State guide · Kansas · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Kansas?
Children must turn 5 on or before August 31.
Calculate for your child
The Kansas rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by August 31 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Kan. Stat. § 72-3118 |
| School required from | Age 7 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Kansas compares
4 states use the same August 31 cutoff. 11 have an earlier cutoff and 29 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, Kansas among them. 39 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Kansas does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Kansas
A child who is a resident of another state and attended kindergarten there is eligible regardless of age.
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
What's the Kansas kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 on or before August 31.
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Kansas?
Kansas sets one entrance date statewide, so it's the same in every district. The rule lives in Kan. Stat. § 72-3118.
Can a child start kindergarten early in Kansas?
A child who is a resident of another state and attended kindergarten there is eligible regardless of age.
At what age is school required in Kansas?
In Kansas, school attendance is compulsory from age 7 to age 18. Kansas does not require kindergarten attendance; compulsory schooling starts at age 7.
Grade by age in Kansas — 2026–27
| 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
Legal basis: Kan. Stat. § 72-3118. Cutoff, early-entrance and compulsory-age details cross-checked against the Education Commission of the States 50-State Comparisons (K-3 policies and compulsory school age).
Kansas State Dept. of Education — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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