Are there any half-day kindergarten programs in Oakland?
I'm looking at kindergarten options. I grew up with kindergarten being half days. But it seems like OUSD and lots of other schools - private, charter, the whole lot - are doing full-day kindergarten. I know it's great for those who need full-time childcare, but are there any half-day programs? For families that don't need (or want to pay tuition for) a full day? For kids who just need a gentler introduction to the classroom experience? For kids who need more free-play time? Is half-day kindergarten a thing anymore?
Thanks!
May 13, 2018
Parent Replies
Piedmont schools have 1/2 day Kindergarten.
If you are open to moving, Fremont still has half-day kindergarten, and Albany has less-than-full-day kindergarten. Otherwise, though, almost all schools and Bay Area districts are full day now. Kindergarten is "the new first grade," so to speak--content that was once taught in first is now taught in kindergarten, which is in part why the entry age was pushed back. Your best bet is probably either a year of bridge kindergarten if you think your child needs the extra year, or a private school where kindergarten will still be full day but is often more play-based.
Treehouse Preschool in Redwood Heights offers a half day Kinder and K-Prep program. Our oldest son is finishing up his Kinder year now and we have been very impressed with the program.
Although most K students at my daughter's school attend for a full day, a half-day is offered. Students can be picked up after lunch. She is at Pear Tree Community School in the East Oakland hills, close to the zoo. www.peartreecs.com
I recommend visiting the kindergartens and check out the schedule. When I was looking at full-day kindergarten in San Francisco for my daughter, after lunch was rest/nap, and then learning games/low-key free play such as board games, blocks and coloring. That seemed totally OK to me, basically just what she would be doing if she were at home.
Piedmont now has full-day kindergarten, to follow up on a previous comment. Both Piedmont and Alameda went to full-day in the last year or two.