Popular State Requirements
California
Cut-off: September 1st
Must turn 5 by September 1st to start kindergarten
Texas
Cut-off: September 1st
Must be 5 years old on or before September 1st
Florida
Cut-off: September 1st
Child must be 5 before September 1st
New York
Cut-off: December 1st
Must turn 5 by December 1st of school year
Calculate for Your State
Understanding the US Education System
Grade Structure
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Kindergarten (K): Ages 5-6
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Elementary (1st-5th): Ages 6-11
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Middle School (6th-8th): Ages 11-14
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High School (9th-12th): Ages 14-18
Key Differences by State
While most states follow similar patterns, cut-off dates vary significantly:
- • Latest cut-offs: Connecticut (January 1st), New York (December 1st)
- • Earliest cut-offs: Hawaii (July 31st), Indiana (August 1st)
- • Most common: September 1st (30+ states)