4 states use the same August 31 cutoff: Arizona, Delaware, Kansas and North Carolina. 11 have an earlier cutoff and 29 have a later one, so a child born the same day can land a full grade apart depending on where they live.
1 state require school attendance to begin at age 8, Washington among them. 49 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Washington does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
Starting early in Washington
Districts may adopt regulations allowing individual exceptions, which should include a screening process.
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 Washington kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 on or before August 31.
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in Washington?
Washington sets one entrance date statewide, so it's the same in every district. The rule lives in Wash. Admin. Code 392-335-010.
Can a child start kindergarten early in Washington?
Districts may adopt regulations allowing individual exceptions, which should include a screening process.
At what age is school required in Washington?
In Washington, school attendance is compulsory from age 8 to age 18. Washington does not require kindergarten attendance; compulsory schooling starts at age 8.
Is kindergarten mandatory in Washington?
No — kindergarten is optional in Washington. School attendance is compulsory from age 8 to age 18.
Legal basis: Wash. Admin. Code 392-335-010. 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).
OSPI (Washington) — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
Spot something off about Washington? Email [email protected] and we'll fix it.
