Children must turn 5 before July 1 — the earliest kindergarten cutoff in the United States. West Virginia moved to this date in 2019–20.
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The West Virginia rule in detail
Kindergarten cutoff
Turn 5 by July 1
Who sets it
Set statewide
Legal basis
W. Va. Code § 18-5-18
School required from
Age 6 to age 17
Kindergarten mandatory?
Yes — attendance is required
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia is the only place in the country using a July 1 kindergarten cutoff. It is the earliest kindergarten cutoff in the country.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, West Virginia among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
West Virginia is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
Starting early in West Virginia
A county board may adopt a policy for advanced entrance when a child demonstrates sufficient competency.
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 West Virginia kindergarten cutoff?
Children must turn 5 before July 1 — the earliest kindergarten cutoff in the United States. West Virginia moved to this date in 2019–20.
Who sets the kindergarten cutoff in West Virginia?
West Virginia sets one entrance date statewide, so it's the same in every district. The rule lives in W. Va. Code § 18-5-18.
Can a child start kindergarten early in West Virginia?
A county board may adopt a policy for advanced entrance when a child demonstrates sufficient competency.
At what age is school required in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, school attendance is compulsory from age 6 to age 17. West Virginia is one of the states that require kindergarten attendance itself — not just that it be offered.
Is kindergarten mandatory in West Virginia?
Yes — West Virginia requires kindergarten attendance, not just that it be offered. School attendance is compulsory from age 6 to age 17.
Legal basis: W. Va. Code § 18-5-18. 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).
WV Dept. of Education — verify cutoff with your local school district before relying on this page for enrollment.
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