State guide · California · 2026–27

What grade is my kid in California?

Children must turn 5 on or before September 1. California also offers transitional kindergarten (TK) for younger 4-year-olds — see the TK breakdown below.

Calculate for your child

California's kindergarten cutoff explained

California requires children to turn 5 by September 1 to start kindergarten. Children who turn 4 by September 1 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), a state-funded grade level that sits between preschool and kindergarten. TK expanded year-by-year between 2022 and 2025 under narrower birthdate windows; 2025–26 was the first fully universal year, and 2026–27 continues universal eligibility for every 4-year-old.

See the full California TK breakdown →

The California rule in detail

How California 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, California among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.

Like most of the country, California does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.

Starting early in California

A child who turns 5 during the school year may be admitted with the parent’s approval if the district finds it in the child’s best interest.

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

Grade by age in California — 2026–27

Source