The Parliament of Georgia has approved a one-time exception allowing children who turn six between September 16 and December 31, 2026 to enroll in first grade for the 2026–2027 academic year. The bill passed its third reading with 85 votes.
The amendment to the Law on General Education was reviewed under an accelerated procedure and was adopted during two plenary sessions on the same day.
Under the new rule, for the 2026–2027 school year, parents may voluntarily enroll their children in first grade even if the child turns six between September 16 and December 31, 2026.
Originally, under the education reform initiated by the ruling party “Georgian Dream,” children who turned six after September 15 were no longer eligible to register for first grade.
In February, Parliament received a petition from parents requesting an exception to the new age requirement, but the Education Committee initially rejected the proposal on 20 February.
However, on March 3, Education Minister Givi Mikanadze announced that a one-time exception would be made for the 2026–2027 school year, allowing children who turn six by December 31 to enroll in first grade.
This legislative amendment formalizes that decision.
