Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education for School Year (SY) 2026-2027. For School Year (SY) 2026–2027, the Department of Education is introducing a Three-Term School Calendar in basic education, marking a significant shift in how the academic year is structured. The new framework is designed to strike a better balance between rigorous learning and student well-being by incorporating planned “wellness breaks” and dedicated periods for academic support and intervention.
This updated approach seeks to create a more sustainable learning environment one that not only maintains academic momentum but also provides timely opportunities for rest, recovery, and targeted assistance for learners who need it most.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| PRE-SCHOOL YEAR / PREPARATION | |
| April 1 – May 1, 2026 | Teachers’ EOSY Break |
| May 4-22, 2026 | EOSY Intervention Program |
| June 1-5, 2026 | Brigada Eskwela & Enrollment |
| TERM 1 (June 8 – Sept 15, 2026) | |
| June 8, 2026 | Start of Term 1 |
| July 6, 2026 | First Summative Test |
| July 28, 2026 | Second Summative Test |
| Aug 28 & Sept 1, 2026 | Term 1 Examination |
| Sept 10-15, 2026 | Wellness Break / INSET |
| Sept 15, 2026 | End of Term 1 |
| TERM 2 (Sept 16 – Dec 18, 2026) | |
| Sept 16, 2026 | Start of Term 2 |
| Oct 7, 2026 | First Summative Test |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Second Summative Test |
| Dec 3-4, 2026 | Term 2 Examination |
| Dec 15, 2026 | PTA Meeting & Report Cards |
| Dec 18, 2026 | End of Term 2 |
| Dec 19 – Jan 3, 2027 | Year-End Break (Christmas/New Year) |
| TERM 3 (Jan 4 – April 8, 2027) | |
| Jan 4, 2027 | Start of Term 3 |
| Jan 25, 2027 | First Summative Test |
| Jan 30, 2027 | Start of Early Registration |
| Feb 15, 2027 | Second Summative Test |
| March 15-16, 2027 | Term 3 Examination (Moving-up/Graduating) |
| March 22-23, 2027 | Term 3 Examination (Other Grade Levels) |
| March 24- 31, 2027 | End-of-Term Block |
| April 2, 2027 | PTA Meeting & Final Report Cards |
| April 5-7, 2027 | EOSY Rites (Graduation/Moving Up) |
| April 8, 2027 | End of School Year (SY 2026-2027) |
DepEd Adopts Three-Term School Calendar for SY 2026–2027 to Ease Teacher Burnout, Improve Learning
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a major shift in the country’s academic structure, confirming the implementation of a Three-Term School Calendar for School Year (SY) 2026–2027. The new system, set to run from June 2026 to April 2027, is part of broader efforts to improve student learning outcomes while addressing long-standing concerns over teacher workload and burnout.
According to DepEd, the revised calendar will consist of approximately 201 class days, divided into three academic terms. Each term will feature a 54 to 61-day instructional period, followed by a two-week enrichment block designed for remediation, assessments, and teacher wellness activities.
Under the new schedule, Term 1 will run from June 8 to September 15, 2026, followed by Term 2 from September 16 to December 18, 2026, and Term 3 from January 4 to April 8, 2027. An End-of-School-Year (EOSY) break is set from April 9 to May 9, 2027, giving teachers a dedicated 30-day rest period.
Education officials said the restructuring aims to create a more balanced academic rhythm, minimizing class disruptions and allowing students more time to absorb lessons. The initiative also supports the government’s push to strengthen learning retention following years of pandemic-related setbacks.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who has been actively advocating education reforms, echoed DepEd’s position during Senate discussions, highlighting the importance of giving teachers sufficient breaks to prevent burnout and maintain teaching quality.
DepEd noted that the traditional four-quarter system often resulted in fragmented learning and increased non-teaching responsibilities for educators. By transitioning to a three-term structure, the agency aims to streamline school activities and improve overall classroom engagement.
Preparations for the transition are already underway. DepEd will conduct orientation sessions for school leaders and teachers throughout April and May 2026 to ensure a smooth rollout. Meanwhile, Brigada Eskwela and enrollment activities are scheduled for early June 2026, just ahead of the school opening.
Private schools may adopt the new trimester-based calendar, although participation remains optional, provided they continue to comply with national requirements on the number of school days.
DepEd officials expressed confidence that the reform will lead to a more sustainable and effective education system one that supports both learners and educators through improved scheduling, reduced stress, and enhanced instructional quality.
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- DepEd: 2026-2027 Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education
- DepEd: Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar in Basic Education – DO 009, s. 2026
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