The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially released the school calendar for School Year 2026–2027, setting the opening of classes on June 8, 2026, and the closing on April 8, 2027.

The schedule, contained in DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, outlines a total of 201 class days for the upcoming academic year.

The department also confirmed that a three-term school calendar structure will be implemented across public basic education institutions.

Under the new system, each term will include designated periods for opening activities, regular instruction, and end-of-term assessments.

DepEd said the structure aims "to optimize instructional time, strategically implement school activities, and strengthen the implementation of the Academic Recovery for Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program" aligns with the administration agenda.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara issued a memorandum detailing the guidelines for the school year, including the transition to the three-term format.

According to the department, the shift is intended to address recurring issues such as class disruptions, compressed teaching periods, increased teacher workload, and declining student engagement, particularly among vulnerable learners.

The first term will begin with initial school activities from June 8 to June 11, followed by regular classes starting June 15 until early September. Assessments and related activities will take place in mid-September.

The second term will run from mid-September to early December, ending with assessments prior to the holiday break.

Classes will then resume in January for the third term, which will continue until late March, with final examinations and closing activities scheduled in early April 2027.

DepEd said the adoption of the three-term school calendar was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as part of broader efforts to improve learning continuity and outcomes. The directive followed recommendations made during the eighth meeting of the Economic and Development Council held at Malacañang on March 19.

While the policy applies to public schools, DepEd noted that private schools may also adopt the three-term structure, provided they comply with the department’s required number of school days.