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. 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.
Frequently asked
What's the Alabama kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 1.
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Alabama?
Alabama sets one entrance date statewide, so it's the same in every district. The rule lives in Ala. Code § 16-28-4.
Can a child start kindergarten early in Alabama?
An underage child transferring from a public school kindergarten in another state may be admitted.
At what age is school required in Alabama?
In Alabama, school attendance is compulsory from age 6 to age 17. Alabama does not require kindergarten attendance; compulsory schooling starts at age 6.
Grade by age in Alabama — 2026–27
| Age | Typical grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Not in school yet | Starts K in fall of the following school year. |
| 5 | Kindergarten | |
| 6 | 1st grade | |
| 7 | 2nd grade | |
| 8 | 3rd grade | |
| 9 | 4th grade | |
| 10 | 5th grade | |
| 11 | 6th grade | |
| 12 | 7th grade | |
| 13 | 8th grade | |
| 14 | 9th grade | |
| 15 | 10th grade | |
| 16 | 11th grade | |
| 17 | 12th grade |
Source
Legal basis: Ala. Code § 16-28-4. Cutoff, early-entrance and compulsory-age details cross-checked against the Education Commission of the States 50-State Comparisons (K-3 policies and compulsory school age).
Alabama State Dept. of Education — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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