In Connecticut, the age at which children can start kindergarten depends on the school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, children must turn 5 on or before January 1, 2024, to enter kindergarten. However, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, children must turn 5 on or before September 1 of the school year to be automatically eligible for kindergarten.

Parents of a child who is 5 years old have the option not to send their child to school until the child is 6 or 7 years old. If they choose not to send their child when the child is age-eligible, they must go to the school district office and sign an opt-out form.

It is important to note that while parents have the option to hold their child back from kindergarten, keeping children out of kindergarten typically does not have long-term benefits. In fact, some education experts have found keeping children out of kindergarten may be detrimental for some children.

In summary, the age at which kids go to kindergarten in Connecticut is 5 years old on or before January 1 of the school year for the 2023-2024 school year, and 5 years old on or before September 1 of the school year for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.