Verified state guidance
Minnesota Preschool & TK
In Minnesota, children must turn 5 on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten. Minnesota has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) / School Readiness Plus (SRP), 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 Minnesota
- Kindergarten entrance cutoff
- Children must turn 5 on or before September 1 to start kindergarten.
- Free pre-K options
- Free state-funded pre-K is available to eligible three- and four-year-olds through Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) / School Readiness Plus (SRP).
- Notes
- Minnesota has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) / School Readiness Plus (SRP)) 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.