---
title: What grade level should I apply for?
description: "For children applying to Playgroup, Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1, our age cutoff is strictly observed in order to ensure that there is a balance of ages and abilities in those classes. Age cutoffs are as follows: - Playgroup: 2…"
url: "https://hkacademy.edu.hk/docs/what-grade-level-should-i-apply-for/"
updated: "2026-07-27"
category: Admissions
---

# What grade level should I apply for?

For children applying to Playgroup, Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1, our age cutoff is strictly observed in order to ensure that there is a balance of ages and abilities in those classes. Age cutoffs are as follows:

- Playgroup: 2 years old by August 31st of enrolling year
- Pre-K: 3-4 years old by 31st August of enrolling year (must be fully toilet-trained).
- Kindergarten: 5 years old by 31st August of enrolling year.
- Grade 1: 6 years old by 31st August of enrolling year.

Exceptions to the age requirement may be made based on various factors such as the applicant's maturity, past school experience, assessment results, and available space. Please see this chart for grade level equivalencies:

![](https://hkacademy.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Full-Age_grade-comparison-chart.png)

Please note that applying for the incorrect grade level may delay your application. If you are unsure of what grade level to apply for, please contact Admissions at [admissions@hkacademy.edu.hk](mailto:admissions@hkacademy.edu.hk) or +852 2655 1118 for more information.

### Find Your Child's Grade Equivalency

 Please enter an age between 2 and 17. Age (by 31st August):

#### Hong Kong Academy

--

   Local HK
 **--** England / Wales
 **--** USA / Canada
 **--** Australia
 **--**

function calculateGrade() { const inputField = document.getElementById("childAge"); const age = parseInt(inputField.value); const errorMsg = document.getElementById("error-msg"); const resultCard = document.getElementById("result-card");

if (isNaN(age) || age < 2 || age > 17) { errorMsg.style.display = "block"; resultCard.style.display = "none"; return; }

errorMsg.style.display = "none";

const data = gradeData[age];

document.getElementById("hka-value").textContent = data.hka; document.getElementById("local-value").textContent = data.local; document.getElementById("uk-value").textContent = data.uk; document.getElementById("usa-value").textContent = data.usa; document.getElementById("aus-value").textContent = data.aus;

const hkaHeader = document.getElementById("hka-result-header"); hkaHeader.classList.remove("bg-early", "bg-primary", "bg-secondary"); hkaHeader.classList.add(data.color);

resultCard.style.display = "block"; }