State guide · Alabama · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Alabama?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 1.
Calculate for your child
The Alabama rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Ala. Code § 16-28-4 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 17 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Alabama compares
20 states use the same September 1 cutoff: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. 16 have an earlier cutoff and 8 have a later one, so a child born the same day can land a full grade apart depending on where they live.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, Alabama among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Alabama does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Alabama
An underage child transferring from a public school kindergarten in another state may be admitted.
Early entrance is decided locally even where state law allows it, so ask your district office what evidence they expect and when the window closes.