and classroom community.
Throughout the year, students work on a variety of concepts including, but not limited to: the alphabet, phonics, letter writing, sight words, reading text, making predictions, reading comprehension, math, social studies, and science.
This program also places a strong emphasis on STEM education. STEM is a specialized curriculum that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The Sharks will engage in dynamic STEM projects throughout the year that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Your child will experience a hands-on, tailored curriculum designed to prepare them for the next phase of their educational journey.
Environment
Sharks have the largest classroom as these children are preparing to go to Kindergarten. They have two bathrooms each with internal and external sinks. This is where the children can wash up after they explore and learn in one of their many interesting centers including Art, Science, Sensory, or Writing. Their Dramatic Play area is transformed each month into an Interactive Learning Center that encompasses many learning domains at once such as literacy, math, science, and social skills. This is where they can stock shelves in a Grocery Store, sort mail in a Post Office, or run the snack bar in their Surf Shop. And they also have a Safe Place/Cozy Corner where children can go when they need time to reflect on their emotions and support their socioemotional health.
Developmental Milestones
By 5 years, children will:
Tell a story they heard or make one up with at least two events (e.g. A cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it.)
Answer simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to them
Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall, etc)
Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night".”
Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For instance, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count).
Writes some letters in their name
Names some letters when you point to them
Buttons some buttons
Hops on one foot
Why Scripps Exploring Academy?
At Scripps Exploring Academy, our Transitional Kindergarten readiness program rivals that of the public schools academically and it’s full day. Here, your student can learn the entire day with a consistent team of teachers and students without having to shuffle between their regular program and before or after school care.
