THE Department of Education (DepEd) has officially released the academic calendar for the School Year 2026–2027, marking a significant shift with classes scheduled to commence on June 8, 2026, and conclude on April 8, 2027.
This new calendar formalizes the adoption of a three-term structure for basic education, a key component of DepEd’s ongoing reforms designed to optimize lesson pacing and address persistent learning gaps among students. The academic year will encompass a total of 201 class days, meticulously divided into three distinct terms, each featuring an opening period, an intensive instructional phase, and dedicated end-of-term activities.
The implementation of the three-term system aims to provide a more balanced distribution of learning periods throughout the academic year.
The first term will commence with initial school activities from June 8 to 11, followed by regular classes from June 15 through early September, culminating in assessments and related activities in mid-September. The second term is slated to run from mid-September to early December, concluding with end-of-term activities just before the holiday break. Following the recess, classes will resume in January for the third term, which will extend until late March, concluding with final assessments and closing activities in early April 2027.
DepEd officials emphasized that this revised structure is integral to a comprehensive reform package intended to foster sustained learning and minimize disruptions.
Beyond the new calendar, the reform includes enhancements to assessment systems, streamlined lesson planning processes, and expanded learning recovery initiatives, such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program. This strategic approach is designed to empower teachers with better instructional time management and ultimately support students in achieving their academic potential. The new school calendar will be implemented nationwide in all public schools starting in the upcoming academic year.
