State guide · Vermont · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Vermont?
Vermont law sets the outer limit at January 1, but each district may require a child to turn 5 by any date between August 31 and January 1 — the widest legal spread of any state.
Calculate for your child
The Vermont rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Varies by district |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set by each school district |
| Legal basis | Vt. Stat. tit. 16, § 1073 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Vermont compares
Vermont is one of 6 states that leave the kindergarten entrance date to local districts rather than fixing one date statewide.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, Vermont among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Vermont does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Vermont
Set by the district within the August 31 – January 1 statutory window.
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 Vermont kindergarten cutoff?
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Vermont?
Can a child start kindergarten early in Vermont?
At what age is school required in Vermont?
Grade by age in Vermont — 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 |