Kindergarten
Welcome to Ohio’s Kindergarten Home Page. We believe the kindergarten years may very well be one of the most important times in the lives of young children and their families. This critical year introduces children to the world of formal schooling and can have a lasting impression that sets the stage for future school and learning experiences.
Families have a role to ensure children are healthy and ready to participate in school, while the role of the teacher is to provide quality classroom experiences so children can develop to their full potential. Regardless of the role, we all have a responsibility to make sure the first year of school is a time of joy and excitement as children embark upon their educational journeys.
The information and resources contained in this site are designed to help families and support educators in their understanding of kindergarten in Ohio.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT KINDERGARTEN
Does Ohio require children to attend kindergarten?
Yes. Ohio law requires children in this state go to kindergarten. Districts cannot admit a child to first grade who has not completed kindergarten unless the district has admitted the child for early entrance to first grade, which means skipping kindergarten.
At what age should my child start kindergarten?
A child must be at least 5 years old to enter kindergarten or 6 years old to enter first grade. Compulsory school age, or the minimum age in which a child must be enrolled in and attend school, is age 6. A family can choose to wait until a child turns 6 before enrolling the child in kindergarten.
How do I know if my child is old enough to enter kindergarten?
Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, Ohio is updating the rules for when children can start kindergarten and first grade. Under House Bill 114, signed by the Governor on December 19, 2025, each school district board of education shall admit to kindergarten any student who is five or, for a student who has not completed first grade, six years of age by the first day of instruction of the school year of admittance. A new version of Section 3321.01 exists took effect March 20, 2026.
Families will still have the option to enroll their age-eligible child in kindergarten starting at age five or wait until the child is six years of age. Families planning ahead can check local school district calendars online for start dates or contact districts directly to confirm the first day of instruction for future years.
Compare your child’s birth date with the school’s start date to determine eligibility.
- If a child turns five or six on or before the first day of school, they can start kindergarten or first grade.
- If a child’s fifth birthday is after the first day of instruction but prior to the first day of January, they can wait and begin kindergarten the next year. Alternatively, families may contact the local school district to refer the child for kindergarten entrance to be admitted in accordance with district policy.
- If a child will turn five or six on or after the first day of January of the school year, the family can make a referral, and the child shall be evaluated for early admittance in accordance with the district’s acceleration policy adopted under ORC 3324.10.
EDUCATION CHOICES IN OHIO
There are many school and program types to consider when choosing the right education option for your child. Other things to consider include open enrollment, full-day or half-day kindergarten, and scholarships. To learn more about Ohio’s education options, browse the topics listed below.
INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS
Any public or chartered nonpublic school or a daycare provider licensed under Chapter 5104 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) can operate a kindergarten program. It is the responsibility of the school or daycare provider to ensure the kindergarten program meets the following:
1. It is directly taught by a teacher who holds one of the following:
- A valid certification/educator license issued under ORC Section 3319.22;
- A Montessori preprimary credential or age-appropriate diploma granted by the American Montessori Society or the Association Montessori Internationale;
- Certification for teachers in nontax-supported schools pursuant to Section 3301.07.1 of the revised code; and
2. It is determined to be developmentally appropriate.
Instruction Time and Length of School Year
For the purpose of instruction, schools must be open for not less than 455 hours in the case of students in kindergarten unless such students are provided all-day kindergarten (ORC 3321.05). Students in all-day kindergarten shall be in attendance for 910 hours (ORC 3313.48).
Screening
A child’s screening and assessment data cannot be used to determine eligibility to enter kindergarten. The only criterion for entrance into kindergarten is age eligibility. By Nov. 1 of the school year in which a child is enrolled for the first time, the child must be screened for vision, hearing, speech and communication, medical problems and any developmental disorders. If the screening reveals the possibility of potential learning needs, the district must provide further assessment. Schools must note that screenings are not intended to diagnose educational disability or be used for placement procedures. A parent may sign a statement that he or she does not wish to have the child screened (ORC 3313.673).
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
The ratio of teachers to students in kindergarten through fourth grade on a school districtwide basis shall be at least one full-time equivalent classroom teacher per 25 students in the regular student population. Said ratio shall be calculated in accordance with sections 3317.02 and 3317.023 of the Revised Code (ORC 3301-35-05).
Kindergarten Transfers
After a child has been admitted to kindergarten in a school district or chartered nonpublic school, no school district or board of education to which the child transfers shall deny admission based on the child's age. This does not apply to students who were home-schooled or students who attended non-chartered, non-tax-supported schools. For these students, the new school district will determine what grade to place the student in.
Kindergarten Survey Results
Ohio law requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to collect “Beginning of the Year Student Data” for all public school districts on an annual basis regarding kindergarten enrollment and fees or tuition charged for providing all-day kindergarten services. The results are published on the Department’s website on or before April 30 of each year.
Last Modified: 4/10/2026 1:58:38 PM