How old does a child have to be to attend school in Georgia, 3 or 4??

Question

My son will be 4 October 30th....is he able to go to school this year??....

Answer 1

No.  Even for the Georgia Pre-K program, your child must turn 4 by September 1.  You might want to check into private preschool providers as an alternative.

Answer 2

It depends on the school.  Are you talking about Georgia Pre-K or privately owned learning centers?

Children four years of age on September 1 of the current school year are eligible to attend Georgia Pre-K Program during this school year.

However, privately owned learning centers (i.e. KinderCare Learning Centers, La Petite Academy, etc) allow kids to start the Pre-school curriculum as early as 3.  2 years olds even have a curriculum.  These private pre-school institions generally accept applications all year.

I know many parents who start their kids at a private Pre-K program since their kids missed the Georgia's Pre-K qualification of being 4 by Sept. 1st.  That way their kids can start school and get a head start.

Answer 3

If you live in Columbus,GA, I recommend Downtown magnet academy...it's the best!

Answer 4

I think 4...Coz 3 is very young...let's give are children more time to play before we tie them to schooling...

Answer 5

No, not if you mean full-time. He won't be old enough for kindergarten next year either because the cut-off birth date is September 1.

Next year he can go to state-funded preK for 4 year olds IF, IF you can find a spot for him at one of the places that offers it. There are only about half spots needed for all the 4 year-olds in Georgia so put him on a waiting list for next year if any schools have them now. It's only half-day of free education so you'll either have to pick him up or pay for the extra child-care time.

For this year, you could find a Pre3 program in a for-profit center, a church or some other spot depending on where you live and how much you're willing to pay.