Gwinnett Parents Celebrate as Redshirting Bill Heads to Governor's Desk

New legislation allows parents to hold their 6-year-olds back from first grade.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A bill that gives Georgia parents the option to keep their 6-year-old children in kindergarten instead of forcing them into first grade has passed the state legislature and is now headed to the governor's desk. The bill, written by State Rep. Scott Hilton, would stop school districts from placing students based solely on age, allowing parents to make the decision they feel is best for their child's social and emotional development.

Why it matters

The current Georgia law requires children who turn 6 by September 1 to enroll in first grade, even if parents feel their child is not yet ready. This has led to conflicts between parents and school districts, with some parents fighting to keep their children in kindergarten for an extra year. The new bill gives parents more control over this decision, which can have long-term impacts on a child's academic and social success.

The details

Under the proposed law, parents of children who turn 6 by September 1 would be able to choose to keep their child in kindergarten for an additional year, rather than being required to enroll them in first grade. This 'redshirting' practice has become more common as parents seek to give their children more time to develop socially and emotionally before starting the more rigorous first-grade curriculum. The bill was written by State Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners) and passed the state legislature on Tuesday night.

  • The bill will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year if signed into law.
  • The current Georgia law requires children who turn 6 by September 1 to enroll in first grade.

The players

Scott Hilton

A Republican state representative from Peachtree Corners, Georgia who wrote the bill allowing parents to hold their 6-year-olds back from first grade.

Amber Roos

A Gwinnett County parent who fought to keep her 6-year-old son in kindergarten after the district tried to force him into first grade.

Hillary Hendrix

A former kindergarten teacher in Gwinnett County with two children in the district's schools, who says the bill will allow her more flexibility for her daughter with autism and a speech delay.

Gwinnett County Public Schools

The school district that currently enforces the state's requirement for 6-year-olds to enroll in first grade, prompting some parents to push back.

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What they’re saying

“I can really just go with my gut as a former teacher and a parent and make the best decision for her that I can.”

— Hillary Hendrix, Former kindergarten teacher

“They told us that only experts can determine that, and they do not care to place students based on the opinions of parents.”

— Amber Roos, Gwinnett County parent

What’s next

If signed into law by the governor, the bill will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, giving Gwinnett County parents more flexibility in deciding when their 6-year-old children should start first grade.

The takeaway

This new legislation empowers parents in Gwinnett County to make the best educational decisions for their young children, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to school enrollment does not always serve a child's unique social, emotional, and academic needs. The bill represents a shift towards more personalized, family-centered education policies.