Verified state guidance

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.

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.