Illinois Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In Illinois, a child must turn 5 by September 1 to start kindergarten that fall. Illinois does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. Illinois's public pre-K program, Preschool for All (PFA), is available to eligible families (ages 3–4, expanding toward universal under Smart Start).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by September 1 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | Preschool for All (PFA) — eligibility-based |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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Illinois 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 Illinois source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.