Deciding between preschool and transitional kindergarten isn’t easy for parents. Here’s how eligibility, structure and academic environment may differ.

Though the overall numbers for both grades together increased by about 5% from 2021-22 to 2022-23, that may be partially due to the expansion of transitional kindergarten to include more 4-year-olds.

Columbus City Schools has partnered with Waterford.org — an online early education program — to help 4-year-olds who aren't in an in-person preschool prepare for kindergarten.