The Maryland State Board of Education has approved new entry dates that gradually raise the age for children entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and Grade 1 for all public schools, including the elementary schools in Montgomery County.

The gradual phase-in of the new entry dates begins with the upcoming school year (2002-2003) for pre-kindergarten students. The kindergarten changes begin in the following year (2003-2004). The first grade changes begin in 2004-2005.

The chart below identifies each age grouping and the phase-in requirements, which adjust the entry age each year until the target date of September 1 is reached for all age groups in 2007.