North Carolina Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In North Carolina, a child must turn 5 by August 31 to start kindergarten that fall. North Carolina does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. North Carolina's public pre-K program, NC Pre-K, is available to eligible families (age 4 by August 31; primarily at-risk (family income ≤75% state median) plus other factors; not universal).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by August 31 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | NC Pre-K — eligibility-based |
| Compulsory school age | 7 |
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North Carolina 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 North Carolina source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.