Enrollment Eligibility FAQ

Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, new state legislation, HB114, standardizes the age-eligibility requirements for kindergarten enrollment for all school districts across Ohio. All kindergarten students must be five years of age on or before the first official day of school in the district the student will attend to be eligible for kindergarten. The 2026-27 school year begins August 20, 2026. 

Kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year begins January 12, 2026. The information below is intended to help families understand the new requirements, available exceptions, and what to expect during the registration process for Olentangy Schools. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is Olentangy Schools kindergarten eligibility changing? 

Ohio House Bill 114 updated kindergarten age-eligibility requirements statewide. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, all Ohio school districts must use the first official day of school as the eligibility cutoff date for kindergarten admittance. 

What is Olentangy Schools new kindergarten age requirement for the 2026-27 school year? 

To be eligible for kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year, a child must be five years old on or before August 20, 2026, the first official day of school for Olentangy Schools. This replaces the previous September 30 cutoff. 

How does this impact children who will still be four years old on the first day of school in August? 

Most children who are four years old on the first day of school will no longer be eligible to enroll in kindergarten under the new state law. 

Are there any exceptions to the age requirement? 

Yes. Existing early entrance options remain in place: 

• Early entrance may be considered for children who turn five by January 1, 2027, following a successful referral and comprehensive evaluation process. 
• Students who are formally accelerated may be eligible for early entrance. 

What is early entrance? 

Research and experience clearly indicate that most children will have a more successful school experience if they enter school with children of or near their chronological age.  It is recognized through research, however, that there are intellectually and socially mature children who could benefit from early admission to kindergarten/first grade. The purpose of the early entrance process is to use multiple factors to identify children with above average intelligence, accelerated academic skills and well developed social-emotional status for which early entrance would be in their best interest to address their needs. 

To request consideration for early admission, you should contact the elementary school in your attendance area and ask to speak to the school psychologist.  If you aren’t certain which school your child will attend, review the attendance boundary maps and subdivision listing.  

Does my child need to be evaluated to qualify for an exception? 

Yes. Early entrance is not guaranteed. Eligibility is dependent upon the successful completion of the district’s referral and evaluation process. The evaluation process for early entrance is a rigorous process involving multiple standardized assessments over several days and is considered a whole grade acceleration.  

My child is currently enrolled in the district’s Preschool program; however, they turn five-years-old after the first day of school. Are they eligible for kindergarten registration? 

No. Students attending the district's Preschool program who are not five years of age on or before the first day of school are not eligible for kindergarten. 

Who should I contact if I have questions? 

Please contact Olentangy Schools New Student Welcome Center for questions related to kindergarten eligibility and registration.