TK vs. PreK: What are the pros and cons and the Peekadoodle difference?
Navigating school options for your child in San Francisco often comes with a great deal of anxiety. Stories of impossible waitlists, a public school lottery that may place your child across town, and the perception that independent schools are both highly competitive and expensive can feel overwhelming, and frankly, confusing.
With more school districts launching public TK programs and private schools following suit, families now face a new question: Public TK or Private Preschool for your child’s final year of early childhood education?
Choosing between a private preschool Pre-K program and a public school TK requires considering several factors, each with its own pros and cons. After many years helping families navigate these options and seeing how they play out in practice, I’ve put together an overview to support you in making the best choice for your child.
Pre-K in Private Preschool Settings
Pre-K is typically offered within a child’s existing preschool community and taught by educators trained specifically in early childhood development. Most children entering Pre-K have already been part of the preschool, allowing their final year to build seamlessly on earlier experiences. At Peekadoodle, for example, curriculum scaffolding, especially in early literacy, is intentional from class to class, ensuring stronger outcomes over time. Pre-K programs focus on developmentally appropriate lessons and goals tailored to the needs of 4 and 5-year-olds.
Unlike preschools, public and many independent elementary schools do not require teachers to have formal early childhood education coursework. Preschool teachers, however, must meet state requirements for education, training hours, and ongoing professional development. At Peekadoodle, all lead teachers hold advanced degrees or certifications in early childhood or related fields.
Class size and ratios are another key difference. Private preschools maintain small ratios—state regulations require a maximum of 1:12, though Peekadoodle offers 1:8—allowing for individualized support and more meaningful relationships. This creates a strong foundation for not only academic learning, but social-emotional learning, giving children a safe space to practice friendship skills, navigate conflict, and build emotional resilience before entering elementary school.
Pre-K also provides a rich, varied curriculum that integrates writing, phonics, math, science, and hands-on, multi-sensory learning experiences. Dramatic play, art, music, movement, and ample free play remain central and essential to the way young children learn. Many TK programs within elementary schools offer fewer opportunities in these areas.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Public TK was created to allow families to enroll children in elementary school earlier and increase long-term retention. The biggest advantage is cost as public TK is free, which can significantly ease financial pressure.
However, TK programs typically have larger classes, up to 24 children with one teacher, and operate under elementary school guidelines rather than early childhood education standards. Curriculum tends to be more academic, more worksheet-driven, and less individualized. While TK introduces important Kindergarten-readiness concepts, the structure often leaves less room for play-based, exploratory learning.
Many districts, including SFUSD, have also faced challenges staffing these classrooms with teachers who specialize in early childhood development, as the concept is still relatively new for school systems.
Final Thoughts
Families in San Francisco often feel overwhelmed when making school decisions. What may seem like the obvious choice—such as public TK or TK within a K–8 school—can ultimately offer a less developmentally appropriate experience than staying in a preschool setting for one final year. There is also added pressure to “get in early” in hopes of securing Kindergarten admissions at various independent schools, a process that is already stressful for many families.
Peekadoodle children have consistently experienced strong success in the Kindergarten admissions process, even when applying to schools that offer their own Pre-K or TK programs. We believe that rather than rushing into programs still learning how to effectively serve this age group, children who complete Peekadoodle’s full program leave with a stronger sense of self, a deeper foundation for learning, and the confidence needed for a positive Kindergarten transition.
At Peekadoodle, we have seen children truly thrive when they finish their preschool journey in an environment intentionally designed for their developmental stage. Being the “big kids” during their Pre-K year builds confidence and a sense of leadership that they carry into the K–5 or K–8 setting. For many children, switching schools too early can feel disruptive, while remaining in a familiar, nurturing environment supports comfort, emotional security, and continuity.
It’s also important to note that the Peekadoodle team is deeply invested in each child from their very first day. We take great joy in watching children grow, change, and develop, and we eagerly anticipate supporting them through their final year of preschool. Completing the full program is just as important to us as it is beneficial for your child.
We hope this offers helpful insight from professionals who have witnessed these outcomes firsthand and are committed to supporting families through every step of this process.