Transitional kindergarten · National City

10 of National City’s public and charter campuses ran a TK class in 2025–26, enrolling 296 four-year-olds.

Source: CDE 2025–26 October enrollment count, 10 campuses in National City.

El Toyon Elementary: 40 in TKJohn A. Otis Elementary: 39 in TKLincoln Acres: 35 in TKIra Harbison: 31 in TKPalmer Way: 30 in TKOlivewood: 28 in TKRancho de la Nacion: 25 in TKKimball: 24 in TKCentral Elementary: 22 in TKLas Palmas: 22 in TK
  1. El Toyon Elementary40 in TK
  2. John A. Otis Elementary39 in TK
  3. Lincoln Acres35 in TK
  4. Ira Harbison31 in TK
  5. Palmer Way30 in TK
  6. Olivewood28 in TK
  7. Rancho de la Nacion25 in TK
  8. Kimball24 in TK
  9. Central Elementary22 in TK
  10. Las Palmas22 in TK
Each numbered dot is a campus with a TK class, where it stands in the city. A larger dot has more children in TK. North is up.

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.

Starting ages and cutoff dates →

Where to enroll

Through National Elementary

Campuses

Which National City campuses have a TK class?

10 campuses in National City had a TK class in 2025–26.

Campuses by TK headcount

  • 40in TK

    El Toyon Elementary

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 68Needs Support · 10th percentile

  • 39in TK

    John A. Otis Elementary

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 72Developing · 30th percentile

  • 35in TK

    Lincoln Acres

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 73Developing · 36th percentile

  • 31in TK

    Ira Harbison

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 76Solid · 56th percentile

  • 30in TK

    Palmer Way

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 74Developing · 41st percentile

  • 28in TK

    Olivewood

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 73Developing · 39th percentile

  • 25in TK

    Rancho de la Nacion

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 74Developing · 44th percentile

  • 24in TK

    Kimball

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 74Developing · 46th percentile

  • 22in TK

    Central Elementary

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 71Developing · 25th percentile

  • 22in TK

    Las Palmas

    Grades TK–6 · National Elementary

    Scope Score 70Needs Support · 17th 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?

National City has 51 licensed child care programs.

17

child care centers

34

family child care homes

A child born after September 1, 2023 isn’t old enough for TK in 2027–28. Until they are, look at National City’s centers and family child care homes, and ask each one about ages and openings.

Preschools in National CityPre-K vs TK vs preschool in California: a 2026 parent’s guide

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.