It's the first question on almost every information call, and the answer is simpler than it seems: in Mexico the grade is set by the age reached on December 31 of the year the school year begins.
The table
- 1st grade of preschool: 3 years old by December 31.
- 2nd grade of preschool: 4 years old by December 31.
- 3rd grade of preschool: 5 years old by December 31.
- 1st grade of elementary: 6 years old by December 31.
3 examples for the 2026 – 2027 school year
Sofía was born on October 15, 2023: on December 31, 2026 she'll be three, so she starts first grade of preschool in August 2026, even though she's two years and ten months old at that point.
Mateo was born on January 5, 2024: on December 31, 2026 he'll still be two, so he starts first grade of preschool the following year, at three and a half.
Valeria was born on March 20, 2020: she turns six before the end of the year, so she starts first grade of elementary.
What if they were born in December?
Children born in November or December are the youngest in their group. They almost always adapt without trouble, but it's worth the teacher knowing, so she doesn't expect the same as from a classmate eleven months older in those first weeks.
What if they fall right on the line?
It happens often and there's no single rule. Besides the date, we look at how the child is doing: whether they can separate without distress, whether they understand one-step instructions and whether they seek out other children. Tell us their date of birth and we'll look at it with you before enrolling.
If they're coming from another school
The grade is set by age and by the previous year's report card. If your child completed a grade in another country or system, the school reviews the paperwork to place them correctly.
