Pre-K typically starts at age 4 in the United States. Most children entering Pre-K are between 3 and 4 years old, but the standard starting age for Pre-K programs is generally 4 years old. Some states or programs may accept younger children, around 3 years old, but those might be considered preschool rather than Pre-K. Pre-K serves as a structured readiness program for children before they enter kindergarten, usually at age 5. Different states may have slight variations; for example, New York State offers Pre-K for both 3- and 4-year- olds, while others like North Carolina start at 4 years old. Pre-K programs aim to develop foundational academic and social skills in preparation for kindergarten. In summary:

• Typical Pre-K starting age: 4 years old
• Age range: mostly 3 to 4 years old, with 4 being the norm
• Purpose: preparing children for kindergarten at age 5

This aligns with national trends and state-specific programs.