Verified state guidance
District of Columbia Preschool & TK
In the District of Columbia, children must turn 5 on or before September 30 to enter kindergarten. The District of Columbia has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The District funds Universal Pre-K Program (Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program / PKEEP), a free pre-K program open to all three- and four-year-olds regardless of family income. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.
Key early-childhood facts for District of Columbia
- Kindergarten entrance cutoff
- Children must turn 5 on or before September 30 to start kindergarten.
- Free pre-K options
- Free state-funded pre-K is available to all three- and four-year-olds through Universal Pre-K Program (Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program / PKEEP).
- Notes
- The District of Columbia has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Universal Pre-K Program (Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program / PKEEP)) plus Head Start.
Head Start and early learning resources
Find local Head Start and state pre-K programs: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator
State early education website
Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.