The age of kindergarteners varies depending on the state and school district. In Pennsylvania, for example, children can be placed in kindergarten if they are between the ages of four to six years old, but kindergarten is not compulsory and compulsory attendance begins at age six. The local school board establishes the districts minimum age for beginners that may not be less than five years and seven months before September 1. In most states, children start kindergarten around 5 years old, and the cutoff states kids must be no younger than 4 years and 7 months old at the start of the school year. Parents should contact their school district for more information on the age and cut-off dates for kindergarten registration.