How old are 1st graders?

1st grade · 2026–27

6–7 years old

1st graders are usually 6 at the start of the school year and turn 7 during it.

For 2026–27 in most states, they were born Sep 2, 2019 – Sep 1, 2020.

Grade by age is a guide, not a rule. Some families wait a year to start kindergarten (often called redshirting), some schools allow early entry, and homeschoolers can place a child by readiness in each subject.

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Age by grade for 2026–27 (September 1 cutoff)
Grade	Typical age	Birthdates
Preschool (3s)	3–4	Sep 2, 2022 – Sep 1, 2023
Pre-K (4s)	4–5	Sep 2, 2021 – Sep 1, 2022
Kindergarten	5–6	Sep 2, 2020 – Sep 1, 2021
1st grade	6–7	Sep 2, 2019 – Sep 1, 2020
2nd grade	7–8	Sep 2, 2018 – Sep 1, 2019
3rd grade	8–9	Sep 2, 2017 – Sep 1, 2018
4th grade	9–10	Sep 2, 2016 – Sep 1, 2017
5th grade	10–11	Sep 2, 2015 – Sep 1, 2016
6th grade	11–12	Sep 2, 2014 – Sep 1, 2015
7th grade	12–13	Sep 2, 2013 – Sep 1, 2014
8th grade	13–14	Sep 2, 2012 – Sep 1, 2013
9th grade	14–15	Sep 2, 2011 – Sep 1, 2012
10th grade	15–16	Sep 2, 2010 – Sep 1, 2011
11th grade	16–17	Sep 2, 2009 – Sep 1, 2010
12th grade	17–18	Sep 2, 2008 – Sep 1, 2009

Cutoff source: NCES State Education Reforms, Table 1.3: kindergarten entrance requirements by state. Checked October 2026.

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First graders are usually 6 years old at the start of the year and turn 7 during it. So most 1st graders are 6 or 7.

Under a September 1 kindergarten cutoff, 1st graders for 2026–27 were born between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020. A child with a fall birthday in a state with a later cutoff may start 1st grade at 5. First grade is the main learn-to-read year: blending sounds, sight words and short books, with addition and subtraction within 20 in math. In many states, compulsory school age starts at 6, so this can be the first year a homeschool notice is required.

The calculator above shows exact 1st grade birthdates for your state: choose a state and it applies that state's kindergarten cutoff to the 2026–27 school year. Homeschool families in most states choose their child's grade themselves and can work at different levels by subject; if your state requires testing or evaluations at certain grades, factor that in.

Tips for using it

A child who is still sounding out every word in 1st grade is normal; steady daily phonics is what moves them forward.
Check your state's compulsory attendance age if you homeschool; notice requirements often begin around 6.

Variations

All what grade is my child

Questions

Can a 5-year-old be in 1st grade?

Yes, sometimes. A child who started kindergarten at 4 under a late cutoff, or skipped ahead, may begin 1st grade at 5 and turn 6 during the year.

What do kids learn in 1st grade?

Reading short books with phonics and sight words, writing simple sentences, adding and subtracting within 20, telling time to the hour and half hour, and basic science and social studies topics.