State guide · Illinois · 2025–26
What grade is my kid in Illinois?
Illinois uses a September 1 cutoff for kindergarten.
Calculate for your child
Frequently asked
What's the Illinois kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 by September 1.
Can a child start kindergarten in Illinois 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois — 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
Illinois State Board of Education — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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