Ohio House sets uniform kindergarten cutoff: child must be 5 by first day of instruction

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House on May 20 passed House Bill 114 to create a single standard for kindergarten eligibility: a child must be 5 years old by the first day of instruction in the district where they enroll. The bill passed the House unanimously.

“Current State law says that districts may choose August 1 or September 30 as the deadline by which incoming kindergartners must be 5 years of age. This dual standard has led to confusion and frustration,” Representative Ritter said on the floor, describing the measure as a “simple legislative fix.”

Under the bill, districts will use their first day of instruction as the cutoff; sponsors said the change eliminates inconsistencies that cause frustration for families who move between districts. Representatives also noted an amendment restoring a pathway for early admission: four-year-olds who are advanced or gifted may be evaluated and, if appropriate, admitted early.

Sponsors described the change as administrative and focused on consistency for parents and school operations. The House approved the bill 93-0 and agreed to the title; the measure will be sent to the Senate.