US Kindergarten Cut-Off Date Calculator & Age Requirements by State
Is your child eligible for kindergarten? The answer depends on their age and your state’s specific cut-off date. Use our calculator to select your state and enter your child’s date of birth to see if they meet the age requirement for the upcoming school year.
Kindergarten Eligibility Calculator
What is a Kindergarten Cut-Off Date?
A kindergarten cut-off date is the deadline by which a child must have reached a certain age (usually five years old) to be eligible to enroll in public kindergarten for that academic year. Each state sets its own laws regarding this date. For example, a state with a September 1 cut-off requires a child to turn five on or before September 1 of the school year to enroll.
Common Cut-Off Dates Across the US
While dates vary, they generally fall into a few common windows. This table shows the required age and cut-off date for several key states. For a complete list and specific details, please check our state-specific guides.
| State | Required Age | Cut-Off Date | Relevant Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 5 | September 1 | Read the CA Guide |
| Florida | 5 | September 1 | Read the FL Guide |
| New York | 5 | December 1 (varies by district) | Read the NY Guide |
| Texas | 5 | September 1 | |
| North Carolina | 5 | August 31 | Read the NC Guide |
| Ohio | 5 | September 30 (recommended) | Read the OH Guide |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my child’s birthday is one day after the cut-off?
Unfortunately, in most cases, if a child’s birthday falls after the cut-off date, they must wait until the following year to enroll in public kindergarten. Some districts may offer exceptions or testing for early entry, but this is not common. The alternative is to consider private schooling, which may have different enrollment policies.
Can I enroll my child in kindergarten early?
Early admission policies vary significantly. Some states have a strict no-exceptions policy, while others may allow it based on a formal assessment of the child’s academic and social readiness. This process often involves petitioning the local school board. Contact your local school district administration for information on their specific early entry policies.
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten, most notably implemented in California, is a program designed for children who are not old enough for kindergarten at the start of the school year. It acts as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, giving younger students (often those with fall birthdays) a chance to build foundational skills in a school setting. It is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program.
Should I delay my child’s kindergarten start even if they are eligible?
This practice, known as “redshirting,” is a personal decision for parents. Some parents of children with summer or early fall birthdays choose to wait a year to give their child more time to mature socially, emotionally, and academically. For a balanced view, read our in-depth article exploring the pros and cons of delaying kindergarten.