Questions about Berkeley TK (Northwest Zone)

We didn't end up doing TK because our daughter just missed the date cutoff.  Honestly I'm glad she had another year of preschool, I think it was really what she needed!  I feel like they'll have their whole lives to do reading and more academic stuff...  I've heard some TK teachers have more of a kindergarten background than a preschool background and I don't think she would have been ready for that.

Hi there. Universal TK is a statewide initiative and will be fully implemented during the 2025-26 school year, meaning, every child who turns 4 by September 1st is guaranteed a spot in a TK program. Therefore, if you apply during the first round you are likely guaranteed to be placed in your zone. Most schools (Ruth Acty and BAM) only have the capacity for 1 TK classroom, and most of those spots are reserved for siblings of older elementary-aged students. Most families I know got into Thousand Oakes and Rosa Parks even though they ranked those the lowest, because they are able to open more classrooms/have more space for incoming TK students.

My son was placed at Thousand Oaks for TK next year, but we ultimately decided to keep him at his current preschool. One big issue for me is the lack of qualified TK teachers that will be filling the extra classrooms. Many schools are having to reassign elementary teachers to fill TK positions, and I worry about how developmentally appropriate the curriculum/teaching will be. We really value the play-based environment my son is currently in. I worry a little bit about him being one of the oldest left in his class, but I'm finding several families are making the same decision to keep their child in preschool for one more year. Another thing to consider is if you are assigned a school that's not your top choice you can reapply for kindergarten, but then you're adding an additional transition. Which is fine for some kids/families, but just something to think about. 

1. Assuming you apply on time (and I believe even if you don't) you are guaranteed a spot in your zone.
2. All of the schools are great. I would begin with considering start time. If you're an early family then Ruth Acty or Thousand Oaks could be good choices, if you'd prefer later start (around 9am) then BAM or Rosa Parks would work. If you live near Ruth Acty you likely qualify for the bus to Rosa Parks but not BAM or Thousand Oaks (this could still change, but I believe that's how it works right now). I have a child starting TK this fall and everyone in their class at preschool is going to TK. This is anecdotal, of course, but it does seem like many families are opting in to TK. Going to TK also allows your kid an extra year to adjust to the new school and start making friends. You know your child best, but if they're turning 5 within the original TK window (Sept-Dec) I would lean towards sending them.
   
   Ruth Acty currently only has 1 TK and it's very hard to get into. It's one of the largest schools in the district so there are a lot of siblings entering each year and they wind up taking most of the spots. If Ruth Acty winds up opening another TK class next year there's a higher likelihood of getting in, but this is still an unknown. Thousand Oaks will have 3 TKs this year and most kids in my child's preschool class were assigned there (many had Ruth Acty as their first choice).