http://www.state.nj.us/education/genfo/faq/faq.htm

Q. What is the cut-off date for kindergarten entry in New Jersey?

A. Local school districts can establish a cut-off date for kindergarten entry on October 1 or later. Residents must follow their local school board policies regarding cut-off dates.
N.J.S.A.18A:38-5 - Admission of Pupils Underage

Jersey city's cutoff is October 1.

JC BOE cutoff dates

Not all school districts follow the same cut off points. Some districts want children five by September 1st. They might allow a child in who is slightly passed that date if room is available.

I thought NJ was oct 1. It is where I live. I believe catholic schools have later cutoffs

This is confusing, Yvonne says Nov and Dec kids are at a disadvantage, but chrisjersey says that their kid was born in November and missed the cutoff, so presumably would be at an advantage in the subsequent year!

The cutoff for public school is not 1st January, so when is it? The original post implies it is in October, which is about what I thought it was from my own experience.

Do different schools have different cutoffs?

Robin.

Thanks everyone !

I guess it is amazing that we agree on something. I do suggest parents have their children (pre-schoolers) play with clay to strength muscles in the fingers. Writing is part of school life and some children cannot master that skill if their fine motor skills are not ready.

I guess it takes a comet for Yvonne and I to agree. Intellectual, physical and emotional maturity rarely are in lockstep. The people I know who were at the elder end of their class have unusual amounts of self assurance. In fact the 1%ers have taken to holding their kids back voluntarily to gain even more edge.

Find ways to stimulate her alternatively, its better than setting her up to be frustrated by the other challenges of growing up

I have taught many grades including kindergarten. I will tell you - children who are born in November and December are at a disadvantage. They are competing against children born in January and February who perhaps have better coordination skills at holding a pencil or even staying alert. I cautioned one mother against having her gifted son placed in a higher grade, (skipping) his coordination was slow even though he was bright. Guess what, he received a scholarship to Regis at the end of 8th grade. I doubt he would have qualified, if he was placed in the next grade. Many school districts requires children to be five starting Sept. 1st. And I know many teachers who place their (October, November, and December) babies in school the following year when they are 5 1/2.
The Hoboken School District used to have 1/2 years to combat this problem. Unfortunately the district stopped that years ago.

My son is in Hudson Montessori and the cut off day is 12/31 so your daughter is eligible for kindergarten next year.

Our daughter is born on Nov 3rd 2009. She missed the cut off by a month in the JC school district.

we see that she is bored and not challenged enough in the PreK3 she attends currently. We are looking for schools who would be willing to admit her into KinderGarten next year.

Have called in few private schools/Montessori schools around but so far didn't find any willing to provide exemption form cut off.

Anyone know schools who are not so keen on the cut off with in an hour to the NYC ( my work location) ?