US School Age Requirements 2026

Planning for your child's first day of school? In the United States, school entry ages and "cut-off dates" are determined by individual states. Most states require a child to be 5 years old by a specific date to enroll in Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year.

Pro Tip: Use our Age Calculator to check exactly how old your child will be on their state's cut-off date.

Kindergarten Cut-off Dates by State (2026)

State Cut-off Date (Must be 5 by...)
CaliforniaSeptember 1
FloridaSeptember 1
GeorgiaSeptember 1
IllinoisSeptember 1
New YorkDecember 31
TexasSeptember 1
New JerseySet by District (usually Oct 1)
PennsylvaniaSet by District (usually Sept 1)
OhioAugust 1 or Sept 30 (Varies)
VirginiaSeptember 30

Common Questions About School Age

When can my child start school in California 2026?

For the 2026-2027 school year, a child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2026. If they turn 5 between September 2 and April 2, they may qualify for Transitional Kindergarten (TK).

What is the age requirement for Kindergarten in New York?

New York is unique; children can start Kindergarten if they turn 5 by December 31 of that school year. This means some children may technically start school at age 4.

Can a child start Kindergarten at age 4 in the US?

In most states, no. However, children born in late autumn in states like New York or Connecticut might start at 4. Other states may allow early enrollment for gifted children who pass a school board assessment.

What happens if my child misses the September 1st cut-off?

If your child turns 5 on September 2nd, they usually must wait until the following year. Many parents use this "extra year" for preschool or look into private schools which often have more flexible cut-off dates.

Is Kindergarten mandatory in all US states for 2026?

No. While all states provide funding for Kindergarten, participation is only compulsory in about 19 states. In other states, formal education requirements don't begin until age 6 or 7 (First Grade).

Note: This table represents the most common dates. Some districts may have local "waiver" policies for gifted students. Always check with your local school board for specific enrollment deadlines.

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