This sounds like a very frustrating situation. It is understandable that you would want to send your daughter off to kindergarten once she is ready.

There are a couple of things to consider: First, you should check with your state and district to determine whether there is an appeal process by which you may request to have your daughter enrolled despite the fact that she does not meet the age cut-off. The following site has information on the appeal process for each state: http://mb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id=32. It appears that a large number of states do have a formal review process. However, if your state does not happen to have a process for appeals, I would recommend that you contact your school district office to determine your options.

Second, it sounds like you are certain that your daughter is ready, but it may be worthwhile to assess her social-emotional preparedness, too. The following section of our site has plenty of information on determining kindergarten readiness: http://www.education.com/reference/kindergartenreadiness/

Good luck!

L. Compian. Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist
Education.com Reference Team

My daughter misses the cut-off as well in our state.  I am a teacher with 10 years experience in fourth grade, 3 in spec. ed. and now I am teaching preschoolers and kindergarteners with special needs.  I am a bit frustrated with the fact that my daughter misses the cut-off, but even though she is academically and socially ready, I think emotionally she is a little immature.  I also try to remember that if she were to start now, her high school years may be more challenging if she is younger.  I know being older in her class will help her in the long run and as a girl, positive social experiences are incredibly important.  I have had this discussion with my husband, because he too, is frustrated as you are.  He spoke of his experiences as a child.  I assured him that girls need as much social interaction as possible and being older will benefit our daughter in ways he may not recognize.