Missouri Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In Missouri, a child must turn 5 by July 31 to start kindergarten that fall. Missouri does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. Missouri's public pre-K program, Missouri Preschool Program (MPP), is available to eligible families (roughly ages 3–4 (one to two years from kindergarten eligibility); competitive-grant, prioritizes at-risk children).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by July 31 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) — eligibility-based |
| Compulsory school age | 7 |
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Missouri age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by state law; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. Must turn 5 on or before July 31 (statute: "before August 1"). Missouri's compulsory attendance age is 7. Cutoff verified from the official Missouri source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.