September 1, 2020
First school year: 2025–26
Estimated final school year ends: 2038
Usual starting year · This estimate assumes your child moves up one grade each year. An early or delayed start, repeating or skipping a grade will change the dates.
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Minnesota Kindergarten Age & School Start Calculator
In Minnesota, children normally start kindergarten if they turn 5 on or before September 1. Enter your child’s birthday to see their starting school year and estimated Grade 12 finish.
Starting kindergarten in Minnesota
Your child normally needs to turn 5 on or before September 1.
September 1 birthdays meet the usual age requirement. Early-childhood screening and an application for early entry are separate steps; ask your school what your child needs before enrollment.
Official sources →Estimated school pathway
This estimate assumes your child moves up one grade each year. An early or delayed start, repeating or skipping a grade will change the dates. Check starting arrangements and graduation requirements with your child’s school.
The table follows Kindergarten through Grade 12, moving up one grade each year. The grades included in elementary, middle and high school vary by district.
September 1 birthdays meet the usual age requirement. Early-childhood screening and an application for early entry are separate steps; ask your school what your child needs before enrollment.
| School year | Year / class | Education stage | Age reached in starting calendar year |
|---|
Sources checked: 2026-10-22 · 2026-10-22.2
How school entry works
Your child’s birthday helps determine which school year they can start. Use the state or district guidance on this page; applying early does not change the birthday cutoff.
The table follows Kindergarten through Grade 12, moving up one grade each year. The grades included in elementary, middle and high school vary by district.
Before you enrol
Check which school serves your address, when applications open and which documents you need. If you are applying for an early start, ask about the assessment and its deadline.
What this estimate does not decide
Being old enough to start does not guarantee a place at your preferred school. A later start, a transfer or repeating a grade can change the timeline. Your child must also meet their school’s graduation requirements.
Worked examples
September 2, 2020
First school year: 2026–27
Estimated final school year ends: 2039
Usual starting year · This estimate assumes your child moves up one grade each year. An early or delayed start, repeating or skipping a grade will change the dates.
Questions parents ask
What age does my child need to be to start kindergarten in Minnesota?
Usually five on or before September 1. September 1 birthdays meet the usual age requirement. Early-childhood screening and an application for early entry are separate steps; ask your school what your child needs before enrollment.
What if my child’s birthday is after the cutoff?
They will usually start the following school year. Some states or districts allow an earlier start after an application or assessment. Read the guidance on this page and ask your school before making plans.
Does this calculate my child’s graduation year?
It estimates the year your child would finish Grade 12 if they move up one grade each year. Graduation also depends on course credits and other school requirements.
Is the birthday cutoff the enrollment deadline?
No. The birthday cutoff decides age eligibility. Your school’s enrollment or school-choice deadline tells you when to apply, which may be months before school starts.
Official sources
Sources checked: 2026-10-22 · 2026-10-22.2