West Virginia Kindergarten Age Cutoff — Plus Preschool & TK (2026–2027)
In West Virginia, a child must turn 5 by July 1 to start kindergarten that fall. West Virginia does not have a statewide Transitional Kindergarten grade; children go from preschool/pre-K to kindergarten. West Virginia's public pre-K program, WV Universal Pre-K, is open to all 4-year-olds (age 4 by July 1; offered statewide in all 55 counties).
| Kindergarten cutoff | Turn 5 by July 1 |
|---|---|
| Transitional Kindergarten | Not offered statewide |
| Public pre-K | WV Universal Pre-K — universal (age 4) |
| Compulsory school age | 6 |
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West Virginia age cutoffs — the details
Kindergarten and TK cutoffs are set by state law; preschool has no legal age cutoff because it is private. West Virginia's July 1 cutoff (for both kindergarten and pre-K) is unusually early. Cutoff verified from the official West Virginia source. Always confirm the current date with your school or district — rules can change year to year.