Statement

Roaring Fork Schools is adjusting the Kindergarten entry cutoff from October 1 to August 15th, starting in the 26-27 school year. Incoming kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before August 15th.

To support families during this transition, preschool students who will turn 5 years old between August 16, 2026, and October 1, 2026, may request admittance into kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.

Families permitted early admittance to kindergarten in future years will be in accordance with board policy and applicable state laws.

listening to class

New Entrance Age Requirement: August 15

Students must be 5 years old on or before August 15th to enroll in Kindergarten.

Applies starting: 2026–27 school year

Temporary Exceptions: Given the timing of this change, families of children turning 5 between August 16, 2026, and October 1, 2026, may still request to start kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year.

What does it mean for me?

    What is the key change regarding the new kindergarten entry cutoff date?

    Starting with the 2026–27 school year, Roaring Fork Schools will change the kindergarten entry birthday cutoff date from October 1st to August 15th. This means that children must be 5 years old on or before August 15th to enroll in kindergarten. For most families, this is not a change. It currently affects families whose children will turn 5 years old between Aug 16, 2026-Oct 1, 2026.

    Why is this change being made?

    At the Roaring Fork Schools, we believe that children who are 5 years old by the time they start kindergarten are better prepared for success in both the academic and social aspects of formal schooling.

    What does this change mean for me?

    If your child turns 5 years old on or before August 15th, they can enter Kindergarten that same school year they turn 5. If your child turns 5 years old after Aug 15th, they will start Kindergarten in the following school year.

    For the 2026-27 school year, preschool students who turn 5 between Aug 16, 2026-Oct 1, 2026 may still request to start Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Families permitted early admittance to kindergarten in future years will be in accordance with board policy and applicable state laws.

    My child is currently 4 years old. When can they start kindergarten?

    If your child turns 5 years old on or before August 15th, they will be able to start kindergarten the same school year they turn 5.

    My child will turn 5 years old between Aug 16th and Oct 1. Now that the cutoff date is Aug 15th, what does that mean for my child?

    Preschool students who turn five between August 16, 2026, and October 1, 2026, may still request to start Kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. Families permitted early admittance to kindergarten in future years will be in accordance with state law and board policy.

    What about Universal Pre-K funding?

    Universal Pre-K (UPK) aligns with the local district’s cutoff date. This means that starting in 2026-27, students who are 4 years old on or before Aug 15th, will be eligible for 4-year old UPK funding for one year immediately preceding Kindergarten. Families who have already used 4-year old UPK funding will not be eligible for an additional year of UPK funding.

    Can my child enter Kindergarten when they are 4 years old?

    Only students whose guardian(s) complete the Early Access process for highly gifted children may be considered for kindergarten admission as a 4-year-old due to state funding requirements.

    I have more questions. Who do I go to?

    For any additional questions, please reach out to your child’s preschool director or the family liaison of the school you wish to attend.