Georgia to allow one-time early enrollment for children turning six by 31 December

Georgia’s Education Minister Givi Mikanadze on Tuesday announced that, following consultations with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, children who turn six by 31 December 2026 will be given a one-time exception to enroll in first grade for the 2026-2027 school year.

Mikanadze said the decision reflected the government’s efforts to listen to parents and prioritize their children’s best interests, noting that many families had already begun preparing their children for first grade.

“Since the national concept for the education reform was presented in December 2025, we aimed to make the transitional period as simple as possible for schools and families. After extensive discussions, the government took parents’ positions and interests into account,” he said.

The minister explained that the reform generally set the school starting age at six by 15 September, based on international practices that consider a child’s social-emotional readiness and basic skills. 

The exception for children turning six by 31 December was intended to accommodate families during the transitional period.

Mikanadze highlighted that the reform’s overarching goal was a student-centered learning environment, improving education quality and school conditions. 

“The reform is designed to strengthen the quality of education and align processes with societal needs. We welcome diverse perspectives, including critical feedback, as long as it is well-reasoned and supported,” Mikanadze added.