Most kids are eligible to start kindergarten when they’re 5 — but age isn’t the only factor to consider

Starting school is a rite of passage for many kids and their families. The backpacks that hang to their knees. The packed lunches they may or may not eat. The assemblies, the school photos and the wacky hair days ... it’s all a big deal!

But when is the right age to start kindergarten? And are there things beyond age that you should consider before enrolling your little tyke?

Family medicine practitioner Eric Boose, MD, has some advice.

At what age do kids typically start kindergarten?

Generally, kids are eligible to start kindergarten when they’re 5 years old. But most U.S. states don’t require a child to enter school until they’re at least 6. Check the requirements in your state to know the rules.

But in other words, in most places, you have some wiggle room in determining when your child starts kindergarten. So, you can make a decision based on more than age alone.

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

“Age is one measure in determining kindergarten readiness, but there are other factors that can help you decide if it’s the right time, too,” Dr. Boose says.

The practice of “academic redshirting” (a term that originated in college sports), or delaying kindergarten entrance for a year, is becoming a popular topic of conversation

Some families believe that giving a child another year to grow and mature helps them be more academically, socially and athletically successful in school. And research suggests that things like behavior and ability should perhaps hold more weight than age alone as parents make decisions about kindergarten entrance.

Dr. Boose walks through some of the considerations families take into account when determining if their child is ready for kindergarten.

Skill level

School can be complex. The educational experience is one thing, but there’s also the social, behavioral and emotional sides.

Sitting still in a classroom can be a tall order. So can meeting new friends and knowing the difference between when it’s time to talk and when it’s time to listen.

Kids who haven’t mastered certain skills can quickly fall behind in kindergarten. They can also get frustrated, act out and have trouble making friends.

Dr. Boose recommends looking for these signs of kindergarten readiness:

  • Behavioral skills, like following simple directions, sitting quietly, paying attention for short periods of time and using the restroom on their own
  • Emotional skills, like managing their emotions and being comfortable with being away from their parents for the day
  • Interpersonal skills, like interacting appropriately with other kids and communicating their needs
  • Academic knowledge, like recognizing some letters and numbers, writing their first name, and showing interest and curiosity about school and learning
  • Fine motor skills, like cutting with scissors and holding a pencil or crayon properly

“A child might be able to do some things but not others and that’s OK,” Dr. Boose notes. “If they can do most of these things most of the time, they may be ready for school.”

Birthday timing

Some people consider delaying kindergarten for “young 5s.” That’s to say, kids who turn 5 close to the cutoff date for kindergarten entrance.

For example: Say your school district allows children to enter kindergarten if they turn 5 by September 1. Your child just turned 5 in August. They could enroll in kindergarten. Or you can opt to wait a year until they’re more mature.

A kid who recently turned 5 can be a lot different from one who’s well into their fifth year. If they attend preschool during their redshirt year, they can be even better prepared for kindergarten life.

“It can be a gift for some kids to have an extra year of maturing in preschool or pre-K,” Dr. Boose recognizes. “Not everyone needs it, but for kids who could use some extra time, it can make a big difference.”

Sports

If you picture your tee-baller as a future standout athlete, pushing back kindergarten a year could give them a competitive edge.

Parents concerned about sports performance sometimes opt to delay kindergarten in hopes that an extra year will give their child a boost in physical size and coordination. That can translate into increased playing time and improved skills.

That can especially benefit boys, who tend to hit their puberty growth spurt later than girls.

“If you put a boy in school and he’s the youngest in his class, he might physically develop on time for his age, but he still might be behind everyone else who is several months or even a year on him,” Dr. Boose says. “He could be the smallest kid on the team until he catches up.”

Of course, entering kindergarten later is far from a guarantee for earning an athletic scholarship to a Division I school down the road. If your child is otherwise ready for kindergarten, redshirting them a year in hopes of gaining extra athletic prowess may not be advisable.

Cost and convenience

Sure, all-day kindergarten might benefit some parents, particularly if you’re trying to balance work schedules. And the cost of an extra year of daycare can be substantial.

But Dr. Boose advises against making a kindergarten decision based on these factors.

“Cost and logistics are certainly considerations to account for,” he agrees. “But basing your decision solely on that isn’t always going to be in your child’s best interest.”

Is your child ready?

If you’re on the fence about sending your kiddo to kindergarten, it might help to check with your school district. Most provide assessments to screen for readiness. You can also talk with your child’s pediatrician or another healthcare provider to get their input.

At the end of the day, Dr. Boose advises trusting your gut and remembering that kids grow and develop differently. Not every kid who’s of kindergarten age is actually ready to go to kindergarten.

“It all boils down to knowing your child. Every child in a family is different. If you feel they aren’t ready, that says a lot,” Dr. Boose states.