Colorado Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In Colorado, a child must turn 5 by October 1 to start kindergarten that fall. Colorado does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. Colorado's public pre-K program, Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), is open to all 4-year-olds (all children age 4 by October 1 get 15 free hours/week the year before kindergarten; more hours by qualifying factors).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by October 1 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) — universal (age 4) |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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Colorado age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by local districts; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. Colorado statute lets districts set their own entry-age date; some (e.g. Aspen, 2026-27) moved earlier to August 1. Confirm with your district. Cutoff verified from the official Colorado source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.
Preschools in Colorado
Kindergarten cutoffs in nearby states
Cutoff dates differ across the Mountain West — a birthday that misses the cutoff in one state can make it in another.