In California, the age cut-off for kindergarten eligibility is that a child must be five years old on or before September 1st. For compulsory school attendance, children are generally required to begin school once they turn six years old.
Kindergarten Entrance Age
The primary age cut-off for a child to begin formal schooling in California is for kindergarten eligibility. To enroll in kindergarten for a given school year, a child must reach the age of five by a specific date.
- Eligibility Requirement: A child must be five years old on or before September 1st of the school year.
- This means that if a child turns five on September 2nd or later, they would typically need to wait until the following academic year to enroll in kindergarten.
Compulsory School Age
Beyond initial kindergarten eligibility, California also has a compulsory school age, which dictates when a child is legally required to begin attending school.
- Compulsory Attendance: Children in California are generally required by law to attend school once they turn six years old.
- This requirement ensures that all children receive formal education, regardless of whether they attended kindergarten at an earlier age.
Summary of California School Age Requirements
The table below summarizes the key age cut-offs for school attendance in California:
| Requirement | Age Cut-off |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Eligibility | 5 years old on or before September 1st |
| Compulsory School Age | 6 years old |
