The Department of Education (DepEd) unveiled the opening dates for the 2023-2024 school year on Thursday. All public schools are slated to open on August 29, while private schools may choose to commence classes from the first Monday of June, but no later than the last day of August, under Republic Act 11480.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for Field Operations, Francis Cesar Bringas, also highlighted the ongoing efforts to collate data on the precise number of enrollees for the upcoming academic year. He noted that students in specific grade levels, including kinder, grade 1, grade 7, and grade 11, were already pre-registered.
“In the public schools, meron tayong (we have) early registration for kinder, grade 1, grade 7, and grade 11. All other grades (are) automatically enrolled for next school year. Two weeks before opening, these learners only need to confirm their enrollment in the same school for the school to properly plan class programs/sectioning, and others,” Bringas explained to reporters via a Viber message.
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The Assistant Secretary also emphasized the importance of early registration and the confirmation process in keeping the Basic Education Information System (BEIS) up-to-date, particularly with information about transferees.
“During this time, malalaman na rin kung may mga (we will know if there are) transferees so our BEIS is properly updated for the beginning of school year (BOSY) data,” he added.
DepEd’s efforts to facilitate early registration and preparations for the upcoming school year are underscored in Department Order No. 10 series of 2023, issued on May 9. The order mandates all incoming learners enrolling in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 7, and 11 in public elementary and secondary schools to pre-register or participate in early registration. This will enable DepEd to make necessary preparations and adjustments for the forthcoming SY 2023-2024.
However, the Order also made clear that incoming Grades 2-6, 8-10, and 12 learners from public schools are considered pre-registered, exempting them from early registration. Conversely, private schools are encouraged to undertake their respective early registration activities within the same timeframe.
The announcement of the new school year’s schedule comes as part of DepEd’s continuous efforts to enhance the planning and efficiency of education in the country. It reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and coordinated start to the school year, despite the challenges and transformations in the education system.
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