Kindergarten is the first year of public school. Most children start at about age 5.
Each state sets a cutoff date: your child must be 5 by a certain day to start that year. A child born after the cutoff waits one more year.
Some states require kindergarten; others make it optional but almost every family uses it.
It is free, and it is usually a full day.
This differs by state; see In your state below.
Pre-K (pre-kindergarten) is a year of school before kindergarten, usually at age 4. Some states and cities offer free public pre-K for every child; others only for lower-income families; some have very little.
Search "[your city] pre-K enrollment" or ask your school district.
Many programs open applications in winter or spring for the next school year in August or September. Spaces can fill fast.
Bring the same documents as for school: proof of age, address and vaccines.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a federal program for children aged 3 to 5 from lower-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under 3. Both are free and include learning, meals, health checks and help for parents.
Children in foster care, children without a fixed home, and families receiving some public benefits usually qualify.
In 2025 the government tried to require immigration status checks for Head Start. Federal courts blocked it, so programs enroll children by age and income.
Find a program at headstart.gov with the Head Start Center Locator, or call 1-866-763-6481 (weekdays).
US kindergartens expect children to:
Use the toilet alone and wash hands.
Know some letters and numbers. Many children are just starting.
Your child does not need to speak English first. Schools teach English to young children every day.
Missing the sign-up window. Ask about deadlines as soon as you arrive.
Assuming your child must repeat a year because their English is new. Placement is by age.