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Education Pathways

K-12 Programme

Abbreviation: K-12

PHL basic education programme: Kindergarten + 12 years (6 elementary + 4 junior high + 2 senior high).

K-12 Programme is PHL's basic education structure since 2013 reform:

  • Kindergarten (1 year)
  • Grades 1-6 (Elementary)
  • Grades 7-10 (Junior High School)
  • Grades 11-12 (Senior High School with strand specialisation)

Total: 13 years vs old 10-year structure.

SHS strands (Grades 11-12):

  • STEM, HUMSS, ABM, GAS, A&D, Sports (Academic Track)
  • TVL (Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Track)

What it means for you (parents + students):

  • College now starts at age 18-19 (was 16-17 in old system)
  • SHS strand choice matters for college admission eligibility
  • Some programmes accept any strand (with bridging)
  • Others require specific strand (STEM for engineering/medicine)
  • DepEd vouchers available for private SHS attendance

Frequently asked questions

What is the K-12 program in the Philippines?
K-12 is the Philippines' basic education structure since the 2013 reform: Kindergarten plus 12 years — six years of elementary, four of junior high, and two of senior high school with strand specialisation, for 13 years total.
What are the Senior High School strands under K-12?
The Academic Track offers STEM, HUMSS, ABM, GAS, Arts & Design, and Sports; there is also the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track. Your strand affects which college programs you qualify for.

See also

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