The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will hold its annual Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Roundup on Jan. 22, giving parents an opportunity to meet principals and teachers at their neighborhood schools.
The event prepares families for the 2026-2027 school year and allows parents to learn about before and after school care while beginning the registration process. Times vary by school and are listed on the district's flyer.
California's Universal Prekindergarten Expansion now provides TK for every age-eligible child, making it the entry-level grade into public school. Parents can check birthday guidelines for qualification on the district website.
"The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District deeply values the power of early learning," said Dr. Susan Samarge-Powell, district director of early learning. "We strive to offer rich experiences that nurture students socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively."
SMMUSD offers TK and kindergarten at all Santa Monica and Malibu elementary schools. Edison Language Academy offers TK through its lottery enrollment system.
"We encourage all families to join their neighborhood school's TK/K Roundup on Jan. 22, or to visit as soon as possible," Samarge-Powell said. "Early participation helps families feel welcomed right away and allows the District enough time to prepare classrooms, staff and materials for a smooth start to the school year."
The district's Child Development Services also oversees programs serving infant, toddler and preschool-age students throughout the district. Programs include fee-based and subsidized full-day care for infants and toddlers at the Infant Toddler Center.
SMMUSD offers a variety of programs, including part-day (three hours), extended-day (six hours) and full-day (10-hour) classrooms. Programming may be reduced or free for qualifying families.
The preschool and TK programs are district-aligned, Reggio-inspired and STEAM-enhanced as part of SMMUSD's Early Learning Pathway. The pathway's mission is to foster relationships between families, community and educators, creating a seamless transition to elementary school.
Visit the SMMUSD new student enrollment webpage at www.smmusd.org for more information and to find your neighborhood school. For questions about infant, toddler and preschool programs, call Child Development Services at 310-399-5865 or visit www.smmusd.org/cds. For questions about TK or kindergarten programs, contact your neighborhood school.
Edited by SMDP Staff