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Clear, independent answers to the questions parents actually ask about preschool and transitional kindergarten — grounded in your state's real rules.

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© 2026 PreschoolWise. Educational guidance, not legal or enrollment advice — always confirm with your school district.

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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.

The cutoff at a glance

A child must turn 5 on or before September 30 to start kindergarten

September 30
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F
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A
M
J
J
A
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Turns 5 by September 30

Starts kindergarten this school year.

Turns 5 after September 30

Waits until the next school year — a good fit for TK or pre-K.

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

https://osse.dc.gov/pkeep

Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.

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