State guide · District of Columbia · 2025–26
What grade is my kid in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia uses a September 30 cutoff for kindergarten.
Calculate for your child
Frequently asked
What's the District of Columbia kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 by September 30.
Can a child start kindergarten in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia — 2025–26
| 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
DC Public Schools — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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