Transitional kindergarten · Lake Forest
5 of Lake Forest’s public and charter campuses ran a TK class in 2025–26, enrolling 291 four-year-olds.
Source: CDE 2025–26 October enrollment count, 5 campuses in Lake Forest.
- Lake Forest Elementary72 in TK
- Rancho Cañada Elementary71 in TK
- Ralph A. Gates DLI Magnet Elementary68 in TK
- Olivewood Elementary40 in TK
- Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley40 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 Saddleback Valley Unified, or a charter
Campuses
Which Lake Forest campuses have a TK class?
5 campuses in Lake Forest had a TK class in 2025–26.
Campuses by TK headcount
72in TK
Lake Forest Elementary
Grades TK–6 · Saddleback Valley Unified
Scope Score 80Solid · 70th percentile
71in TK
Rancho Cañada Elementary
Grades TK–6 · Saddleback Valley Unified
Scope Score 81Strong · 75th percentile
68in TK
Ralph A. Gates DLI Magnet ElementaryMagnet
Grades TK–6 · Saddleback Valley Unified · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 80Solid · 73rd percentile
40in TK
Olivewood Elementary
Grades TK–6 · Saddleback Valley Unified
Scope Score 69Needs Support · 12th percentile
40in TK
Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback ValleyCharter
Grades TK–5 · Orange County Department of Education · Check how it admits students.
Scope Score 90Strong · 94th 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?
Lake Forest has 45 licensed child care programs.
20
child care centers25
family child care homesA child born after September 1, 2023 isn’t old enough for TK in 2027–28. Until they are, look at Lake Forest’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.