DepEd: School Year 2026-2027 to start on June 8

MANILA, April 21 ------ The Department of Education (DepEd) has formally adopted a three-term school calendar for basic education, with classes for School Year (SY) 2026–2027 set to open on June 8, 2026 and end on April 8, 2027, under DepEd Order No. 9, series of 2026.

In the order, DepEd said the new calendar framework aims to "optimize instructional time, strategically implement school activities, and strengthen the implementation of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program," aligning with the administration’s broader socioeconomic and education reform agenda.

The shift to a three-term structure follows a review of the existing four-quarter system, which the agency said exposed recurring class disruptions that compress instructional time and contribute to learning gaps, increased teacher workload, and reduced learning engagement, especially among vulnerable learners. "To address these challenges, the Department is adopting the Three-Term School Calendar to support more continuous learning, provide longer and more flexible instructional periods, reduce ancillary and non-teaching-related tasks of teachers, and ensure more manageable teaching workloads," the DepEd said.

DepEd added that the reform ultimately seeks to "strengthen the quality of instruction and advance improved and more equitable learning outcomes for all learners." Under the new setup, the academic year will be divided into three terms, each consisting of an opening, instructional, and end-of-term phase.

Term 1

Opening block: June 8 to 11, 2026

Instructional period: June 15 to September 1

End-of-term activities: September 2 to 15

Term 2

Instructional period: September 16 to December

End-of-term from December 7 to 18

Term 3

Instructional period: January 4 to March 23, 2027

End-of-term activities: March 24 to April 8

DepEd said the school year will consist of 201 class days, counted from the first day of Term 1 to the last day of Term 3. The agency also noted that "adjustments to the school calendar due to unforeseen circumstances may be made through subsequent issuances." Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas, and state and local universities and colleges offering basic education may adopt the three-term calendar, provided they comply with the required number of school days and the mandated school opening. "Notwithstanding such adoption, these schools shall abide by the required number of class days and the opening of the school year in accordance with" Republic Act No. 7797, as amended, the order stated.

DepEd said it will issue separate memoranda for succeeding school years detailing the schedule of school activities, as well as national celebrations and observances.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com