MANILA, April 20, 2026 —The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed that classes for School Year 2026–2027 will officially begin on June 8, 2026, and end on April 8, 2027, under a newly adopted three-term calendar, marking a major shift from the traditional two-semester system.

DepEd released the official school calendar through DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2026, formalizing the transition to a trimester structure in basic education. The new schedule covers 201 class days and divides the school year into three academic terms, each consisting of an opening block, an instructional phase, and end-of-term activities such as assessments and student recovery programs.

Education officials explained that the three-term calendar was designed to optimize instructional time, reduce disruptions, and address learning gaps that have persisted under the old four-quarter format. The change also aims to balance teaching loads, improve lesson pacing, and strengthen the implementation of the ARAL Program, which focuses on remedial and enrichment learning.

DepEd emphasized that the new calendar will provide more structured breaks between terms, allowing students to recover academically and teachers to prepare more effectively for the next instructional phase. Lawmakers and education advocates have expressed cautious support, noting that while the trimester system could improve learning outcomes, it will require careful monitoring to ensure smooth implementation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the calendar shift earlier this year, highlighting the need for reforms in basic education to better align with global standards and address persistent challenges in literacy and numeracy.

With classes set to open on June 8, 2026, parents and students are advised to prepare for the new schedule, while schools nationwide are expected to adjust their academic programs and activities to fit the three-term structure. The school year will conclude on April 8, 2027, marking the first full implementation of the trimester system in Philippine basic education.