State guide · Arkansas · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Arkansas?
Children must turn 5 on or before August 1.
Calculate for your child
The Arkansas rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by August 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Ark. Code § 6-18-207 |
| School required from | Age 5 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | Yes — attendance is required |
How Arkansas compares
5 states use the same August 1 cutoff: Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada and Wyoming. 4 have an earlier cutoff and 35 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, Arkansas among them. That is as early as anywhere in the country requires it.
Arkansas is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
School districts in Arkansas
See the 233 school districts in Arkansas, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website.
Starting early in Arkansas
A child enrolled 60+ days in a state-accredited kindergarten in another state or country may enroll.
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.