Is kindergarten compulsory in North Carolina?

No. All public school systems must offer kindergarten, but children are not required to attend. Compulsory attendance applies to children between the ages of seven and sixteen and also children aged 5 or 6 as long as they are enrolled in public school.

Must a seven-year-old child who has never attended school be placed in kindergarten?

No. The principal has the authority to place the child.

May a child be retained in kindergarten or be demoted to kindergarten after advancing to the first grade?

Yes, in both instances. The principal has the responsibility for the classification of students within the school organization, including kindergarten.

May a child enrolled in public kindergarten be promoted during the school year if the principal feels such reclassification is appropriate?

Yes, the principal has the authority to place a child in a class where the principal feels the child could most appropriately function.

Must a principal accept a kindergarten student who enrolls late in the school year?

Under the present statute, a principal is not required to accept a kindergarten student after the first six months of school. However, principals are encouraged to evaluate any enrollment on what is best for the child.