Lowering the school start age to 5

Among the many bills filed for consideration during this legislative session are proposal that would lower the compulsory school enrollment age from 7 to 5 years old. Currently, Missouri parents have a choice, and opponents to the bill said during testimony that the mandate would remove parents rights and freedom to choose what is best for the education of their children. Some testimony also pointed out that many parents choose to send their children to school at age 5. Lebanon R-3 Superintendent David Schmitz shared his thoughts on lowering the compulsory school age

Testimony in favor of the bill cited that children need that kindergarten year to learn how to work and cooperate with other children and adults. They also need the pre-reading skills they will learn that year, before they reach first grade. Public comment on the billed ended on January 24th.