State guide · Virginia · 2026–27
What grade is my kid in Virginia?
Children must turn 5 on or before September 30.
Calculate for your child
The Virginia rule in detail
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 30 |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | Set statewide |
| Legal basis | Va. Code § 22.1-199 |
| School required from | Age 5 to age 18 |
| Kindergarten mandatory? | Yes — attendance is required |
How Virginia compares
1 state and DC use the same September 30 cutoff: District of Columbia and Louisiana. 39 have an earlier cutoff and 3 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, Virginia among them. That is as early as anywhere in the country requires it.
Virginia is one of 17 states and DC that require kindergarten attendance outright; in most of the country it is optional.
School districts in Virginia
See the 131 school districts in Virginia, county by county, with enrollment and each district's website.
Starting early in Virginia
A child with a birthday between October 1 and December 31 may enroll after an evaluation demonstrating readiness.
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.