The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified that private schools are not required to implement the agency’s proposed three-term school calendar.
Speaking during an interview at Batasan Hills National High School on Wednesday, March 25, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said private institutions will continue to have the freedom to design their own academic calendars.
“Mas maluwag talaga sa private schools. They are free to have their own school year and instruction, basta sumusunod sila sa curriculum at minimum number of school days,” Angara said.
He explained that while the three-term system will be implemented in public schools, private institutions may decide whether or not to adopt the same structure. He added that many private schools are already using a similar setup.
The education chief also emphasized the distinction between a three-term calendar and a trimester system.
“Ang trimester, kada term iba-ibang subjects. Sa three-term, grading period lang siya—pareho lang ang subjects,” he explained.
Meanwhile, DepEd is also studying more flexible learning arrangements for private schools, especially in light of potential disruptions such as rising energy costs.
“We are giving them flexibility… puwedeng mag in-person, puwedeng work from home, o hybrid (setup),” Angara added.