New bill could allow Georgia parents to decide to enroll child in kindergarten or first grade

ATLANTA — A bill is heading to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk that would allow Georgia parents to decide when their child is ready to be enrolled in kindergarten or first grade.

The bill would allow parents of children who are six years old on Sept. 1 to request that their children be enrolled in kindergarten rather than first grade.  

That provision is part of the larger House Bill 1193, the literacy bill, which was passed by the House and the Senate on March 31 and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. Gov. Kemp has 45 days to sign it.  

The proposal follows concerns raised by parents in Gwinnett County about how school systems handle age and grade placement. 

Under state law, children who are five years old on Sept. 1 are eligible for kindergarten. Students who are six years old on Sept. 1 are eligible for first grade, provided they have completed kindergarten. 

Late last year, Gwinnett School officials indicated that six-year-old students would be required to enroll in first grade. 

In a statement to 11Alive in December, Gwinnett County Public Schools said it reviewed its enrollment practices to ensure consistency across all schools while following state law. 

Gwinnett County Public Schools follows Georgia law and Georgia State Board of Education rules regarding student enrollment and grade placement. While some families choose to delay their child’s start in kindergarten—commonly referred to as ‘redshirting’—districts must ensure placement decisions align with state law and local board policy. In GCPS, we work closely with families to support every child’s readiness for school and long-term success.

That prompted Rep. Hilton to introduce House Bill 1048, saying that existing Georgia law does not clearly address the issue and that parents should be empowered to make enrollment decisions based on their child’s individual readiness.

Following the passage of House Bill 1193, Rep. Hilton posted a video on his Facebook page stating that the bill is important “because it includes the Gwinnett County redshirting language allowing parents to decide when to enroll their child.