State guide · New York · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in New York?
New York districts set their own kindergarten entrance age. December 1 is the statewide reference date in Education Law; New York City uses December 31.
Calculate for your child
The New York rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Varies by district |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set by each school district |
| Legal basis | N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8, § 125.9; N.Y. Educ. Law § 3205 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How New York compares
New York is the only place in the country using a December 1 kindergarten cutoff. It is the latest kindergarten cutoff in the country.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, New York among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, New York does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in New York
Set by the district — there is no statewide early-entrance standard.
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 New York kindergarten cutoff?
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in New York?
Can a child start kindergarten early in New York?
At what age is school required in New York?
Grade by age in New York — 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 |