Transitional Kindergarten Program | North Carolina
There is something especially tender about this stage between preschool and kindergarten. Your child is growing quickly, asking bigger questions, building stronger independence, and getting ready for the rhythm of a more academic school experience. At Cranfield Academy, our transitional kindergarten program gives children the extra time, guidance, and encouragement they need before entering elementary school. Through warm relationships, purposeful routines, and meaningful early learning, our TK program helps children step into the next school year with greater confidence, deeper knowledge, and genuine excitement for kindergarten.
Pre-Kindergarten Program Enrollment
Ages Served
4 years to 5 years
Schedule Options
Full-day program with extended care available
Hours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
Is Potty Training Required?
Yes. Children must be independently potty-trained before enrolling in our transitional kindergarten class. Our teachers provide gentle guidance and encouragement so parents feel supported during this important step.
Curriculum Focus
Our transitional kindergarten programs focus on pre-kindergarten academics through hands-on literacy, math, science, art, and social development. Cranfield Academy uses a creative, whole-child curriculum that supports language development, critical thinking, and school readiness while keeping learning joyful and developmentally appropriate. The Creative Curriculum describes this kind of whole-child approach as supporting kindergarten readiness across language, literacy, mathematics, social-emotional, physical, cognitive, science and technology, and the arts.
Daily Routine
Each day includes structured group lessons, open-ended learning centers, outdoor play, enrichment, lunch, rest time, and focused small-group work. These predictable routines help children feel secure while also giving them time to engage in self-directed exploration, movement, and academic skill-building throughout the week.
Classroom Experience
Our classroom combines hands-on materials with Smart Board technology, award-winning educational software, and engaging learning centers. In this warm school setting, students are taught through meaningful experiences that help them build independence, curiosity, and readiness for their first year of kindergarten.
About Our Transitional Kindergarten Program
Our transitional kindergarten program is designed for families who want an intentional bridge between preschool and elementary school. Some children are ready for a little more time, a little more structure, and a little more support before that big first day of kindergarten. Our TK programs give them exactly that. Through a thoughtful blend of academics, movement, social learning, and responsive teaching, children strengthen the skills they need while still being cared for in a nurturing environment that honors their age and stage. Research continues to show that high-quality early learning experiences can improve school readiness and later academic outcomes, especially when programs are intentionally designed and well implemented. Stanford also reports that children in classroom-based preschool settings tend to receive higher-quality care and show stronger reading and math readiness than peers in informal care, while the Learning Policy Institute highlights that high-quality preschool helps children become more prepared for school. That is why our transitional kindergarten program in North Carolina focuses on giving children the extra foundation they need to move forward with confidence and success.
From 4 to 5: Child Development Support For Every Stage
The year before kindergarten matters so much. This is when children begin to put together the academic, social, and self-management skills that help school feel exciting rather than overwhelming. In our transitional kindergarten class, every part of the day is planned to support growth in ways that feel engaging, encouraging, and truly developmentally appropriate.
- Language and Literacy Growth – Strong language development is at the heart of our TK program. Through storytelling, phonics, songs, journaling, discussion, and shared reading, students build vocabulary, listening, early writing, and reading readiness. These daily experiences help prepare children for the literacy expectations they will meet in kindergarten and later in grade school.
- Math and Science Discovery – Our curriculum helps children make sense of numbers, patterns, measurement, problem-solving, and inquiry through playful, hands-on experiences. Whether children are counting, sorting, graphing, or exploring simple science concepts, they are building the knowledge and reasoning skills that support future academic success.
- Social Development and Classroom Readiness – During this stage, children need more than academics. They also need to learn how to follow directions, move through group routines, work independently, and cooperate with others. Our teachers provide patient guidance that helps children build friendships, self-control, and the confidence to join group activities and classroom conversations.
