Schools return to June opening

CEBU, Philippines — After years of adjustments, public schools will officially revert to the traditional June opening.

A memorandum from the Department of Education (DepEd) states that the upcoming school year will begin on June 16, 2025, and conclude on March 31, 2026, covering 197 class days, including the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) Rites.

This schedule is outlined in DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2025, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state and local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) may adopt the multi-year guidelines for the academic calendar.

However, they must comply with Republic Act 7797, as amended by RA 11480, which mandates a school year duration of 200 to 220 class days.

Classes must start between the first Monday of June and the last day of August. Any deviations require prior notification to the respective regional offices.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS), catering to out-of-school youth and adults, will also commence on June 16.

Unlike formal basic education, ALS enrollment remains open year-round, and the program duration is tailored to each learner’s needs, determined through assessments and agreements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government postponed school openings and introduced alternative learning modalities to safeguard student health.

As conditions improved, school schedules gradually shifted, and the upcoming academic year marks the full transition back to the traditional June opening.

Public schools are expected to conduct early registration for incoming kindergarteners, transferees, and first-time learners—including ALS participants—from the last Saturday of January to the last Friday of February annually. Pre-registration remains applicable to returning learners.

Meanwhile, the Brigada Eskwela program will take place a week before classes start, alongside mandatory learner health assessments conducted within the first three weeks of the school year.

Additionally, Oplan Balik Eskwela will run before and after the school opening to ensure a smooth transition.

A mid-year break has been scheduled for the last week of October (or as determined), providing students with time to recharge through non-academic activities and family bonding.

For teachers, it serves as an opportunity for performance reviews and professional development. — (FREEMAN)