California Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In California, a child must turn 5 by September 1 to start kindergarten that fall. California offers Transitional Kindergarten (TK) — a grade before kindergarten (turns 4 by September 1). Universal TK — fully phased in for all 4-year-olds by 2025-26; a child who turns 4 on or before Sept 1 is TK-eligible. California's public pre-K program, California State Preschool Program (CSPP), is available to eligible families (ages 3–4).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | turns 4 by September 1 |
| Public pre-K | California State Preschool Program (CSPP) — eligibility-based |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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California age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by state law; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. Cutoff verified from the official California source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.
Preschools in California
Kindergarten cutoffs in nearby states
Cutoff dates differ across the Pacific states — a birthday that misses the cutoff in one state can make it in another.