DepEd Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Trimester School Calendar in Basic Education for SY 2026-2027



DepEd Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Trimester School Calendar in Basic Education for SY 2026-2027


The Department of Education is transitioning from a quarterly to a trimester system starting School Year (SY) 2026-2027. This change aims to address the loss of teaching days (53 days lost in SY 2023-24) due to calamities and non-teaching tasks. The new structure is designed to support uninterrupted learning, allow more flexible instructional periods, and reduce the administrative burden on teachers.

​School Calendar Structure (SY 2026-2027)

​The school year will consist of 201 class days divided into three terms.

For the upcoming School Year 2026-2027, the Department of Education has structured the trimester calendar to include a total of 201 class days. Term 1 is scheduled to run for 69 days, beginning on June 8, 2026, and concluding on September 15, 2026. This will be followed by Term 2, which covers 65 days starting from September 16, 2026, until December 18, 2026. Finally, Term 3 consists of 67 class days, commencing on January 4, 2027, and ending on April 8, 2027.

• ​Opening of Classes: June 8, 2026.
• ​EOSY Break: April 9 to May 9, 2027.

​Key Components of Each Term


​Each trimester is divided into specific blocks to ensure a balance between instruction and administrative needs:

• ​Opening Block: Implemented only at the start of Term 1 for school opening activities.

• ​Instructional Block (54–61 days): Dedicated strictly to teaching and learning activities aligned with curriculum competencies.

• ​Enrichment Block (2 weeks): Occurs at the end of every term for remediation, academic recovery, grade computation, and teacher wellness breaks.

​Important Policy Provisions


​Assessment: 
Trimester examinations (summative assessments) are administered only during the last two days of the Instructional Block. Report cards are distributed during Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) within the Enrichment Block.

​Teacher Wellness: 
All teaching personnel are entitled to a Wellness Break integrated into the Enrichment Block, during which they cannot be assigned instructional or administrative duties.

​Co-Curricular Activities: 
Competitions and department-wide activities are now programmed to occur during Enrichment Blocks to avoid disrupting regular classes.

​Enrollment & Transfers: 
Late enrollment is allowed only until the second week of Term 1. Transfers between schools are strictly limited to the Enrichment Blocks between terms.
​Alternative Learning System (ALS): ALS classes will open on the same date as formal education and remain aligned with the trimester calendar where applicable.

​Scope of Application
​These guidelines apply to all public elementary and secondary schools, Community Learning Centers (CLCs), and Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs). Private schools and SUCs/LUCs may opt to adopt these guidelines but are not mandated to do so, provided they comply with RA 11480

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