Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Downey

Transitional Kindergarten at Montessori Academy Downey

The Montessori Transitional Kindergarten program at Montessori Academy Downey is for children ages 4–6 who are approaching the age of public Kindergarten entry or who have already entered that window. Unlike public TK — a single year of age-sorted, teacher-directed instruction — the Montessori TK experience is the final chapter of a three-year Primary cycle where children have already been developing reading, writing, and mathematical thinking since age 3. By the time a child is 5 or 6 in our classroom, they are typically working two to three years ahead of public Kindergarten benchmarks.

The TK program at 7515 Firestone Blvd, Downey CA 90241 uses the same Montessori Primary materials that all children in our 3–6 classroom access — but TK-age children work with greater independence and depth. They write with the moveable alphabet and begin composing sentences. They work with the golden bead material for four-digit arithmetic. They use continent maps, timeline cards, and botany specimens. Campus Director Veronica Tapia leads a team of AMS and AMI certified teachers who specialize in this 5–6 age window.

Montessori Academy Downey is the only trilingual TK program in the Downey and Bellflower area — Spanish, French, and Tagalog are integrated into the daily TK work cycle. Children entering 1st grade from this program typically do so reading in two or three languages.

MAOF, CCTR, CSPP, and CalWORKs subsidies are accepted. Most Downey-area families qualify for tuition assistance — call (562) 291-2324 to check eligibility before your tour. TK graduates can also continue on-campus in the K–3 elementary program.

Montessori TK vs. Public TK

No standardized tests. Individualized pacing. Children move forward when ready — not when the calendar says so.

Spanish, French, & Tagalog (trilingual) Daily

Language immersion woven into every TK lesson at no extra cost.

Reading & Writing Ready

Most TK graduates enter 1st grade reading at or above a 2nd–3rd grade level.

Year-Round, 7 AM–6 PM

No summer gap — TK children keep building skills through July and August.

1:5 Teacher Ratio

One teacher per five children — the TK classroom has the individual attention public schools cannot match.

Tuition from From ~$1,400/mo (MAOF accepted)

Full-time and part-time options. Schedule a tour for your family's exact fee sheet.

From first call to first day

Call or tour request

Call (562) 291-2324 or submit online. We schedule within 1–3 business days.

45-minute campus tour

See the TK classroom in action, meet Veronica Tapia, check current openings.

Review enrollment packet

Fee sheet, schedule options, enrollment agreement.

Secure your spot

$100 registration + $300 deposit confirms enrollment.

Orientation & first day

Parent orientation then staggered start for your child.

Questions about TK at Montessori Academy Downey

What is Transitional Kindergarten at Montessori Academy?

Montessori TK is not a separate program — it is the final year of the three-year Primary cycle (ages 3–6). Children ages 5–6 work in the same classroom as 3 and 4-year-olds, and by the end of their TK year they have typically been developing academic skills for two to three years. Most graduates enter 1st grade reading at or above a 2nd–3rd grade level.

How does Montessori TK compare to California public TK?

California public TK is one year of age-sorted, standards-based instruction with 20–30 children per classroom. Montessori TK is the final year of a three-year cycle with individualized pacing, a 1:5 ratio, no standardized tests, and daily language immersion. There are no grade-level benchmarks that every child must hit by a specific date — children move forward when they are genuinely ready.

What ages does the TK program serve at Downey?

The TK window is ages 4–6. Children entering the Primary classroom at age 3 and staying for three years complete their TK year at age 5 or 6. Children who are already 4 or 5 and have not previously attended Montessori Academy can also enroll — schedule a tour to discuss your child's specific situation with Campus Director Veronica Tapia.

What languages are taught in the TK program?

Spanish, French, and Tagalog (trilingual). Both are integrated into the daily TK work cycle — woven into lessons, songs, and classroom conversation at no additional cost. This is not a separate language class; it is part of the prepared environment.

How much does TK at Montessori Academy Downey cost?

Tuition is From ~$1,400/mo (MAOF accepted) for full-time enrollment. Part-time schedules are available. Schedule a tour to receive a complete fee sheet. Enrollment is confirmed with a $100 registration fee and $300 deposit.

How do I enroll my child in the TK program?

Schedule a 45-minute campus tour at 7515 Firestone Blvd. Tour the Primary/TK classroom while children are working, meet Campus Director Veronica Tapia, and check current availability. A $100 registration fee and $300 deposit confirm enrollment.

Which neighborhoods near Downey does Montessori Academy serve?

Montessori Academy Downey at 7515 Firestone Blvd serves families from South Gate, Bellflower, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Paramount, and Lynwood. Call (562) 291-2324 to ask about commute time from your area.

Transitional Kindergarten in Downey