Tennessee Preschool & TK
In Tennessee, children must turn 5 on or before August 15 to enter kindergarten. Tennessee has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK), a pre-K program for income-eligible three- and four-year-olds. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.
A child must turn 5 on or before August 15 to start kindergarten
August 15
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Turns 5 by August 15
Starts kindergarten this school year.
Turns 5 after August 15
Waits until the next school year — a good fit for TK or pre-K.
Key early-childhood facts for Tennessee
- Kindergarten entrance cutoff
- Children must turn 5 on or before August 15 to start kindergarten.
- Free pre-K options
- Free state-funded pre-K is available to income-eligible three- and four-year-olds through Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK).
- Notes
- Tennessee has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK)) 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.tn.gov/education/districts/early-learning/voluntary-pre-k.html
Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.