TCAPS Kindergarten Program
Welcome to TCAPS!
TCAPS offers comprehensive educational programs for your child in a safe and joyful learning environment with capable and caring teachers. Child care programs for preschool and kindergarten age children that complement the regular school day experience are also available as fee-based program offerings.
Kindergarten Program Options
The following kindergarten program options are available:
Traditional Kindergarten
Traditional Kindergarten
TCAPS’ kindergarten classes are taught by experienced, certified, early childhood teachers. Students attend a full day, five days per week. School day times vary depending on school location. The kindergarten program is based on a set of engaging standards, aligns with the State of Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and is intended to prepare children for first grade upon successful completion. Language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education are all part of the curriculum.
Registration for kindergarten is conducted entirely online. Click here for more information regarding registration.
For More Information
For more information regarding the Kindergarten program and/or registration assistance, please contact Kelly Walter at 231.933.1775 or walterke@tcaps.net.
Montessori Primary Program
Montessori Primary Program is an all day / every day kindergarten program for students of kindergarten age. Kindergarten in a TCAPS Montessori program is a primary experience with a child-centered environment endorsing Montessori philosophy and methodology. The classroom director has Montessori and Michigan Elementary Certification. Transportation will be self-provided at TCAPS Montessori at Glenn Loomis. Learn more about the Montessori program.
For more information about the Montessori Primary Program, contact the school directly for registration assistance at sieversli@tcaps.net or 231.933.6420.
Junior Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten Program
The Junior Kindergarten Program* is a district program offered at all elementary schools .
Junior Kindergarten is designed for students who meet the kindergarten age requirement, but may benefit from a year of additional time prior to entering our traditional kindergarten program. Students may have a later birth date or simply need more time to develop in academic or social areas. The intended academic track for these students is Junior Kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and so on. Junior Kindergarten follows the school year calendar and is a five day, full day program provided at no cost to families. Unless living within the host school boundary area, transportation is provided by the parent.
The Junior Kindergarten curriculum materials are different than what will be used in the traditional kindergarten class. English language arts, math, science and social studies are taught using Michigan kindergarten standards. However, teachers spend additional time teaching lessons and focus on supporting the developmental needs of each child to help prepare him or her for success in kindergarten the following school year. Students will receive math, reading and writing instruction daily, and science and social studies regularly. Music, art and physical education are also part of the program. View First Steps Kindergarten Guide.
Registration for junior kindergarten is conducted entirely online. Click here for more information regarding registration.
For More Information
For more information regarding the Junior Kindergarten program and/or registration assistance, please contact Kelly Walter at 231.933.1775 or walterke@tcaps.net.
UpNorth Virtual Kindergarten Program
Traverse City Area Public Schools is pleased to offer families a full-time K-12 online learning program. Open to K-12 students in the five-county region, UpNorth Virtual (UPNV) provides a unique opportunity for students to receive 100% of their courses virtually while still being part of a local school community. Learn more at www.tcaps.net/upnorthvirtual.
General Kindergarten Questions
TCAPS’ kindergarten program will provide an exciting and joyful learning journey for your child. TCAPS’ caring and highly qualified teachers understand the whole child and are skilled in approaches that will engage and inspire your young learner. See below for more information about the kindergarten program and how to register. View TCAPS First Steps Kindergarten Guide.
How old must my child be to enter kindergarten?
To enroll in kindergarten, a child must be five years old on or before September 1 of the enrollment year. However, according to Michigan law,* if a child residing in a district is not five years of age on or before September 1, but will turn five years of age not later than December 1 of the enrollment year, the parent or legal guardian may choose to enroll their child in kindergarten.
When in receipt of a waiver request, districts can make recommendations to the child’s parent or legal guardian, as to the child’s readiness for school, and whether or not the child should be enrolled early. Regardless of a district’s recommendation, the parent or legal guardian retains the sole discretion to enroll their child. Questions regarding enrollment should be directed to Erika Swartz at swartzer@tcaps.net or 231.933.1722
Where can I find contact information for my local school?
View school address and phone numbers here. If you are not sure which school serves your area, type in your address in the interactive boundary map, or call our transportation department at 231.933.1933 for more information.
Do you have child care programs at the schools?
Extended Day Child Care programs are offered at most TCAPS elementary schools. The programs are licensed through the State of Michigan and offer:
- enrichment activities to build social skills, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships
- homework and academic support
- qualified, caring, trained, and experienced staff
- outstanding facilities
- nutritious snacks
- a safe and nurturing school environment
Before school hours begin at 7:00 AM and continue until the start of the school day. After school hours begin when school ends and continues until 5:30 PM each day. The program starts on the scheduled first day of school and ends on the scheduled last day of school. For more information, visit the Extended Day Child Care webpage or call 231.933.1759.
When do we register for kindergarten?
Beginning in February, Traverse City Area Public Schools will conduct parent information meetings and begin to register children for kindergarten for the following school year. If you are not able to attend one of the parent meetings, please contact your local school for more information or call TCAPS’ Pupil Accounting at 231.933.1722.