Kindergarten Cut-Off Dates by State
The kindergarten entry cut-off in all 50 US states, DC and New York City, from state law or the education department, including states that leave it to districts.
As of 18 October 2026, 19 states use 5 by 1 September and 6 use 31 August; the rest run from 30 June in West Virginia to 1 December in New York, Ohio uses each district's first day, and Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania leave the date to districts.
Kindergarten Cut-Off Dates by State
Frequently asked
Which states let school districts set the kindergarten age?
Alaska (no state date in force until 30 June 2034), Colorado (the state funds children who are 5 by 1 October), Massachusetts (district dates from 10 August to 31 December), New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania (boards set it, no younger than 4 years 0 months). Vermont has a state default that districts may move earlier, and Ohio ties it to each district's first day of school.
Is the kindergarten cut-off 1 September in most states?
It is the most common date: 19 states use 1 September and 6 more use 31 August. The earliest is West Virginia (5 before 1 July), and the latest are New York State (1 December) and Vermont (1 January by default).
What is Ohio's kindergarten cut-off for 2026-27?
From 20 March 2026 (H.B. 114), a child must be 5 by the first day of instruction of the school year, which each district sets. Before that it was 30 September, or 1 August if the district chose. A child who turns 5 after the first day but before 1 January can be evaluated for early entry.
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