WAUKEE, Iowa — Waukee schools will offer transitional kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year, the district announced Monday.
Transitional kindergarten, also known as TK, is designed for kids who meet the age requirements for kindergarten but could benefit from an additional year of school to prepare, according to Waukee schools. Transitional kindergarten may be a good fit for students with summer birthdays or students who learn best at an adjusted pace.
Waukee isn't the first district in central Iowa to offer transitional kindergarten: The Ankeny Community School District offers a similar program. In addition, some preschools and private schools in the area, such as Ashworth Learning Center and Christ the King Catholic School, also offer TK programs.
TK classes in Waukee will be limited to 20 students. Any student who will be 5-years-old on Sept. 15, 2025 is eligible for enrollment.
Waukee TK will meet five days a week and follow the same school year calendar as kindergarten students in the district. In addition, TK students will follow the same District transportation eligibility requirements.
If a TK classroom is not available in a student's neighborhood school building, the district will provide a shuttle to the nearest program.
Families interested in enrolling their student in TK are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Enrollment opens on Jan. 14. The deadline to ensure a spot in Waukee TK is April 15. Learn more about the program here.