State guide · Vermont · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Vermont?
Vermont law sets the outer limit at January 1, but each district may require a child to turn 5 by any date between August 31 and January 1 — the widest legal spread of any state.
Calculate for your child
The Vermont rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Varies by district |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set by each school district |
| Legal basis | Vt. Stat. tit. 16, § 1073 |
| School required from | Age 6 to age 16 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | No — kindergarten is optional |
How Vermont compares
Vermont 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, Vermont among them. 11 states and DC start compulsory schooling earlier.
Like most of the country, Vermont does not mandate kindergarten — only 17 states and DC do.
School districts in Vermont
See the 130 school districts in Vermont, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website. County directories: Bennington County · Orleans County · Windham County · Windsor County.
Starting early in Vermont
Set by the district within the August 31 – January 1 statutory window.
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.