State guide · Alaska · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Alaska?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 1.
Calculate for your child
The Alaska rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Alaska Stat. § 14.03.080 |
| School required from | Age 7 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Alaska compares
20 states use the same September 1 cutoff: Alabama, 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.
10 states require school attendance to begin at age 7, Alaska among them. 39 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Alaska does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Alaska
A child of at least 4 may be admitted at the district’s discretion if they meet the district’s mental, physical and emotional standards.
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.