Florida School Age Calculator
Results
Grade Details
Florida School Age Requirements
- Kindergarten: Must be 5 years old on or before September 1st
- 1st Grade: Must be 6 years old on or before September 1st
- Florida law requires children to attend school starting at age 6
- VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten): Available for 4-year-olds
- Early admission testing may be available in some districts
- Each school district may have specific enrollment procedures
Complete School Grade Timeline
| Grade Level | Required Age by Sept 1 |
|---|---|
| VPK (Voluntary Pre-K) | 4 years old |
| Kindergarten | 5 years old |
| 1st Grade | 6 years old |
| 2nd Grade | 7 years old |
| 3rd Grade | 8 years old |
| 4th Grade | 9 years old |
| 5th Grade | 10 years old |
| 6th Grade | 11 years old |
| 7th Grade | 12 years old |
| 8th Grade | 13 years old |
| 9th Grade (Freshman) | 14 years old |
| 10th Grade (Sophomore) | 15 years old |
| 11th Grade (Junior) | 16 years old |
| 12th Grade (Senior) | 17-18 years old |
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Quick answers to common Florida school enrollment questions
My child misses the September 1 cutoff by just a few days or weeks — can they still start kindergarten this year?
Almost always no — Florida law is very strict on the September 1 date. Early admission testing exists in some districts, but it's rare, requires strong proof of advanced readiness, and approvals are uncommon (usually under 5% success rate).
Is kindergarten required in Florida?
No — kindergarten is optional. Only regular school attendance becomes mandatory when a child turns 6 (or will turn 6 by February 1 of the school year).
Should we do Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) if my child isn't eligible for kindergarten yet?
Yes — it's highly recommended! VPK is free for eligible 4-year-olds (must turn 4 on or before September 1), helps build skills for kindergarten, and is available statewide regardless of income.
When and how do I start the actual enrollment process?
Most Florida districts open registration in winter/spring for the next fall. Contact your local school district early, and prepare documents like birth certificate, proof of residence, immunizations, and sometimes a recent physical exam.