Transitional kindergarten · La Mesa
11 of La Mesa’s public and charter campuses ran a TK class in 2025–26, enrolling 458 four-year-olds.
Source: CDE 2025–26 October enrollment count, 11 campuses in La Mesa.
- Murray Manor Elementary62 in TK
- Northmont Elementary60 in TK
- La Mesa Dale Elementary58 in TK
- Lemon Avenue Elementary58 in TK
- Maryland Avenue Elementary58 in TK
- Avocado Elementary56 in TK
- Murdock Elementary41 in TK
- Rolando Elementary39 in TK
- The Learning Choice Academy - East County11 in TK
- Sparrow Academy9 in TK
- JCS - Manzanita6 in TK
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.
Where to enroll
Through 2 school districts, or a charter
- La Mesa-Spring Valley
- 7 of 11
- Cajon Valley Union
- 1 of 11
Campuses
Which La Mesa campuses have a TK class?
11 campuses in La Mesa had a TK class in 2025–26.
Campuses by TK headcount
62in TK
Murray Manor Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 76Solid · 56th percentile
60in TK
Northmont Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 72Developing · 32nd percentile
58in TK
La Mesa Dale Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 76Solid · 53rd percentile
58in TK
Lemon Avenue Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 81Strong · 75th percentile
58in TK
Maryland Avenue Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 80Solid · 70th percentile
56in TK
Avocado Elementary
Grades TK–5 · Cajon Valley Union
Scope Score 72Developing · 28th percentile
41in TK
Murdock Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 81Strong · 76th percentile
39in TK
Rolando Elementary
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley
Scope Score 75Developing · 47th percentile
11in TK
The Learning Choice Academy - East CountyCharter
Grades TK–12 · Grossmont Union High · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 76Solid · 53rd percentile
9in TK
Sparrow AcademyCharter
Grades TK–5 · La Mesa-Spring Valley · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 74Developing · 43rd percentile
6in TK
JCS - ManzanitaCharter
Grades TK–12 · San Diego County Office of Education · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 78Solid · 64th 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?
La Mesa has 50 licensed child care programs.
36
child care centers14
family child care homesA child born after September 1, 2023 isn’t old enough for TK in 2027–28. Until they are, look at La Mesa’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.