State guide · California · 2025–26
What grade is my kid in California?
California uses a September 1 cutoff for kindergarten. The state 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 5 between September 2 and June 2 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), a state-funded grade level that sits between preschool and kindergarten. TK enrollment expanded year-by-year between 2022 and 2025; the 2025–26 year is the first under full universal eligibility for all 4-year-olds.
See the full California TK breakdown →
Frequently asked
What's the California kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 by September 1.
Can a child start kindergarten in California a year early?
Most districts allow early entry only by formal assessment. Talk to your local school office before the spring enrollment window.
What is "redshirting" and is it common in California?
Redshirting is intentionally delaying kindergarten by a year, usually for summer-birthday boys. It's most common in states with summer or early-fall cutoffs.
Grade by age in California — 2025–26
| Age | Typical grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | TK eligible | Eligible for Transitional Kindergarten. |
| 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
California Department of Education — verify cutoff and TK eligibility with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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