Sharks
Transitional Kindergarten
5 year olds
1:12 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Maximum Class Size of 12
About the Sharks
The Sharks classroom is our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program designed to prepare students for a successful transition to kindergarten. In this classroom, children learn through a variety of engaging learning centers that encourage exploration, independence, and active participation. Teachers guide students through activities that build confidence while strengthening skills in literacy, math, science, and more. Through hands-on learning and meaningful experiences, children develop a strong foundation and a lasting love for learning.
Curriculum & Daily Activities
The Sharks classroom prepares children for kindergarten through engaging activities and appropriately challenging academics. Students participate in small group learning throughout the day, allowing teachers to observe, assess, and support each child at their individual level.
During Daily Circle Time, the class discusses the calendar, including the days of the week and months of the year, while also building strong oral language skills through open-ended conversations and group discussions.
Children explore a variety of concepts including the alphabet, phonics, letter writing, sight words, reading text, reading comprehension, math, and science. The program also incorporates a STEM-focused approach, introducing students to hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Through this engaging and personalized curriculum, children build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and prepare for a successful transition to the next phase of their education.
Environment
The Sharks classroom features a variety of learning centers that support different areas of development and learning. These centers allow children to explore, practice new skills, and continue building the milestones that prepare them for a kindergarten environment.
The classroom is thoughtfully designed to challenge five-year-olds while keeping learning engaging and exciting. Students also enjoy a large playground where they can stay active and continue developing their gross motor skills through outdoor play.
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.
