Transitional kindergarten · Chico
17 of Chico’s public and charter campuses ran a TK class in 2025–26, enrolling 641 four-year-olds.
Source: CDE 2025–26 October enrollment count, 17 campuses in Chico.
Eligibility
Who can start TK in 2027–28?
Children who turn 4 by September 1, 2027 can start, and it’s free.
Age
Is my child old enough?
A birthday from September 2, 2022 through September 1, 2023 (our arithmetic from the rule). A child who turns 5 by September 1 starts kindergarten instead.
Rule: California Education Code § 48000 (opens in a new tab)
Cost
Does TK cost anything?
No. TK is a free public school year before kindergarten, and enrolling is optional. Hours, before- and after-school care and open seats vary by campus, so ask the school.
Campuses
Which Chico campuses have a TK class?
17 campuses in Chico had a TK class in 2025–26.
Campuses by TK headcount
63in TK
McManus (John A.) Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 67Needs Support · 6th percentile
63in TK
Sierra View Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 80Solid · 72nd percentile
59in TK
Hooker Oak Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 80Solid · 73rd percentile
55in TK
CORE Butte CharterCharter
Grades TK–12 · Butte County Office of Education · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 74Developing · 40th percentile
51in TK
Emma Wilson Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 80Solid · 72nd percentile
48in TK
Neal Dow Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 80Solid · 71st percentile
47in TK
Marigold Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 77Solid · 58th percentile
39in TK
Chico Country DayCharter
Grades TK–8 · Chico Unified · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 79Solid · 68th percentile
36in TK
Achieve CharterCharter
Grades TK–12 · Butte County Office of Education · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 74Developing · 46th percentile
26in TK
Citrus Avenue Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 71Developing · 26th percentile
24in TK
Blue Oak CharterCharter
Grades TK–8 · Chico Unified · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 70Needs Support · 22nd percentile
24in TK
Chapman Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 73Developing · 36th percentile
24in TK
Little Chico Creek Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 71Needs Support · 22nd percentile
24in TK
Wildflower Open ClassroomCharter
Grades TK–8 · Chico Unified · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 78Solid · 63rd percentile
20in TK
Parkview Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 86Strong · 88th percentile
20in TK
Rosedale Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Chico Unified
Scope Score 74Developing · 45th percentile
18in TK
Sherwood MontessoriCharter
Grades TK–8 · Chico Unified · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 73Developing · 39th percentile
Each campus’s TK headcount is from the state’s 2025–26 October enrollment count. Each Scope Score and percentile compares a school’s elementary grades with California elementary schools. A campus without elementary results shows none.
Each headcount counts the students enrolled on one October day, so it shows who enrolled, not seats open now. A campus missing here may still run TK; confirm with the school or district.
Before TK
Too young for TK? Where can my child go?
Chico has 72 licensed child care programs.
52
child care centers20
family child care homesA child born after September 1, 2023 isn’t old enough for TK in 2027–28. Until they are, look at Chico’s centers and family child care homes, and ask each one about ages and openings.
Licensed programs from the California Community Care Licensing Division: child care centers as of August 13, 2026, family child care homes as of May 25, 2025. A license is not a quality rating or a current opening.