- Motor Skills and Physical Confidence – Fine motor practice, outdoor play, gross motor movement, and hands-on activities support both physical growth and school readiness. These experiences help children strengthen the coordination and stamina needed for writing, cutting, playground play, and active participation throughout the school year. Physical activity also supports healthy child development and attention.
- Confidence, Curiosity, and Independence – We want children to leave our transitional kindergarten programs feeling capable and eager to learn. Through developmentally appropriate challenges, meaningful choices, and steady encouragement, children build the self-belief that helps them walk into kindergarten ready to learn, ask questions, and trust their own abilities. Playful learning also supports stronger brain development and executive function, which is one reason we protect time for exploration and joyful discovery in our TK classrooms.
Pre-Kindergarten Program Enrollment and Registration
Ready to give your child the gift of an extra year of intentional preparation? Our enrollment process is designed to feel simple and welcoming for families exploring kindergarten prep programs and seeking the right fit. Whether your child is newly eligible for pre-kindergarten or you are considering whether a TK program would provide the right foundation before kindergarten, our team is here to help.
We invite you to contact us, request more information, and visit our school in person. Touring our classrooms allows parents to see our curriculum in action, meet our teachers, and experience the warmth of a program built around confidence, readiness, and whole-child growth.
Why Families Trust Cranfield Academy in North Carolina
Families choose our transitional kindergarten program because they want their children to enter kindergarten feeling truly ready, not rushed.
- Our campus proudly maintains a 5 Star rating from North Carolina’s Division of Child Development & Early Education, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality education, safety, and excellence in childcare.
- Our experienced teachers understand how to support children during this important transition from preschool to elementary school.
- Our whole-child curriculum supports literacy, math, science, social growth, and school readiness in developmentally appropriate ways.
- We maintain a warm, structured class environment where students build independence, follow routines, and grow in confidence.
- Healthy meals and snacks prepared on site help support attention, wellness, and energy throughout the school year.
- Outdoor play, movement, and enrichment opportunities help children strengthen motor skills and stay engaged in early learning.
- Our secure campus procedures help parents feel confident that their children are learning in a safe and supportive setting.
- We value open communication with families and work closely with parents to support each child’s progress.
- Cranfield Academy is proud that 96% of our students meet or exceed national benchmarks, reflecting the strength of our preparation and care.
A Private School Serving North Carolina
Many children continue into our transitional kindergarten class after preschool, which gives them continuity, familiar relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging as they prepare for the next step. This steady path helps children move into kindergarten with greater ease, stronger habits, and the confidence to succeed.
Parent Reviews
Ashley K.
January 21, 2025
We love Cranfield, the staff, the teachers. I would recommend it to anyone!
Kaycee M.
December 17, 2024
We love all of the staff, communication, and extra special details that make our little one feel special, safe, and happy to go to school.
Marissa B.
December 3, 2024
Cranfield has been an amazing place for us. Our son has grown immensely and the staff are so caring and engaged. He looks forward to going each day and is always so happy. We love that they send updates throughout the day and the stimulating curriculum they implement.
Jeanne F.
December 3, 2024
We loved our time at Cranfield Academy. The teachers and staff were wonderful and took great care of all 3 of our children! Our son had some medical and behavioral difficulties, but the teachers at Cranfield worked with us to make sure he had a wonderful experience as well.
Ashley D.
October 15, 2024
My son Eli has been going to this school for over a year and he a absolutely loves this school. He loves his teachers Ms. Deera & Ms. Madelyn, he enjoys all his friends and its a very welcoming environment, and I have never had an issue with anything at the school. I thank everyone here for their hard work and always the friendly attitudes.
Russell L.
September 4, 2024
The staff is the best.
April G.
April 2, 2024
Mrs. Libby Gant and the staff work really hard to make the environment safe and educational for the kids. She works hard to quickly address issues that may arise. As a parent, I feel informed and that means so much when your child is in someone else's hands.
Jean F.
January 16, 2024
The many things to which they expose our children.
Alexandra C.
