New York school age calculator
New York State law allows districts to set their own kindergarten cutoff, up to December 1. Most districts — including New York City — use September 1 or earlier. Select the cutoff your district uses and enter your child's birthday to check eligibility.
Select your country and region, then choose the child's date of birth to see their grade and school timeline.
Why New York's cutoff varies
New York State Education Law Section 3202 allows school districts to set their own kindergarten cutoff date, with a maximum of December 1. This means a child born in October might be eligible in some districts but not others. New York City uses December 1 for its cutoff, meaning NYC children born in October and November can still start kindergarten that fall. Many suburban districts use an earlier local cutoff, often September 1. Use the cutoff override field in the calculator to enter your district's specific date.
Universal Pre-K (UPK) in New York
New York City offers Universal Pre-K (UPK), a free, full-day pre-kindergarten program for all 4-year-olds. UPK uses a September 1 cutoff: children must turn 4 by September 1. The program has expanded to 3K for All (for 3-year-olds) in many NYC neighborhoods. Statewide, New York has also expanded pre-K access through the Serving All Students initiative.
FAQ
What is New York's kindergarten cutoff?
New York State law allows districts to use any cutoff up to December 1. New York City uses December 1. Many suburban districts use September 1 or an earlier date. Always confirm with your specific district.
Does New York City use September 1 or December 1 as the cutoff?
New York City uses December 1. A child born November 30 in NYC can start kindergarten that fall; a child born December 2 must wait.
Is kindergarten mandatory in New York?
Yes. New York requires children to attend school starting at age 6, but districts must offer kindergarten and most children enroll at 5.