DepEd issued three-term school calendar for SY 2026-2027 under new reform initiative

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released the official school calendar for School Year (SY) 2026–2027 on April 20, marking the transition to a three-term academic structure as part of a broader reform package.

Classes are set to begin on June 8, 2026, and end on April 8, 2027, following the DepEd Order No.009, Series 2026, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara as he provided the guidelines on the implementation on April 16.

“It shall consist of 201 class days, from the first day of Term 1 to the last day of Term 3. Adjustments to the school calendar due to unforeseen circumstances may be made through subsequent issuances,” Angara added.

Under the plan, the division of classes into three terms is aimed at adjusting assessment systems, streamlined lesson planning, and expanded learning recovery efforts such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, along with more structured teacher planning and assessment windows.

The first term will have 54 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, including a five-day opening block; the second term will include 55 instructional days and a 10-day assessment period, while the third term will have 61 instructional days and a shorter six-day assessment period. 

Further, the officials highlighted the reform is designed to support sustained learning, reduce disruptions, and help teachers better manage instructional time.

Private schools, as well as state and local universities and colleges, may adopt the three-term school calendar in basic education as it will be implemented nationwide. 

“Notwithstanding such adoption, these schools shall abide by the required number of class days and the opening of the school year… from 200 days to not more than 220 class days,” Angara said. 
This approved reform is part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the quality of education while ensuring resilience and continuity amid recurring disruptions.