District/School Administration Administration
Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 8.00:
Kindergartens: Minimum School Age

8.01: Kindergartens

(1) All school districts shall provide kindergarten education for all eligible children.

(2) Class size for kindergartens shall not exceed an average of 25.

(3) Kindergarten classes shall be taught by qualified and certified teachers.

8.02: Mandatory Minimum Age for School Attendance

Each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of six. Each school committee may establish its own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided that such age is not older than the mandatory minimum age established by 603CMR 8.00.

8.03: Waivers

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may, upon petition of a school committee, waive the provisions of 603CMR 8.00 in order to avoid undue hardship to such school district.

Regulatory Authority:
603 CMR 8.00: M.G.L. c.69, §1B