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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

Mississippi Preschool & TK

In Mississippi, children must turn 5 on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten. Mississippi has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) and State Invested Pre-K (SIP), a free pre-K program open to all 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 1 to start kindergarten

September 1
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Turns 5 by September 1

Starts kindergarten this school year.

Turns 5 after September 1

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

Key early-childhood facts for Mississippi

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 all four-year-olds through Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) and State Invested Pre-K (SIP).
Notes
Mississippi has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) and State Invested Pre-K (SIP)) 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://mdek12.org/earlychildhood/early-learning-collaboratives/

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

Helpful guides for parents

What age does preschool start?Typical ages, readiness signs, and state cutoffs.Is my child ready for preschool?The readiness signs to look for.Preschool vs. daycareHow they differ and which fits your child.Preschool vs. pre-KWhat comes when, from ages 3 to 5.