California school age calculator
California uses September 1 as the kindergarten cutoff date. A child must turn 5 on or before September 1 to start kindergarten that fall. Enter your child's birthday to check eligibility and see their full school timeline.
Select your country and region, then choose the child's date of birth to see their grade and school timeline.
California kindergarten rules
California Education Code Section 48000 requires children to be 5 years old by September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Children who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2 may enroll in transitional kindergarten (TK), a two-year program that bridges preschool and kindergarten. Children who turn 5 between December 3 and June 1 are not eligible for TK and typically wait until the following fall for kindergarten.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in California
California's Transitional Kindergarten program is available to children who turn 5 between September 2 and February 2 (expanded to June 2 by 2024–25). TK is a free public program, like regular kindergarten, but uses a play-based curriculum designed for younger children. Children who complete TK move to kindergarten the following year, making TK effectively a two-year kindergarten program for eligible children.
FAQ
What is California's kindergarten cutoff date?
California's kindergarten cutoff date is September 1. Children must turn 5 on or before this date to enroll in kindergarten for that school year.
What is Transitional Kindergarten in California?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a free, voluntary public school program for children who turn 5 between September 2 and June 2. It serves as a bridge year before kindergarten, using a play-based curriculum. Children who attend TK then move to kindergarten the following year.
Is kindergarten mandatory in California?
Yes, kindergarten is compulsory in California as of 2010. Children must be enrolled in kindergarten or an approved alternative (home school, private school) during the school year they turn 6.