Frequently Asked Questions

Nonpublic School FAQs:

• Is there an age limitation for a child enrolling in kindergarten in a nonpublic school?

- There is no statuary age limitation for kindergarten as far as nonpublic schools are concerned

• If a child is not old enough to attend public kindergarten in North Carolina, enrolls in a private school and then transfers to a public school in the same school year, should the public school accept the student?

-  The public school cannot legally accept such a child for enrollment within the same school year

• May a child who does not meet North Carolina's age requirement, complete a nonpublic kindergarten and enroll in the first grade in a public school the next year?

-  Any child who enters public school at the initial entry point of kindergarten must be five years of age on or before August 31st of that school year.  If a child has attended a nonpublic kindergarten during one year and is enrolled in public school the following year, the principal in compliance with any applicable local board policy has discretion as to whether that child be enrolled in kindergarten or first grade.

• Is there an age limitation for entering first grade?

-  No.  The only age limitation is at the kindergarten level (the initial point of entry).