September 27, 2023
We love the teachers. Ms. Rachel, Ms. Keyona and Ms. Barbara, (Mr. James, the chef too), are so beloved by our daughter. Our daughter thinks Ms. Rachel is the coolest person ever. Ms. Rachel is warm, bubbly, compassionate, kind and such an amazing teacher. She makes all the kids feel special. Ms. Keyona is fun, personable and will explore children’s interests with them. Ms. Barbara is our new teacher this year who we love so far, and our daughter is so eager to make Ms. Barbara proud. And Mr. James makes the best food per our daughter. If I try to make something at home that Mr. James makes, she always says that his version is better.
Keyonna T.
September 5, 2023
Awesome director, center and teachers!!
Other Programs Available at Our School
Our infant program provides nurturing care in a safe, stimulating environment where babies begin their earliest learning journey with trust and connection.
Our toddler program supports independence, language growth, and social development through guided play and hands-on discovery.
Our early preschool program helps younger children build foundational skills through developmentally appropriate routines, exploration, and relationship-based learning.
Our preschool program expands academic and social foundations so children can enter transitional kindergarten with stronger readiness and enthusiasm.
Our summer programs keep children engaged with creative projects, outdoor fun, and new friendships while school is out.
Other Programs Available at Our School
Our infant program provides nurturing care in a safe, stimulating environment where babies begin their earliest learning journey with trust and connection.
Our toddler program supports independence, language growth, and social development through guided play and hands-on discovery.
Our early preschool program helps younger children build foundational skills through developmentally appropriate routines, exploration, and relationship-based learning.
Our preschool program expands academic and social foundations so children can enter transitional kindergarten with stronger readiness and enthusiasm.
Our summer programs keep children engaged with creative projects, outdoor fun, and new friendships while school is out.
Transitional Kindergarten Program 4-5 Years Sample Schedule
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Free Play: Children arrive and engage in self-guided play at all learning centers, focusing on exploration and choice-making.
8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Morning Snack: Nutritious morning snacks provide energy while children practice social skills and healthy habits.
8:50 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Circle Time and Learning Centers: Morning circle includes language development activities through finger plays, songs, stories, and daily exercise. Children then participate in theme-related learning, offering choices in activities and play.
10:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. Group Activities: Students participate in Smart Board sessions and theme-related activities including math and science. Transitional kindergarten students focus on alphabet activities, journaling, and academic skill building.
10:55 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. Outdoor Play and Enrichment Activities: Weather permitting, children enjoy physical fitness and outdoor exploration. Indoor alternatives include cooperative games and gross motor activities.
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch: Hot, nutritious lunch supports healthy eating while children practice conversation skills and table manners.
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Rest Period: Children rest quietly with soft music to recharge for afternoon learning. Quiet activities accommodate different rest needs.
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Afternoon Snack: Healthy snacks fuel continued learning and provide social interaction opportunities.
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Group Activity: Transitional kindergarten students participate in show and tell, small group activities, and presentation skills development.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Learning Centers and Enrichment Activities: Students engage in open-ended learning activities. Soccer Shots and music enrichment programs enhance physical and creative development.
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Outdoor Play and Learning Centers: Second outdoor opportunity supports physical development and fresh air exploration.
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Learning Centers: The day concludes with group games and free play across learning centers including music, sensory experiences, and art. Story time brings the day to a peaceful close.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Transitional Kindergarten Program
A two-year kindergarten program gives students additional time to strengthen developmental skills before entering elementary school. During this important stage, children are taught foundational literacy, math, and social skills that prepare them for success in the next grade.
Schedule a Tour!
There is so much heart in this season before kindergarten. Your child is still wonderfully little, but they are also becoming more independent, more expressive, and more ready for what comes next. At Cranfield Academy, our transitional kindergarten program gives children the time, encouragement, and academic foundation they need to step into kindergarten with joy and confidence. We would love to welcome your family, show you our TK program, and help you feel certain about this next chapter for your child.