School Start Age Checker
Enter your child’s birthdate, the cutoff date your school uses, and the entry age (5 for kindergarten in many places) to see how old your child will be on the cutoff and whether they’re likely eligible to start this year. Cutoffs vary a lot by country and region — use your local one.
Enter a birthdate and cutoff date to check eligibility.
Readiness matters as much as age
If your child is near the cutoff, look at social, emotional and self-care skills too — not just the date. The school can advise.
General information only. Cutoff dates and rules vary by region — your local school or district has the official policy.
How it works
Most school systems set a cutoff date: children who reach the entry age on or before that date can start; those who turn it just after usually wait until the next school year. This tool works out your child’s exact age on the cutoff you enter and compares it to the entry age.
It’s a quick eligibility check, not the whole decision. Where families have a choice (a birthday close to the cutoff), readiness — social, emotional and self-care skills — matters as much as age. Your local school or district has the definitive rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a school cutoff date? +
It’s the date by which a child must reach the required age to start a school year. For example, where the cutoff is 1 September and entry age is 5, a child must turn 5 on or before 1 September to start that year.
My child’s birthday is right around the cutoff — what now? +
If they just miss it, they usually start the next year. If they just make it, you may have a choice about whether to start them or wait (sometimes called redshirting). Weigh readiness, not just age, and talk to the school.
Do cutoffs really differ that much? +
Yes — the date and entry age vary by country, state and even district, and some places assess readiness individually. Always check your local rule; this tool uses whatever cutoff and age you enter.
Is being older or younger in the class better? +
There’s no single answer. Younger-in-class children often catch up within a few years; what helps most is a good fit between the child’s readiness and the classroom, plus support at home.
Related reading
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