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K-12 Programme

Abbreviation: K-12

The Philippine basic education structure: Kindergarten plus 12 years (6 elementary, 4 junior high, 2 senior high).

K-12 is the Philippine basic education structure set by RA 10533 (the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013):

  • Kindergarten (1 year)
  • Grades 1–6 (Elementary)
  • Grades 7–10 (Junior High School)
  • Grades 11–12 (Senior High School)

It replaced the old 10-year structure (6 years elementary and 4 years high school).

Senior High School: the original program has Academic Track strands (STEM, HUMSS, ABM, GAS) plus TVL, Arts and Design, and Sports. From SY 2026–2027, DepEd is fully implementing the Strengthened SHS Curriculum, with two tracks — Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro).

What it means for you (parents and students):

  • SHS choices affect which college courses fit best
  • Some colleges ask for bridging subjects from students of other strands — check admission rules
  • Students in private SHS may qualify for DepEd's Senior High School Voucher Program

Frequently asked questions

What is the K-12 program in the Philippines?
K-12 is the Philippine basic education structure under RA 10533 (2013): Kindergarten plus 12 years — six years of elementary, four of junior high, and two of senior high school — for 13 years in total.
What are the Senior High School strands under K-12?
The original SHS program has the Academic Track strands (STEM, HUMSS, ABM, GAS) plus TVL, Arts and Design, and Sports. From SY 2026–2027 DepEd is replacing them with the Strengthened SHS Curriculum's Academic and TechPro tracks.

See also

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