I received a 2019 1098-T. I did not start classes until 2020 but it's asking if i was working towards a degree in 2019. How do I get passed this?

The 1098-T is only any informational document. The numbers on it are not required to be entered onto your tax return.  You get past it by just not entering the 1098-T in TurboTax.

However receipt of a 1098-T frequently means you are either eligible for a tuition credit or deduction or possibly your student has taxable scholarship income.  You claim the tuition credit, or report scholarship income, based on your own financial records, not the 1098-T.  

If you paid tuition in 2019, even if for the first 2020 term, you may claim the tuition credit. That is allowed.

If you claim the tuition credit, you do need to report that you got a 1098-T (the TurboTax interview will handle this)