DepEd adjusts cut-off age policy for kindergarten learners

MORE young Filipino children will now have the opportunity to enter kindergarten as the Department of Education's (DepEd) newly revised admission policy is set to take effect this upcoming School Year 2025–2026.

The Department of Education anticipates an increase in enrollees during the nationwide enrollment period for public schools, scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025, following early registration earlier this year, with its revised admission policy for kindergarten.

The initiative aligns with Pres. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas vision for a more inclusive and learner-centered education system.

Under the updated guidelines, children who turn five years old on or before October 31 of the school year may now enroll in kindergarten — extending the previous cut-off date of August 31.

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.

For parents like Ramil Bautista, this change affirms his belief that early education is crucial in giving children a head start.

"I believe it helps build a child's foundation. I want to further expand my son's knowledge in reading, writing, counting, and good manners that he can use in his daily life," Bautista, who will enroll his son in Bagong Ilog Elementary School in Pasig, said in Filipino.

His son, Noah, who turns five this August, qualifies for kindergarten under both the old and new policies. But for thousands of children with birthdays in September and October, the revised guidelines mean they no longer have to wait an extra year to start formal schooling.

Meanwhile, children who turn five between November 1 and December 31 may also qualify if they have completed a one-year Early Childhood Development (ECD) program at a recognized Child Development Center or Learning Center, or if they pass the ECD checklist administered during enrollment and in the first week of classes.

"This policy is rooted in our understanding that every child grows and learns at their own pace. 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.

Private schools are likewise required to comply with the revised age cut-off, but may conduct their own readiness assessments as part of their admissions process.

In 2024, over 1.8 million kindergarten learners were enrolled nationwide out of 26.4 million learners across public and private schools, including Philippine schools overseas.

With the revised guidelines, DepEd anticipates an increase in enrollees during the nationwide enrollment period for public schools, scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025, following early registration earlier this year.

Classes for SY 2025–2026 will begin on June 16.

Visit https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2025_015.pdf for the full details of the updated kindergarten cut-off age policy.