Is Kindergarten Mandatory? A State-by-State Guide for the US

Quick Answer: No, kindergarten is not mandatory in all 50 states. While most children attend, only 20 states and the District of Columbia have laws that require kindergarten attendance. In the other 30 states, kindergarten is optional, and compulsory schooling begins at age 6 or 7 (typically 1st grade).

It’s a common assumption that kindergarten is a required part of the American education system. However, the laws governing compulsory education vary significantly from state to state. This guide provides a clear overview of which states mandate kindergarten and which ones consider it an optional, though highly recommended, program.

States Where Kindergarten is Mandatory

As of 2025, the following 20 states (plus D.C.) require children to attend kindergarten before entering 1st grade. These laws are designed to ensure all children have a foundational year of schooling. For specific enrollment dates in these states, visit our state-by-state cut-off date calculator.

  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Source: Data compiled from various sources, including the Education Commission of the States. Laws are subject to change.

States Where Kindergarten is Optional

In the majority of states, kindergarten is not required by law. Public schools are required to offer kindergarten programs, but parents have the option to enroll their children directly into 1st grade if they meet the age requirement for that grade (typically age 6).

States where kindergarten is optional include major states like:

Why Attend Kindergarten Even If It’s Optional?

Despite being optional in many places, the vast majority of American children—over 98%—attend kindergarten. Educators and child development experts overwhelmingly recommend it for several key reasons:

  1. Academic Foundation: Kindergarten is no longer just about play. It introduces children to the fundamental concepts of reading, writing, and math that are essential for success in 1st grade.
  2. Social Skills Development: It’s a crucial environment for learning how to interact with a large group of peers, follow classroom rules, and work with teachers.
  3. Smooth Transition to 1st Grade: Children who skip kindergarten are often at a disadvantage, as 1st-grade curricula are designed with the assumption that students have completed a year of kindergarten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is “compulsory school age”?

Compulsory school age is the age at which a child is legally required to attend school. In states where kindergarten is optional, this age is typically 6 or 7. In states where it’s mandatory, the compulsory age is often 5.

If kindergarten is optional, can I just enroll my 5-year-old in 1st grade?

No. Even if kindergarten is optional, a child must still meet the minimum age requirement for 1st grade, which is typically 6 years old by the state’s cut-off date. You cannot enroll a 5-year-old in 1st grade just by skipping optional kindergarten.

What about homeschooling?

Homeschooling laws also vary by state. In states where kindergarten is mandatory, parents who choose to homeschool must typically register their child and comply with state homeschooling regulations for the kindergarten year. In states where it’s optional, formal homeschooling requirements usually begin at the compulsory age for 1st grade.