TORRINGTON – For many families, the journey into elementary school begins with an important question: Is my child truly ready for kindergarten? 

At Lincoln Elementary, the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program offers a compelling answer – an opportunity to gift your child an additional year of social, emotional, and academic growth before entering a traditional kindergarten classroom.

The TK program mirrors kindergarten in its schedule, including the same school hours and calendar, but follows a slower pace of learning objectives. Unlike other preschool programs, TK is located within the elementary school and taught by district staff, ensuring a smooth and familiar transition into kindergarten. After completing a year in TK, students typically enter kindergarten better prepared for the faster pace of instruction and increased behavioral expectations.

The TK classroom resembles a traditional kindergarten room – filled with bright letters and numbers, art supplies in every corner, and energetic students. Mandy White leads the class with a calm and caring demeanor. The daily schedule includes instructional time, recess, lunch and specials, just like other classes at Lincoln. White has carefully structured the day to balance academics with play, creativity and movement. The class might be singing, dancing, or using tactile activities to reinforce learning and develop fine motor skills. Frequent storytime and problem-solving tasks enrich the experience. After lunch, students enjoy a rest period, helping them manage the demands of a full school day. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to support readiness for kindergarten and long-term academic success.

Due to budgetary constraints, the TK program was under review for potential changes in the upcoming school year. However, during the most recent school board meeting and internal discussions, Superintendent Ryan Kramer and several board members voiced strong support for the program’s value and effectiveness. Thanks to their advocacy, the TK program will continue to be offered in the 2025–2026 school year. For students considering TK for next year, eligibility is based on several factors, including a summer birthday, parent request, or teacher recommendation following the first week of kindergarten.

The Goshen County School District’s continued support of TK is grounded in extensive research. Studies consistently show the early years are critical for development and children are not all ready for the same academic and social demands at the same age. A large-scale RAND Corporation study (2021) found children who had an extra year before kindergarten demonstrated stronger early reading and math skills, as well as improved self-regulation and social abilities, compared to peers. Similarly, the Journal of Developmental Psychology (2015) reported students who enter kindergarten at an older age often show better classroom behavior, attention spans, and long-term academic performance. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), young learners thrive most in environments which match their developmental stage. TK provides the match– allowing children to build confidence, independence and essential early learning skills without the pressure of keeping up with older classmates. With rising academic standards in the K–12 curriculum, a slower, developmentally appropriate on-ramp into formal education has become a proven strategy for student success.

TK is more than just an extra year, it’s a strategic investment in your child’s future. By meeting children where they are developmentally, TK ensures they begin kindergarten with the skills and confidence to thrive. 

“Our TK program, simply put, offers children the gift of time,” Mrs. White said. “I’m grateful to our administration and school board for making this program a top priority. Giving our youngest learners the best opportunity to build a strong foundation for academic success—not just in TK and Kindergarten, but throughout their entire educational journey—should be the first step in how we support our students.”

For more information on the program or to see if your student may be a good fit for the 2025-2026 school year, contact Lincoln Elementary School at (307) 532-4003.