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 and human 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
Pre-Reading and Early Reading
Our Explorers chart unknown regions as they learn to distinguish sounds, identify phonograms, decode words and narrate orally. They investigate stories and learn to predict outcomes, to recognize likenesses, to interpret main ideas, and to sequence events. They participate in other language-eliciting activities, such as narration (telling back a story they have heard), picture studies (orally describing what they see in a painting), and composer studies (hearing classical music and describing what they heard).
Natural Science
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.
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.
Math
Explorers discover the basics of number, shape, time, and size. They learn the calendar, days of the week, telling time, along with charting the weather, recognizing less than/greater than, and understanding frequency. These are the building blocks for first grade math.
Religion
Students will learn basic prayers and the foundations of our faith. 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.
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
- Poetry
- PE
- History (Story of the World Series)
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 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, generosity, and more. These stories spark meaningful conversations and serve as gentle guides for character formation.