TK-K Explorers
TK-K Explorers
At Pacific Oaks Academy, our TK–K program lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by Christian virtues, we cultivate an environment where young students explore the beauty of the world around them while building essential skills in science, math, language, and history.
Our Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs are designed to engage the whole child—mind, body and soul. Through age-appropriate academic instruction, novels, hands-on discovery, fort building, and guided play, our students begin their journey into formal learning in a setting that honors their developmental needs and curiosity.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is open to 4 and 5 year-olds.
Kindergarten (K) is open to 5 and 6 year-olds.
These early years are not simply preparation for first grade—they are the beginning of a lifetime of discovery. Whether studying the habits of monarch butterflies on a nature walk, celebrating the feast of a beloved saint, or learning to write their name with care, our youngest students are invited into a fun, hands-on, adventurous class of learning.
At Pacific Oaks, we believe education is not just the transfer of information, but the formation of the whole person. Our TK–K program introduces students to academic readiness, teaches virtues and nurtures the joy of learning within a loving and structured environment.
Curriculum
Natural Science
TK Overview:
Students will explore foundational science topics such as weather and climate, animal classification, habitats, and the food chain. They will be introduced to tree and plant identification through hands-on observation and drawing studies of local plant and insect species around the school. The teacher acts as a guide—offering just enough information to support inquiry and preserving the joy of discovery while protecting students from discouragement.
K Overview:
Building on the first year, students will deepen their knowledge of tree and plant identification and classification, observe animal life, and study butterflies and insects. Lessons will incorporate nature walks and community hikes, encouraging children to explore native plants and insects. As young nature explorers, students will learn to care for the environment and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Basic safety rules will be taught, including how to recognize plants and animals that may be hazardous to humans.
History & Social Studies
TK Overview:
Citizenship, family systems, community occupations, time and chronology, and an introduction to key U.S. historical events and Greek mythology. Major Catholic and U.S. holidays are studied and celebrated throughout the year.
K Overview:
Students will study national symbols, world artifacts, U.S. geography, and the continents. Lessons will also introduce the concepts of bartering and currency. Major Catholic and U.S. holidays continue to be studied and celebrated each year.
Language Arts
Students will be separated by grade level in this subject to support developmental differences.
TK Overview:
Recognition of symbols, letters, and numbers; identifying their own name and classmates’ names; and developing phonemic awareness through multi-sensory activities. Ample opportunities will be provided to strengthen fine motor skills.
K Overview:
Using Zoo-Phonics for phonological awareness and Explode the Code (Books A, B, and C) to develop recognition of upper- and lowercase letters. Students will engage in teacher-created activities that encourage letter formation, name writing, and word building. As they are ready, students will begin reading and writing at their own pace.
Math
Our math program introduces students to the beauty, order, and logic of mathematics through hands-on exploration and age-appropriate instruction.
TK Overview:
Students begin by discovering the basics of numbers, shapes, time, and size. Daily activities include calendar work, learning the days of the week, weather charting, and exploring comparing, contrasting, segmenting and sorting.
Foundational skills are developed through tactile learning, counting games, and pattern recognition.
K Overview:
Kindergarten students deepen their understanding of number sense, sequencing, patterns, and early operations. Using manipulatives and visual models, they explore concepts such as addition, subtraction, place value, and measurement.
These experiences lay the groundwork for first-grade math, including early exposure to algebraic and geometric thinking presented in an engaging, developmentally appropriate way.
Religion
Students will learn basic prayers and the foundations of our faith from the Baltimore Catechism, and St. Joseph’s Catechism. Bible verse memorization and a "Virtue of the Month" will be incorporated throughout the year. Teachers model and encourage students to be respectful, kind, and charitable members of the school community. These lessons are delivered both through structured catechesis and organically during play, rest, and classroom routines.
Spanish
At Pacific Oaks Academy, students are gently introduced to Spanish through songs, stories, and interactive activities that build vocabulary and foster an ear for the language.
In these early years, our goal is to create familiarity with Spanish in a natural, immersive way—laying the groundwork for future language acquisition.
Great Moral Stories (GMS)
Great Moral Stories program builds on Pacific Oaks focus of reading stories aloud and encouraging students to live the school motto as they seek what is true, good, and beautiful in their lives.
September: Respect & Responsibility
October: Diligence
November: Gratitude
December: Generosity
January: Courage
February: Honesty and Justice
March: Compassion
April: Forgiveness
May: Hope
Other Activities
At Pacific Oaks Academy, our TK–K students enjoy a rich variety of activities that nurture the whole child.
- Music
- Art
- Spanish
- Poetry
- PE
A Typical Day at TK-K Explorers
Each day at Pacific Oaks Academy begins with kids playing outside! Students participate in recitation, penmanship, phonemic awareness, mathematics, religion and more. Throughout the week, they engage in nature study, art, music, ancient history, Spanish and immerse themselves in living books that awaken their imagination and intellect.
The day flows with a gentle rhythm of short, focused lessons. Whether solving puzzles, painting, singing, gathering leaves or catching lizards during a nature walk, or presenting a favorite object during show-and-tell, students develop clear speech and articulation, and enjoy the world around them.
Each month, a specific virtue is woven into the life of the classroom through our GMS program. Our explorers hear and discuss stories—both classic and faith-based—that illuminate the virtue, helping them reflect on what it means to live with courage, honesty, kindness, self-control and more. These stories spark meaningful conversations and serve as gentle guides for character formation.