Verified state guidance

Massachusetts Preschool & TK

In Massachusetts, children must meet their local district’s kindergarten entrance age to enter kindergarten. Massachusetts has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), a pre-K program for three- and four-year-olds who meet at-risk or other eligibility criteria. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.

Key early-childhood facts for Massachusetts

Kindergarten entrance cutoff: Kindergarten entrance age is set locally by each school district rather than by a statewide cutoff date.
Free pre-K options: Free state-funded pre-K is available to eligible three- and four-year-olds through Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI).
Notes: Massachusetts has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI)) 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://www.mass.gov/info-details/commonwealth-preschool-partnership-initiative-cppi

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