School Starting Age by State
When does a child have to start school? Most U.S. states require enrollment by age 6, but several begin at 5 or 7. Here is the national picture.
When does a child have to start school? Most U.S. states require enrollment by age 6, but several begin at 5 or 7. Here is the national picture.
Across the 50 states and D.C., the age at which school becomes compulsory usually falls between 5 and 7. The most common starting age is 6. A handful of states (Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia) require enrollment from age 5, while others (Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming) wait until 7 or 8.
Requiring enrollment at a certain age does not mean kindergarten is mandatory that early — many families choose to start children in preschool or pre-K before the legal cutoff. The number that matters for truancy is the compulsory starting age shown in your state chart.
If you are moving between states, note that the starting age can shift by a year or two, which affects when paperwork and attendance rules kick in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common school starting age in the U.S.?
Age 6 is the most common compulsory starting age, but several states begin at 5 or 7.
Does starting age mean kindergarten is required?
Not exactly — the starting age is when attendance becomes legally required; many children start school a year or two earlier by choice.
Can the starting age differ after moving states?
Yes — it ranges from 5 to 8 across states, so a move can change when attendance rules apply.