Grade Level Placement Criteria 2026-27
Grade-Level Placement Birthday Criteria
2026–2027 School Year
The following information outlines the birthday criteria for grade-level placement in the Fountain Valley School District for the 2026–27 school year. These guidelines help ensure that all students are placed in the grade level that aligns with California Education Code requirements.
Age Requirements
The Fountain Valley School District follows the California Education Code (Sections 48000 and 48010) for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten enrollment. Proof of age is required for all students enrolling in the district.
The district does not allow early admission for children who do not meet the state-defined age requirements for TK or Kindergarten, as described in Board Policy 6170.1 and Administrative Regulation 5111.
Kindergarten Eligibility
Children are eligible for Kindergarten if they turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Eligibility
Children are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) if they turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
Birthday Requirements for the 2026–2027 School Year
| Range of Birthdates | Grade Level |
|---|---|
| Born after 5/02/24 | Not Eligible for Enrollment |
| 12/02/23 - 5/01/24 | 2.9+ (They start after their 3rd birthday) |
| 9/02/22 - 12/01/23 | Pre-K (3-year-olds), start August 2025 |
| 9/02/21 - 9/01/22 | Transitional Kindergarten |
| 9/02/20 - 9/01/21 | Kindergarten |
| 9/02/18 - 9/01/20 | 1st Grade |
| 9/02/18 - 9/01/19 | 2nd Grade |
| 9/02/17 - 9/01/18 | 3rd Grade |
| 9/02/16 - 9/01/17 | 4th Grade |
| 9/02/15 - 9/01/16 | 5th Grade |
| 9/02/14 - 9/01/15 | 6th Grade |
| 9/02/13 - 9/01/14 | 7th Grade |
| 9/02/12 - 9/01/13 | 8th Grade |
Enrollment Age Requirements – FAQ
My child will turn five on September 2. Can they go to Kindergarten?
To start Kindergarten, your child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2026.
My child’s birthday is close to the cutoff. Can I choose TK instead of Kindergarten (or vice versa)?
Placement is based strictly on state-defined birthdate ranges. Families cannot choose to place a child in TK instead of Kindergarten—or Kindergarten instead of TK—if the child does not meet the required age range.
We just moved from another country. My child is old enough for 3rd Grade, but did not finish 2nd Grade at their last school. Can they be in 2nd Grade?
Children must be enrolled in the grade that matches their age. If you have questions about placement, talk to the principal at your child’s school.
What documents do I need to determine the school or grade my child is eligible to attend?
You can find the required documents on our Documents Required to Establish Residency page. This page lists all the documents you need. You may use different documents to meet the requirements
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