Marking a return to the pre-pandemic academic schedule, DepEd has announced that classes for School Year 2025–2026 will commence on June 16, 2025.
DepEd emphasized that in-person learning will remain the primary modality in all schools for this school year.
The enrollment period is set to take place one week before the official start of classes, according to DepEd.
Additionally, all learners for SY 2025–2026 will be required to undergo a mandatory health assessment.
DepEd sets opening of classes for School Year 2025–2026 on June 16
At a glance
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially set June 16 as the start of classes for School Year (SY) 2025–2026, marking a return to the pre-pandemic academic calendar.

The school opening date was outlined in DepEd Order No. 012, series of 2025, dated April 15. The order, titled “Multi-Year Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities,” was signed by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara.
DepEd said that SY 2025–2026 “shall formally open on Monday, June 16, 2025, and shall end on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.”
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/6/dep-ed-to-comply-with-marcos-decision-on-reverting-to-old-school-calendar
According to the department, the incoming school year shall consist of no more than 197 class days, inclusive of the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites, or as may be determined by subsequent issuances in case of changes to the school calendar due to unforeseen circumstances.
The guidelines were issued to “enable schools and community learning centers (CLCs) to effectively and efficiently implement school activities and maximize instructional time, cognizant of the goals and objectives” of the Marcos administration.
DepEd said private schools, Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), and state/local universities and colleges that offer basic education “may adopt these multi-year implementing guidelines on the school calendar but shall follow the required number of class days and the official opening of the SY.”
“Schools shall report any inevitable deviation from these guidelines in advance to their respective regional offices,” DepEd added.
These guidelines shall take effect starting SY 2025–2026 and shall be implemented in subsequent years. DepEd shall issue a memorandum before the start of every school year providing the specific schedule of school activities, celebrations, and observances.
DepEd learning modalities explained
DepEd said that in-person learning shall remain the primary modality in all schools.
Distance Learning Delivery Modalities (DLDMs)—whether Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), TV-Based Instruction (TVI), Radio-Based Instruction (RBI), or blended learning—may be used in the event of a suspension or cancellation of in-person classes by authorized offices due to emergencies or hazards.
Early registration and enrollment guidelines
DepEd encouraged early registration for kindergarten, learners entering basic education for the first time, transferees to public schools, incoming Grades 1, 7, and 11, as well as potential Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners.
Early registration is typically held from the last Saturday of January to the last Friday of February, or on a schedule determined by DepEd.
In cases of activities or unforeseen circumstances affecting the designated period, the Schools Division Office (SDO) may extend early registration.
DepEd said learners entering Grades 2 to 6, 8 to 10, and 12 are considered “pre-registered.”
“The enrollment period shall be conducted one week before the official start of classes,” DepEd noted. Supporting memoranda with specific enrollment-related activities and schedules will also be issued.
The Brigada Eskwela or National Schools Maintenance Week—an annual initiative where communities and school stakeholders work together to prepare public schools for the new school year—shall be implemented a week before the start of classes, according to DepEd.
Mandatory health assessments
For the upcoming school year, DepEd said “all learners shall undergo a mandatory health assessment” during Brigada Eskwela and up to three weeks after classes begin.
This assessment will be conducted by the school’s designated health personnel in coordination with class advisers.
It includes a general physical examination, evaluations of all body systems, vision and hearing screening, oral health assessment, immunization status, and a review of medical and family history, according to DepEd.
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