What Age Can My Child Start Kindergarten?
Kindergarten age requirements vary by state, so knowing when your child can start school isn't always simple. We're here to help.
NHA® partners with schools offering kindergarten across nine states. Use the state-specific age requirements below to find out when your child may be eligible to start kindergarten.
Age Requirements by State
-
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 10/1/2021
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 10/1/2022 -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 8/1/2021
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 8/1/2022 -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2021*
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2022*
*If your child is 5 before 12/1, your child can enroll in kindergarten. Some Michigan schools offer a Young 5s program (same age requirements). -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 8/31/2021
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 8/31/2022 -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2021*
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2022*
*Schools in Wisconsin offer 4K. Students must be 4 years old by the cutoff date to enroll.
-
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2021
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/1/2022 -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/30/2021
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 9/30/2022 -
2026-27 school year
5 years old and born on or before 12/31/2021*
*For Southside Academy Charter School and Buffalo United Charter School, students must be 5 years old and born on or before 12/1/2021.
2027-28 school year
5 years old and born on or before 12/31/2022*
*For Southside Academy Charter School and Buffalo United Charter School, students must be 5 years old and born on or before 12/1/2022. -
2026-27 school year
5 years old on or before the first day of school in 2026*
*The first day of school can be found on each school's calendar on their website.
2027-28 school year
5 years old on or before the first day of school in 2027*
*The first day of school can be found on each school's calendar on their website.
Planning Ahead for Kindergarten
Is your child getting close to starting kindergarten, Young 5s, or 4K?
Complete the interest form below, and we’ll stay in touch with updates and information to help you prepare for enrollment.
Explore More
Check out our kindergarten readiness resources or find a school near you.
Kindergarten Readiness
Find simple activities and resources to help your child build important skills and feel ready for kindergarten.
NHA School Finder
NHA serves more than 65,000 students through 100+ tuition-free public charter schools across nine states. Find the NHA school closest to you.