1 state and DC use the same September 30 cutoff: District of Columbia and Virginia. 39 have an earlier cutoff and 3 have a later one, so a child born the same day can land a full grade apart depending on where they live.
11 states and DC require school attendance to begin at age 5, Louisiana among them. That is as early as anywhere in the country requires it.
Louisiana is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
Starting early in Louisiana
A younger child who has been evaluated and identified as gifted may be admitted.
Early entrance is decided locally even where state law allows it, so ask your district office what evidence they expect and when the window closes.
Frequently asked
What's the Louisiana kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 30.
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Louisiana?
Louisiana sets one entrance date statewide, so it's the same in every district. The rule lives in La. Rev. Stat. § 17:151.3.
Can a child start kindergarten early in Louisiana?
A younger child who has been evaluated and identified as gifted may be admitted.
At what age is school required in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, school attendance is compulsory from age 5 to age 18. Louisiana is one of the states that require kindergarten attendance itself — not just that it be offered.
Is kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana?
Yes — Louisiana requires kindergarten attendance, not just that it be offered. School attendance is compulsory from age 5 to age 18.
Legal basis: La. Rev. Stat. § 17:151.3. Cutoff, early-entrance and compulsory-age details cross-checked against the Education Commission of the States 50-State Comparisons (K-3 policies and compulsory school age).
Louisiana Dept. of Education — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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