The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially scheduled the opening of classes for School Year (SY) 2026–2027 on June 8, marking the formal transition to a three-term academic calendar.
According to DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, issued on April 16, the school year will run until April 8, 2027, with 201 class days divided into three terms. The department explained that the reform aims to “optimize instructional time, support more continuous learning, and strengthen the implementation of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.”
The shift to a three-term system is designed to address long-standing challenges in the basic education sector, including recurring class disruptions, compressed instructional time, heavy teacher workloads, and reduced learner engagement among vulnerable students.
The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and DepEd’s Five-Point Reform Agenda. The President approved the recommendation following an Economic and Development Council meeting on March 19 to improve learning outcomes.
While the order applies to all public schools, DepEd noted that private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state or local universities and colleges (SUCs and LUCs) may also adopt the three-term schedule, provided they comply with the minimum class day requirements mandated by Republic Act No. 7797, as amended by Republic Act No. 11480.
The directive repeals DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2025, and modifies enrollment policies under DepEd Order No. 017, s. 2025.
DepEd added that separate directives may be issued for adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, with specific annual activity schedules to be released before each school year begins.