Kindergarten Eligibility Date Update for 2026–2027

Shaker Heights Schools is sharing an important update regarding kindergarten eligibility beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Because many families impacted by this change may not yet have children enrolled in the District, we encourage families to share this information with friends and neighbors who may be planning for kindergarten.

Ohio House Bill 114 was recently signed into law and changes the statewide kindergarten eligibility cutoff date. Under the new law, students must be 5 years old on or before the first day of school in their district to be eligible for kindergarten.

For Shaker Heights Schools, the first day of school for the 2026–2027 school year is August 18, 2026. This means children must turn 5 on or before that date to enroll in kindergarten. Previously, Shaker Heights followed a September 30 cutoff.

This change is required by state law and applies to all Ohio school districts. While districts had hoped for a phased-in approach, the state is requiring all districts to implement the new eligibility date beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

We understand this change may affect family planning for some households. To help answer common questions, including how this change may impact your child, families are encouraged to review the Kindergarten Eligibility FAQ.

Families with additional questions after reviewing the FAQ may contact the Shaker Heights Schools Welcome Center, located on the second floor of the Shaker Heights Public Library. The Welcome Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can also be reached by phone at 216-295-4321 beginning at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays.