School Age Calculator: Find Your Child’s Grade & Start Year
Instantly determine your child’s current or upcoming school grade in the US system. Simply enter their date of birth and the desired academic year to see their grade level, their age at the start of that school year, and their projected high school graduation year.
US School Grade Calculator
How This Calculator Works
Our School Age Calculator simplifies a complex process. In the United States, a child’s grade level is primarily determined by their age relative to a specific “cut-off” date set by each state for kindergarten entry. Here’s a breakdown of how we get you an accurate result:
- Date of Birth: This is the starting point for all calculations.
- Academic Year & Cut-Off Date: We compare your child’s age to the kindergarten cut-off date for a specific academic year (e.g., a child must be 5 years old by September 1, 2025, to enter kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year).
- Grade Calculation: Once the kindergarten start year is established, the calculator determines the appropriate grade for any subsequent academic year by adding one grade level for each year that has passed.
Understanding US School Grade Levels by Age
While our calculator provides a precise answer, it’s helpful to understand the typical age ranges for each stage of the US education system. These ages can vary slightly based on state cut-off dates and individual choices like academic redshirting.
| School Level | Grades | Typical Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Pre-K | N/A | 3 – 5 years old |
| Elementary School | Kindergarten – 5th Grade | 5 – 11 years old |
| Middle School | 6th Grade – 8th Grade | 11 – 14 years old |
| High School | 9th Grade – 12th Grade | 14 – 18 years old |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most common kindergarten cut-off date in the US?
The most common cut-off date for kindergarten entry is September 1st. This means a child must turn 5 on or before this date to be eligible for kindergarten in that academic year. However, this varies by state. For precise information, it’s best to consult our state-by-state guide or your local school district’s website.
What is “redshirting” or delaying kindergarten?
Redshirting is the practice of intentionally delaying a child’s entry into kindergarten, usually for one year. Parents might do this if their child’s birthday is very close to the cut-off date, believing an extra year of development will be beneficial. You can explore the pros and cons of delaying kindergarten in our detailed article.
How do I calculate a school year from a date of birth manually?
To do it manually, first find your state’s kindergarten cut-off date. Determine the year your child will be 5 before that date—that is their kindergarten year. For example, if the cut-off is Sept. 1 and a child was born on June 15, 2020, they will be 5 before Sept. 1, 2025, so they start kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year. From there, add one grade for each subsequent year. Our detailed guide on calculating school year from DOB explains this further.
Is this calculator accurate for all 50 states?
This calculator is highly accurate for the majority of states. Its precision depends on the cut-off date you enter. While we default to the common September 1st date, some states use dates in August, October, or even January. For 100% accuracy, confirm your state’s specific date using our Kindergarten Cut-Off Calculator.