State guide · West Virginia · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in West Virginia?
Children must turn 5 before July 1 — the earliest kindergarten cutoff in the United States. West Virginia moved to this date in 2019–20.
Calculate for your child
The West Virginia rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by July 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | W. Va. Code § 18-5-18 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 17 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | Yes — attendance is required |
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia is the only place in the country using a July 1 kindergarten cutoff. It is the earliest kindergarten cutoff in the country.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, West Virginia among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
West Virginia is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
Starting early in West Virginia
A county board may adopt a policy for advanced entrance when a child demonstrates sufficient competency.
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 West Virginia kindergarten cutoff?
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in West Virginia?
Can a child start kindergarten early in West Virginia?
At what age is school required in West Virginia?
Grade by age in West Virginia — 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 |