State guide · Oregon · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Oregon?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 1.
Calculate for your child
The Oregon rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Or. Rev. Stat. § 336.092 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Oregon compares
20 states use the same September 1 cutoff: Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, 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.
28 states require school attendance to begin at age 6, Oregon among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Oregon does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
School districts in Oregon
See the 172 school districts in Oregon, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website. County directories: Clackamas County · Harney County · Lane County · Marion County.
Starting early in Oregon
A school board may admit a child below the minimum age when it best serves the child’s cognitive, social and physical needs.
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.