State guide · North Dakota · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in North Dakota?
Children must turn 5 before August 1 — in practice, on or before July 31.
Calculate for your child
The North Dakota rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by July 31 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | N.D. Cent. Code § 15.1-06-01 |
| School required from | Age 7 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How North Dakota compares
2 states use the same July 31 cutoff. 1 has an earlier cutoff and 41 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, North Dakota among them. 39 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, North Dakota does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in North Dakota
A child turning 5 before December 1 may be admitted with superior academic talents and social-emotional readiness.
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 North Dakota kindergarten cutoff?
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in North Dakota?
Can a child start kindergarten early in North Dakota?
At what age is school required in North Dakota?
Grade by age in North Dakota — 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 |