GA HB1032

Children who complete pre-kindergarten or kindergarten at a qualifying private school may enroll early in public school kindergarten or first grade even if they don't meet the standard age requirement (age 5 by September 1 for kindergarten, age 6 by September 1 for first grade), provided they demonstrate readiness.

State Board of Education must establish kindergarten readiness guidelines by January 1, 2027, which will include grades, norm-referenced assessment scores, teacher recommendations, and considerations for disabled or limited-English-proficient students.

First grade readiness will be determined using the existing first grade readiness assessment already required under Georgia law.

Each local board of education must adopt an early enrollment policy by July 1, 2027, including a process for parents to request early enrollment and an appeal process for denials.

The act becomes effective July 1, 2026, and applies beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.