If a kid is old enough to go to school its old enough to walk to places or stay home alone
First grade starts at 6 in North America, 5 if your born late in the year, kindergarten and pre k might get you as early as 4, but this kid was 10 that 5th and 4th grade, my parents wanted me out and about as much as possible at that age, just being home at dark and for dinner.