DepEd extends cut-off date for Kindergarten students starting new SY

Metro Manila, Philippines - More students can enter Kindergarten beginning school year 2025-2026 with the extended cut-off date to qualify for the grade level, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Thursday, June 5.

The agency said the revised admission policy allows children who turn five years old on or before October 31 of the school year instead of August 31 to enrol.

DepEd said the move aims to “provide a more inclusive and developmentally attuned enrollment window, especially for families with children born in the later part of the year.”

“By allowing more flexibility in the Kindergarten age requirement, we are making sure that each learner has the opportunity to start strong and succeed from day one,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press statement.

The agency added that kids who will turn five between Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 may enter Kindergarten if they have finished a one year early childhood development (ECD) program at a recognized learning center or if they pass an ECD checklist administered during the enrollment and first week of classes.

Private schools are also required to follow the guideline, the DepEd said.

The agency said it is expecting an increase in Kindergarten enrollees with the updated policy. Over 1.8 million students were enrolled in the grade level in 2024.

The new school year begins on June 16.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.