Transitional Kindergarten · Bridge Year · Older 4s & Young 5s · Montclair, NJ
A thoughtful extra year before kindergarten.
Our Senior North class offers a purposeful Pre-K experience that can also serve as a Transitional Kindergarten year, giving families the time and support to make the right placement decision with confidence.
Suburban Essex Best of Essex 2025
Silver Winner
An outstanding academic program in a warm & nurturing environment, since 1996.
You’re not alone in wondering
Not sure if kindergarten is the right next step?
For many families — especially those with children who have late spring, summer, or early fall birthdays — this decision isn’t always clear. You may be asking yourself:
- Is my child truly ready for the expectations of kindergarten?
- Would another year help them feel more confident socially, academically, and emotionally?
- Will they thrive — or feel overwhelmed if I push them ahead?
- Am I making the right decision by sending them now or waiting?
These are thoughtful, common questions — and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
“A child is not defined by age alone, but is a unique person whose cognitive, emotional, and social needs must be supported in the very best way possible.”
Read our article: “Reading, Writing, and Kindergarten Redshirting”
About the program
What is Transitional Kindergarten?
Transitional Kindergarten — sometimes called a “bridge year,” redshirting, or a “young 5s” year — is an intentional extra year before kindergarten. At Park Street Academy, this is not simply repeating Pre-K. It is a purposeful year that:
- Builds confidence and independence
- Strengthens social-emotional skills
- Deepens early academic foundations
- Allows children to grow at a comfortable pace
Who this program is for
A great fit for families considering an extra year.
Late birthdays
Children turning 5 between late spring and early fall whose families are considering an extra year.
Bright but still growing
Children who are bright but may benefit from more time socially or emotionally.
Considering redshirting
Parents who want a meaningful, structured year — not simply more time at home.
Looking for a bridge year
Families who want a true bridge year between Pre-K and Kindergarten — structured, purposeful, and warm.
A strong foundation
Building skills now to reduce the likelihood of struggling or being held back later on.
No residency requirement
Families across the Montclair, NJ area are welcome — no town boundaries.
For children who miss the district cutoff but show readiness, the same class can also serve as an accelerated pathway — more on this below.
Why families choose an extra year
Setting children up to move forward with confidence.
“The decision should not be based solely on age, but on the child’s readiness as a whole.”
- Greater confidence in social situations
- Stronger independence and self-help skills
- Improved focus and comfort for structured learning
- Deeper peer relationships
- A smoother, more successful transition to kindergarten
The gift of time — without the pressure
You don’t need to decide everything in advance.
One of the most valuable parts of this program is flexibility. Families do not need to commit a full year ahead of time to whether their child will move on to kindergarten or first grade. Instead, you can:
- Watch your child's growth over time
- Receive ongoing feedback from teachers
- Make a confident, informed decision as the year unfolds
Two possible paths after this year
As children develop throughout the year, families can choose the path that best fits their child:
- Move on to kindergarten with greater ease and readiness
- Move directly to first grade (for children who are ready, with district approval)
“PSA is simply the best parent decision I’ve made hands down.”
A balanced, engaging day
Academics, creativity, and meaningful play.
Children learn through a mix of structured learning and hands-on exploration. Throughout the day, students experience:
- Whole and small group instruction in literacy and math
- Hands-on science and STEM
- Social studies, art, and thematic learning
- Fine arts with a Spring Art Show
- Spanish and music classes
- Outdoor play and movement breaks
- Imaginative play and exploration
- A free art station with materials that change weekly
Learning is reinforced through engaging thematic units, including community helpers, environmental conservation, local history, and cultural diversity.
“The amount of knowledge my kids have bestowed upon me from what they learned at school is astonishing.”
A literacy foundation that sets us apart
Wilson Fundations® in Pre-K.
One of the ways our Pre-K program stands apart is our use of Wilson Fundations, a multisensory early literacy program that introduces:
- Letter formation
- Letter-sound connections
- Early sight words
- Pre-writing and handwriting skills
Through engaging, hands-on activities, children build a strong foundation for reading and writing in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and fun.
“PSA has helped create a happy and strong early childhood experience, full of love, laughter, friendship, a strong sense of self, and pride in individual accomplishment.”
Three teachers in every classroom
An exceptional teacher-to-student ratio.
While larger programs may have one teacher and one assistant, our classrooms are supported by three professional team teachers per class. This allows for:
- Small group learning
- Individual attention
- One-on-one support
- Strong, lasting relationships
“The teachers don’t just know your child’s name — they know their interests, their strengths, their quirks, and how to help them grow with confidence.”
Flexible scheduling that works for families
A day shaped around your family.
Our core Pre-K program runs 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with options for before and after care.
Our Full Plus Program offers schedule flexibility from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, including afternoon enrichment and our outstanding summer camp with swim lessons.
Afternoon enrichment clubs
Each day offers something different:
- Book Crew — building a love of reading through stories and activities
- Yoga — movement, strengthening, and mindfulness
- Wiz Kidz — hands-on science experiments
- Performing Arts — music, dance, and improvisation
- Kids Café — cooking, creating, and trying new foods
Optional add-ons include Tennis, Gymnastics, and Super Sports. Even families not enrolled in the full extended program can stay for clubs, with flexible hourly pricing.
“We sent our children for a full day and most days they didn’t want to leave. Highly recommend!”
Meeting each child where they are
Every child’s path is different.
Whether your child needs more time, more confidence, or a more gradual transition, we support their starting point and guide their development throughout the year.
For some families: an accelerated pathway
While many families choose this program to give their child additional time before kindergarten, there are situations where a child may be ready to move ahead academically. For children who miss the kindergarten cutoff but demonstrate strong academic, social, and emotional readiness, this class can also serve as a pathway forward. In these cases, children may:
- Complete this year as a kindergarten-equivalent experience
- Move on to first grade the following year (when approved by their local school district)
Because policies vary by town, we encourage families to speak with their district in advance to understand specific guidelines and approval.
All are welcome here
A diverse community, nearly three decades in the making.
Park Street Academy has been committed to serving and celebrating our diverse community since 1996. Through our curriculum and classroom experiences, children learn about different families, cultures, traditions, and perspectives — building respect, pride, and a strong sense of belonging.
“After two years, I feel that I’ve graduated along with my daughter and am a better parent and person as a result of the remarkable environment they’ve created and fostered.”
Want to learn more? Read our article on Kindergarten Redshirting.
Limited openings available
Let’s talk about what’s right for your child.
“Take a deep breath. While no one can predict the future, trust that you are making the best decision you can for your child.”
We’d love to help you think it through, answer your questions, and explore whether this program is the right fit for your child.