State guide · Montana · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Montana?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 10.
Calculate for your child
The Montana rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 10 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Mont. Code § 20-7-117 |
| School required from | Age 7 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Montana compares
Montana is the only place in the country using a September 10 kindergarten cutoff. 37 have an earlier cutoff and 7 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, Montana among them. 39 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Montana does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
School districts in Montana
See the 389 school districts in Montana, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website. County directories: Blaine County · Cascade County · Fergus County · Flathead County · Gallatin County · Hill County · Lake County · Missoula County · Roosevelt County · Stillwater County · Yellowstone County.
Starting early in Montana
The board of trustees may give special permission to enroll early.
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.