Earlier kindergarten cutoff to limit enrollments
A new state law will keep 13,000 children across North Carolina from starting kindergarten this month.
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Students must now turn 5 years old by Aug. 31 to enter kindergarten. Previously, the cutoff date was Oct. 16.
Lawmakers moved the date up because they wanted students entering school to be more mature.
In Wake County, the new law will keep about 1,200 children from starting kindergarten.
School leaders report few problems because parents were notified in February. Parents can appeal to the school board if they feel their child is ready to start kindergarten early.
The change is expected to limit enrollment increases in Wake County this year, officials said.
Last year, the school district added 3,704 students. This year, the increase is projected at 2,400. In 2010-11, however, enrollment is expected to climb by 4,000.
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