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Kindergarten Eligibility

Ohio law now says:Your child must be five years old by the first day of school to start Kindergarten. For the 2026-2027 school year, the first day of school is August 20, 2026.
 

What does this mean for North Ridgeville?

The state does allow some flexibility within this law, which NRCS plans to take advantage of pending board approval. This would allow students who turn five between August 21 and September 30, 2026 to enroll at the parent's request.

✅ Your child can enroll in Kindergarten if:

  • They turn five on or before August 20, 2026, OR

  • They turn five between August 21 and September 30, 2026, with parent request

⚠️ Your child will need Early Entrance testing if:

  • They turn five after September 30, 2026 
  • Early entrance requires testing, and your child must qualify as gifted under state guidelines 
     

Still not sure? Here are examples

  • Birthday: August 15, 2021 → ✅ Eligible for Kindergarten
  • Birthday: September 10, 2021 → ✅ Eligible with parent request
  • Birthday: October 5, 2021 → ⚠️ Early Entrance testing required

 

We’re here to help

We know this change may feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you have questions about your child’s eligibility or next steps, please contact the Early Childhood Learning Community at 440-353-1100.