New York Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In New York, the kindergarten age cutoff is set by each school district — there is no single statewide date, so confirm the exact cutoff with your district. New York does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. New York's public pre-K program, Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), is open to all 4-year-olds (age 4 by December 1 — free where offered; availability varies by district).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Set by district |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) — universal (age 4) |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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New York age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by local districts; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. No statewide kindergarten cutoff — districts choose within a state range; NYC requires turning 5 by December 31. Cutoff verified from the official New York source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.
Preschools in New York
Kindergarten cutoffs in nearby states
Cutoff dates differ across the Mid-Atlantic — a birthday that misses the cutoff in one state can make it in another.