State guide · Kansas · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Kansas?
Children must turn 5 on or before August 31.
Calculate for your child
The Kansas rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by August 31 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Kan. Stat. § 72-3118 |
| School required from | Age 7 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Kansas compares
4 states use the same August 31 cutoff: Arizona, Delaware, North Carolina and Washington. 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.
10 states require school attendance to begin at age 7, Kansas among them. 39 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Kansas does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
School districts in Kansas
See the 285 school districts in Kansas, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website.
Starting early in Kansas
A child who is a resident of another state and attended kindergarten there is eligible regardless of age.
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.