In a recent announcement, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that private schools in the Philippines can adopt the new academic calendar set for public schools.
Under the updated schedule, classes for the 2025-2026 academic year will start on June 16, 2025, and end on March 31, 2026, with a break from April to May.
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Private Schools Can Adopt June-March School Calendar for 2025-2026
The Department Order (DO) No. 12, Series of 2025, officially restores the school calendar to its traditional June to March format, following the disruption caused by the shift to a more flexible school year in recent years.
According to DepEd Media Relations Chief Dennis Legaspi, in a Viber message to the PNA, while the new academic calendar is specifically for public schools, private schools are free to adopt it as long as they comply with the School Calendar Law.
Private institutions have the flexibility to adjust their start dates, but they must begin the school year no later than the last day of August, in line with existing legislation.
Moreover, Legaspi clarified that the law allows private schools to set their own start dates, provided they adhere to the regulations, which stipulate that the school year must begin by the first Monday of June.
He said, "They may also set their own start of classes, provided they comply with the School Calendar Law, which states that the school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August."
This change is in light of Republic Act (RA) 7797, which sets the school year not to exceed 220 class days. The upcoming 2025-2026 calendar is expected to consist of 197 days of classes. Not only private schools, but also Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), as well as state and local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs), may choose to implement the new academic calendar.
As the traditional academic schedule returns, it's a great time for parents and school administrators to plan ahead and ensure a smooth transition for students in both public and private schools.
Click here to learn more about the major changes DepEd is planning for the senior high school curriculum.
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