Transitional Kindergarten:
A Spanish Immersion
TK Program
A bilingual IB TK program in the San Francisco Bay Area
A play-based program 100% in Spanish for four-year-olds, serving families in Oakland, the East Bay and San Francisco.
TK
Transitional kindergarten, Oakland campus
Most Tuesdays, 9:00 AM
Can’t make a tour date?
We’ll suggest a class visit or a call.
Contact admissions
What is transitional kindergarten at EBI?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI), a private Spanish-English dual language immersion school, is a Spanish immersion program for four-year-olds, serving families in Oakland, the East Bay and San Francisco. TK is 100% in Spanish, with no English instruction. For the 2026–27 school year, TK is at our Oakland campus. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, it moves to our San Pablo campus in Emeryville.
Nurturing curiosity, creativity, and growth
Our TK program introduces young learners to the joy of education through a positive, play-based approach, where student voices are respected and valued. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms allow student choices, voices, and interests to guide the learning process, because we believe that children are capable, curious, and active participants in their own development.
At a glance
Age
4 years old as of September 1, 2027, for the 2027–28 school year
Campus
Oakland campus in 2026–27. San Pablo campus, 4550 San Pablo Ave., Emeryville, from 2027–28
Spanish
100% in Spanish from day one, with no English instruction
Curriculum
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), in Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms
New to Spanish?
No Spanish is required to enter TK
Hours
8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended care 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Student-teacher ratio
8:1 on average across EBI
Tuition
$34,810 in 2026–27. More than 30% of families receive Flexible Tuition
How does Spanish immersion work in TK?
TK is 100% in Spanish, with no English instruction, and immersion begins from day one. Teachers conduct classroom activities in Spanish, and support understanding with gestures, facial expressions, visual aids, and interactive communication, so all learners feel confident and included.
Natural Spanish immersion from the start
Students are encouraged to respond in their mother tongue initially, gradually transitioning to more Spanish as their confidence grows. Native Spanish speakers benefit from deeper home language development. Bilingualism nurtures language fluency, cognitive flexibility, empathy, and a global perspective that will serve students for life.
An IB school in the Bay Area: the Primary Years Programme in TK
A world-class beginning
EBI is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, teaching the Primary Years Programme from TK through Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6 to 8. Our TK students begin their educational journey through discovery, inquiry, and structured learning experiences, and become thinkers, communicators, and caring classmates.
What will my child learn in TK?
Early math
Sorting, classifying, creating patterns, and developing number sense and spatial awareness.
Early literacy
Phonemic awareness activities, read-alouds, and developing book and print concepts.
Social and motor skills
Sharing, taking turns, expressing emotions, and resolving conflicts, with hands-on activities that build fine motor skills.
Why families choose EBI for transitional kindergarten
A Spanish-English bilingual foundation
An inquiry-driven IB curriculum
A student-centered approach
A warm, nurturing learning environment
Social, emotional, and intellectual development
A celebration of diversity and global citizenship
TK questions families ask
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Yes. EBI is an independent private school in Emeryville, founded in 2006 and serving families across the Bay Area from TK through Grade 8. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, and classes are small, averaging 8 students per teacher.
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For the 2027–28 school year, 4 years old as of September 1, 2027. For kindergarten, 5 years old as of the same date.
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For the 2026–27 school year, TK is at our Oakland campus, 410 Alcatraz Ave. in Oakland. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, TK moves to the San Pablo campus, 4550 San Pablo Ave. in Emeryville, bringing our TK through Grade 8 community together on one campus.
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EBI’s TK is in the East Bay and serves families in Oakland, the East Bay and San Francisco. For the 2026–27 school year, TK is at our Oakland campus, 410 Alcatraz Ave. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, TK moves to the San Pablo campus, 4550 San Pablo Ave. in Emeryville.
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TK is 100% in Spanish, with no English instruction.
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No. No Spanish language skills are required to enter TK, kindergarten, or Grade 1.
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EBI’s Pre-Kindergarten program for three-year-olds concludes at the end of the 2026–27 school year. Beginning in 2027–28, EBI starts at TK, a Spanish immersion program for four-year-olds serving families in Oakland, the East Bay and San Francisco.
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A concept-driven, inquiry-based framework designed to foster deep understanding across multiple disciplines. EBI is authorized to teach it from TK through Grade 5.
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TK runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Tuition for TK is $34,810 for 2026–27. TK tuition for 2027–28 will be communicated in January 2027. Through Flexible Tuition, EBI’s need-based program, many families pay less; more than 30% of families receive it. See Affording EBI.
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Students continue into Spanish immersion kindergarten in EBI’s bilingual Lower School, where the Primary Years Programme carries through Grade 5.
Visit our TK program
See a Spanish immersion classroom in action and meet the teachers.
TK
Transitional kindergarten, Oakland campus
Most Tuesdays, 9:00 AM
Can’t make a tour date?
We’ll suggest a class visit or a call.
Contact admissions