MS SB2040

Changes the compulsory school attendance age from six years old to five years old, with the cutoff date moving from September 1 to August 1 of each calendar year.

Requires kindergarten-age children (five-year-olds) to attend licensed public, parochial, nonpublic, or legitimate homeschool kindergarten programs that address cognitive, social, and emotional development needs.

Defines eligible kindergarten programs as those meeting state licensing requirements and providing developmentally appropriate services for five-year-old children.

Updates enrollment date requirements in public schools to reflect the August 1 cutoff for both kindergarten and first-grade admission eligibility.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021.