D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-E2004
A student who is at least three (3) years of age is eligible for admission to the pre-school program, when pre-school programs are available in the D.C. Public Schools.
A student who is or will become four (4) years of age on or before December 31st of the 2006-2007 or 2007-2008 school year and September 30th in all subsequent school years shall be eligible for the pre-kindergarten program. A student who is or will become four (4) years of age between September 30 and December 31 during the 2006-2007 or 2007-2008 school year will have a choice between the old cut-off date of December 31 or the new cut-off date of September 30.
A student who is or will become five (5) years of age on or before December 31st of the 2006-2007 school year and September 30th in all subsequent school years shall be eligible for admission to the kindergarten program.
Where appropriate pre-school, pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten programs are not available in the attendance zone within which a student resides, the student shall be eligible for out-of-zone admission to a school where the program the student wishes to attend is available, if any, and may apply for admission through the appropriate regional office. No lower priority for admission shall be applied to students who seek admission out-of-zone pursuant to this subsection.
A student who is or will become six (6) years of age on or before December 31st of the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years and September 30th in all subsequent school years shall be eligible for admission to the first (1st) grade.
Admission to the secondary program shall be based upon the promotion requirements set forth in Chapter 21.
Admission to special programs or city-wide schools and programs shall be based upon eligibility criteria established by the Superintendent, unless otherwise set forth in this chapter.
The establishment of eligibility criteria for certain programs and age groups shall not necessarily require the D.C. Public Schools to offer any program or serve any age group, except where specifically required by law or this title. The scope of school programs is subject to the availability of adequate resources and the funding determinations of the Board of Education.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-E2004