MS SB2615

Lowers the compulsory school attendance age requirement from six (6) to five (5) years old, effective July 1, 2025.

Changes the enrollment cutoff date from September 1 to August 1 for kindergarten and first grade eligibility in public schools.

Expands the definition of "school" for kindergarten-age children to include licensed public, parochial, nonpublic, and legitimate homeschool kindergarten programs that address cognitive, social, and emotional needs.

Requires kindergarten-age children (five-year-olds) to enroll in and attend a licensed kindergarten program, with the same compulsory attendance law provisions and enforcement mechanisms applicable to older students.

Updates enrollment date provisions in Section 37-15-9 to align with the new August 1 cutoff date for both kindergarten and first grade admission.