Manzanita TK Classrooms

The design of the Manzanita TK Classrooms for the Rincon Valley Union School District is intended to serve as a new standard for future Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classrooms throughout the District. The design process engaged teachers and district staff to shape classrooms that address both spatial needs and the emotional experience of students and teachers, creating a formative first classroom that emphasizes safety, comfort, creativity, and exploration.

A Place Where Children Learn, Explore and Grow

The new building, nestled beside the existing kindergarten classroom building features two new Transitional Kindergarten classrooms and a Title 22 compliant preschool classroom. A simple gabled roof with board and batten wood siding matches the aesthetic of the school campus, while additional battens form a wave pattern that adds some whimsy at the student level. The new dedicated TK play area features engaging, age-appropriate equipment that sparks imagination while building strength and coordination. A multi-stall student restroom and single-user staff restroom are accessed from the exterior, providing support for staff while they supervise the playground, and making the day smoother and more comfortable for students and staff alike. The generous covered outdoor area invites teachers to bring learning outside in almost any weather, turning each day into an adventure.

Design for the Youngest Learners

Three bright classrooms are linked by flexible shared spaces that foster collaboration among teachers while also providing much-needed storage for educational materials. Restrooms in each classroom are sized for 4-year-old bodies, and sinks in the classroom are located at both student height for handwashing and adult height for teacher and support staff uses. Overhead, roof monitors and high windows gently wash the classrooms in soft, natural light, creating a calm, uplifting environment. A soothing blue and green color palette, inside and out, creates a welcoming atmosphere that helps young learners feel calm, secure, and excited for their first steps into public education.

Furniture Solutions that Nurture

A built-in window niche provides a cozy, kid-sized nook for exploring books, while also providing a focal point and a pop of color to the classroom. Transitional Kindergarten furniture defines separate zones within the classroom for specific activities like dramatic play, reading, art, story time, and quiet time. Everything is designed to transform the classroom into a fun and nurturing environment while supporting teaching and learning. Learn more about TLCD’s process to assist District’s in selecting furniture for Transitional Kindergarten.

A second phase, completed in Fall 2025 added a new drop off zone and new parking lot on the South side of the project. The new parking provides a safe and convenient path for parents to walk their students to the classroom, solving a long-standing challenge for the campus that required many students to have to cross a busy street to get to school. The parking also provides easier access for the community to a well-loved walking path on the school campus.