State guide · Maryland · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Maryland?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 1.
Calculate for your child
The Maryland rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.02 |
| School required from | Age 5 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | Yes — attendance is required |
How Maryland compares
20 states use the same September 1 cutoff: Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. 16 have an earlier cutoff and 8 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, Maryland among them. That is as early as anywhere in the country requires it.
Maryland is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
School districts in Maryland
See the 24 school districts in Maryland, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website.
Starting early in Maryland
A local board may admit a 4-year-old who demonstrates capabilities warranting early admission.
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.