Michigan school age calculator
Michigan uses December 1 as the kindergarten cutoff — one of the latest dates in the US. A child who turns 5 by December 1 can start kindergarten that fall, meaning October and November birthdays qualify.
Select your country and region, then choose the child's date of birth to see their grade and school timeline.
What Michigan's December 1 cutoff means
Michigan's Revised School Code (MCL 380.1147) sets December 1 as the cutoff, making it one of only two states (along with Connecticut's January 1) with a cutoff this late. In practice, Michigan kindergarteners born in October or November start school at 4 years old and turn 5 within the first three months of the school year. This creates significant developmental spread in Michigan kindergarten classes: children born January who just turned 5 are in the same class as children born November the following year who turned 5 just months ago.
FAQ
What is Michigan's kindergarten cutoff?
December 1. Children born on or before December 1 can start kindergarten that fall. This means October and November birthdays qualify, even though they may still be 4 when school starts in September.
Can a 4-year-old start kindergarten in Michigan?
Yes. A child born in October who turns 5 in October can start Michigan kindergarten in September when they are still 4. They turn 5 within the first two months of the school year. This is perfectly normal in Michigan.