Ohio Kindergarten Age Cutoff Changes for 2026-2027

New state law mandates children must be 5 by first day of school to enroll

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new Ohio law taking effect in March 2026 will change the kindergarten enrollment age requirement, requiring children to be 5 years old by the first day of school to be eligible. This replaces the previous policy that allowed school districts to set their own cutoff dates, either August 1 or September 30. The change is expected to impact around 5,000 fewer students enrolling in Ohio kindergartens next year.

Why it matters

The new consistent statewide age requirement aims to bring more clarity and consistency to the kindergarten enrollment process, particularly for families relocating between school districts. However, the change could potentially delay some children's entrance into kindergarten, requiring parents to carefully review their local school calendars.

The details

Under the new law, children must be 5 years old by the first day of school to enroll in kindergarten, replacing the previous policy that allowed districts to set their own cutoff dates. For example, Winton Woods City Schools has a cutoff date of August 24, 2026. The change is expected to affect around 5,000 fewer students enrolling in Ohio kindergartens next year.

  • The new law takes effect on March 20, 2026.
  • Student registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens on March 1, 2026.

The players

H.B. 114

The new state legislation that mandates the kindergarten age cutoff change.

Adam Bird

The state representative who sponsored the bill.

Winton Woods City Schools

A school district preparing for the enrollment changes, with a cutoff date of August 24, 2026.

Steve Denny

The superintendent of Winton Woods City Schools.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

The state agency that oversees education requirements, including that children must begin kindergarten by age 6.

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What they’re saying

“H.B. 114 brings common sense and consistency across the state for the kindergarten enrollment process.”

— Adam Bird, State Representative (newsdirectory3.com)

“It could potentially cause a delay in that child's entrance into kindergarten. So, whereas we might have accepted a certain number of families, it will actually decrease that.”

— Steve Denny, Superintendent, Winton Woods City Schools (newsdirectory3.com)

“We anticipate working closely with as many families that might find themselves in this particular situation. And our job is to be their partner. Help them through it.”

— Steve Denny, Superintendent, Winton Woods City Schools (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This change in Ohio's kindergarten enrollment age requirement aims to bring more consistency statewide, but it could potentially delay some children's entry into kindergarten. Parents will need to carefully review their local school calendars and work closely with districts to understand how the new law will impact their family.