State guide · Maine · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Maine?
Children must turn 5 on or before October 15 — the latest fixed cutoff of any state.
Calculate for your child
The Maine rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by October 15 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 20-A, § 5201 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 17 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Maine compares
Maine is the only place in the country using an October 15 kindergarten cutoff. 43 have an earlier cutoff and 1 has 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, Maine among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Maine does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Maine
A student enrolled in public kindergarten in another state may enroll upon becoming a Maine resident.
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 Maine kindergarten cutoff?
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Maine?
Can a child start kindergarten early in Maine?
At what age is school required in Maine?
Grade by age in Maine — 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 |