How old are kindergarteners?

Kindergarten · 2026–27

5–6 years old

Kindergarteners are usually 5 at the start of the school year and turn 6 during it.

For 2026–27 in most states, they were born Sep 2, 2020 – Sep 1, 2021.

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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Kindergarteners are usually 5 years old at the start of the year and turn 6 during it. So most kindergarteners are 5 or 6.

To start kindergarten, a child must turn 5 by their state's cutoff. September 1 is the most common date, so in those states kindergarteners for 2026–27 were born between September 2, 2020, and September 1, 2021. Cutoffs run from before July 1 in West Virginia to December 1 in New York City and many New York districts. Connecticut moved its date from January 1 to September 1 in 2024, and states like Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania leave the date to each district. Some states also allow early entry, and some families choose to wait a year.

The calculator above shows exact kindergarten 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

Enter your child's birthdate with your state in the calculator to see whether they make this year's cutoff.
Kindergarten readiness is mostly about following directions, independence and talking, not reading early.

Variations

All what grade is my child

Questions

Can my child start kindergarten at 4?

In some states, yes. In states with later cutoffs, such as Colorado (October 1) or many New York districts (December 1), children who turn 5 in the fall start while still 4. Several states also allow early entry after an assessment.

Is it better to wait a year for kindergarten?

It depends on the child. Waiting is most common for children with birthdays close to the cutoff. Many children do fine starting on time, so talk with a preschool teacher or pediatrician who knows your child.

Is kindergarten mandatory?

Not everywhere. Some states require kindergarten, while others don't require school until age 6, 7 or 8. Homeschool families follow their state's compulsory attendance age.