transitional kindergarten and kindergarten enrichment
Our TK–K Pathfinders program introduces children to the world around them through a slow, nurturing approach to place-based learning that honors each child’s natural rhythm and sense of wonder. Each morning, children engage in play and exploration at one of our anchor locations—spending long stretches of time immersed in the natural and built environments of San Diego. Guided by their curiosities, children explore at their own pace through sensory play, storytelling, nature walks, and music-based movement. Early literacy & numeracy is introduced gently and joyfully through songs, rhythm, and meaningful conversations, with no pressure or performance.
2025-2026 Sessions
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In Our Beaches, we spend slow, unhurried mornings near the shore — digging, collecting, running, and listening. The coastline becomes a space for wonder and rhythm as children explore the feel of sand, the movement of waves, the calls of seabirds, and the treasures left behind by the tide. Through songs, storytelling, and hands-on discovery, we begin to build a relationship with the ocean — one rooted in joy, curiosity, and care for the natural world.
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Our home base in Bankers Hill is rich with places to wander, notice, and belong. In Our Neighborhood, we explore tree-lined sidewalks, shady corners of Balboa Park, gentle hills, and familiar landmarks like fountains, gardens, bridges, and even the distant roar of lions at the zoo. Children begin to map their world through movement and memory — learning that neighborhoods are made not just of buildings, but of routines, relationships, and stories.
ENROLL NOW
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In Our Trails, we follow narrow paths and soft dirt walkways through nearby canyons and green spaces just minutes from home. We visit places like Maple Canyon, Marston Point, and Presidio Park — noticing how the light changes in the trees, what lives under rocks, and how the wind feels as we climb. These sessions help children build stamina, spatial awareness, and reverence for wild spaces — even the ones tucked right inside the city.
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The city can be busy and bold — full of buses, crosswalks, murals, and motion — but for young children, it can also be magical. In Our City, we explore downtown’s edges, ride public transit, count windows on tall buildings, and watch construction sites in action. We talk about how cities are built, who takes care of them, and how people live together in shared space. Through gentle exploration, movement, and observation, we begin to understand the city as something alive, connected, and full of possibility.
Frequently asked questions:
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Nope! Pathfinders was designed with flexibility in mind. Each session runs Monday through Thursday, and families can choose the schedule that works best for them—whether that’s one, two, three, or all four days per week. Some families opt for the full-time session experience, while others join us just one day a week for our immersive field day adventures. We’re here to support what works best for your child and your family rhythm.
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Drop-off and pick-up take place at our Bankers Hill campus. Children will gather in the front yard before being transported to their field location for the day. Because our program is rooted in off-site, place-based learning, it's essential that families arrive on time—no one arriving more than 5 minutes late will be accepted for the session.
Drop-off opens at 8:45 AM, and we strongly encourage families to arrive on the earlier side. By 9:05 AM, the group will be loading up or heading off-campus, and we won’t be able to accommodate late arrivals once the group has departed.
A quick note about arrival timing:
We operate multiple programs out of our Bankers Hill location, and staggered drop-off and pick-up are key to keeping things running smoothly. To help us avoid congestion and be respectful of our neighbors, we kindly ask that families refrain from waiting on the block before the designated 8:45 AM-9:00 AM drop off window. Your cooperation helps ensure a peaceful and organized start to the day for everyone. -
Pick-up takes place at the same location as drop-off—right out front of our Bankers Hill campus.
For children departing immediately after the morning session, pick-up is between 12:30-12:35 PM.
For children staying for lunch and rest, pick-up is at 3:00 PM in the front yard.
Please note: Children who are not signed up for lunch and rest who are picked up by 12:35 PM will be brought upstairs to join the lunch and rest group. A $10 late fee is applied for every 5 minutes past 12:35 PM, as this requires additional staffing and transitions.
We appreciate your punctuality—it helps our day run smoothly for everyone!
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Yes, absolutely—caregivers are welcome to attend! That said, participation is entirely optional. For the safety of our community, all parents or caregivers who plan to regularly attend sessions must complete a background check through the Pathfinders program.
It’s also important to note that Pathfinders is a group-based learning experience, not a series of individual field trips. Children participate in collaborative activities as part of a cohesive cohort. Parents and caregivers who join are expected to take part in the day’s activities with a spirit of warmth, inclusion, and support—not just for their own child, but for all members of the group.
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We understand that life happens—kids get sick, and families travel. However, when you enroll in a session, you’re reserving a limited space in a small group experience. Your tuition not only covers the cost of programming, but also secures your child’s spot in the session—meaning we are unable to resell that spot if your child is absent.
Because of this, we do not offer refunds or credits for missed days due to illness, vacation, or other personal scheduling conflicts. That said, we are committed to being fair and compassionate. In the event of a true extenuating circumstance, please reach out directly. We review these situations on a case-by-case basis.
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Upon booking, enrolled families will receive a detailed itinerary outlining the daily locations and activities for their child’s session. For the safety and privacy of our group, this itinerary is not shared publicly and is only accessible to families who are officially enrolled.
Our daily adventures take us off-campus to a variety of carefully selected locations throughout San Diego—each chosen to align with the session theme and values.
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Pathfinders is closed for all federal holidays and a handful of seasonal breaks. Take a look at our 2025-2026 Program Calendar for specific details on this year’s scheduling.
