Is Kindergarten Required in Virginia?

In Virginia, under § 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia, parents are required to ensure that their child attends school once the child has reached five years of age on or before September 30 of the school year and has not yet turned eighteen. However, kindergarten is not mandatory if the parent or guardian believes the child is not ready.

Deferral Option:
A parent or guardian may delay their child’s school attendance for one year if the child will not have reached age six on or before September 30 of the school year and the parent or guardian notifies the school division in writing that the child is not mentally, physically, or emotionally prepared to begin school.

To Request a Kindergarten Entrance Deferral

The parent/guardian must submit a written request to:

Department of Student Support Services
Attn: Michele Johnson-Young
800 E. City Hall Ave., Suite 904
Norfolk, VA 23510

The letter must include:

• Child’s full name
• Parent/guardian’s name
• Home address
• A statement indicating that the parent/guardian believes the child is not mentally, physically, or emotionally prepared to attend school and wishes to delay attendance for one year