Can a child start 1st grade at age 5 in Georgia?

Generally, no. Georgia law requires a child to be 6 by September 1st. The only exception is for children who moved from another state where they were already legally enrolled in 1st grade.

Is Kindergarten mandatory in Georgia for 2026?

As of 2026, Kindergarten is not mandatory in Georgia. Compulsory attendance begins at age 6, meaning a child must be enrolled in school by their 6th birthday.

Age for 1st Grade in Georgia 2026: Requirements & Laws

In the Peach State, school enrollment is dictated by Georgia Code Title 20-2-150. For the 2026-2027 school year, Georgia remains firm on its "September 1st" rule, though new local policies in major districts like Gwinnett County are changing how "Grade Level Consideration" works for new families.

    Georgia Standard (O.C.G.A. 20-2-150): To enter 1st grade in Georgia for 2026, your child must turn 6 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
  

The 2026 Gwinnett County (GCPS) Update

If you are moving to Gwinnett County in 2026, there is a significant "GAP" in most online guides. GCPS has implemented an updated Grade Level Consideration process. While 6-year-olds are generally placed in 1st grade, families new to the district can request a placement review if they believe their child is better suited for Kindergarten, ensuring a smoother transition for children with varied early learning backgrounds.

The Compulsory Age Rule: In Georgia, children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required by law to attend school. If your child turns 6 by September 1st, they must be enrolled in either a public, private, or home study program.

Georgia Grade Eligibility Matrix 2026-2027

Age on Sept 1, 2026	2026-2027 Grade Placement	Requirement Level
6 Years Old	1st Grade	Compulsory Attendance
5 Years Old	Kindergarten	Optional but Standard
4 Years Old	Georgia Pre-K	Lottery-Based / Optional

The Out-of-State Exception (GAP Filler)

One of the most powerful exceptions in Georgia law is for families relocating from other states. If your child was a legal resident of another state for at least two years and was already legally enrolled in a public 1st grade (or an accredited private one) in that state, they are eligible for 1st grade in Georgia even if they do not meet the September 1st cutoff.

Required Documents for Georgia Enrollment

Certified Birth Certificate: Must be the original government-issued copy.
Georgia Form 3231: The official Certificate of Immunization.
Georgia Form 3300: The Certificate of Ear, Eye, Dental, and Nutrition Examination.
Proof of Residency: A lease or utility bill (Water, Gas, or Electric).
Social Security Card: Required by law, though parents may sign a waiver to object to its use.

Georgia 1st Grade FAQ (Long Answers)

Can my child skip Kindergarten in Georgia?

Yes. Because Kindergarten is not mandatory, a child can enter 1st grade at age 6 without prior schooling. However, the Georgia Department of Education uses the GKIDS 2.0 (Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills) to monitor readiness. If a child enters 1st grade and struggles significantly, the Student Support Team (SST) may recommend a placement review.

What happens if my child turns 6 on September 2nd?

The law is strict. A child born on September 2, 2020, will be 5 on the cutoff date and will be placed in Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. They will enter 1st grade the following year at age 6 (turning 7).

Are private school Kindergarten graduates guaranteed 1st grade entry?

If the private Kindergarten is accredited by a recognized agency (like Cognia or GAC), Georgia public schools will generally honor the promotion to 1st grade for a 6-year-old. If the school is non-accredited, the principal has the final authority on grade placement.

Does Georgia allow 'Academic Redshirting'?

Since schooling isn't mandatory until age 6, many Georgia parents of summer babies (June–August) choose to keep their child in Pre-K for an extra year. This allows the child to start Kindergarten at 6 and 1st grade at 7, a practice common in competitive athletic districts.

Planning your move to Georgia? Use our calculator to check exactly how your child's birth date aligns with the 2026 school calendar.

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