State guide · Ohio · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Ohio?
Ohio changed its rule for 2026–27: a child must turn 5 on or before their district’s first day of instruction. Districts no longer pick between August 1 and September 30.
Recently changed. This cutoff took effect for the 2026–27 school year. If you are going from an older chart or a sibling's experience, check the date again — Ohio is not where it used to be.
Calculate for your child
The Ohio rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Varies by district (since 2026–27) |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set by each school district |
| Legal basis | Ohio Rev. Code § 3321.01, as amended by H.B. 114 (signed December 19, 2025) |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | Yes — attendance is required |
How Ohio compares
Ohio is one of 6 states that leave the kindergarten entrance date to local districts rather than fixing one date statewide.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, Ohio among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Ohio is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
School districts in Ohio
See the 619 school districts in Ohio, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website. County directories: Columbiana County · Cuyahoga County · Franklin County · Hamilton County · Licking County · Lorain County · Mahoning County · Montgomery County · Portage County · Stark County · Summit County · Trumbull County · Wayne County · Wood County.
Starting early in Ohio
A child who turns 5 before January 1 may be considered for early admission after an evaluation under district policy.
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.