Private, non-DepEd schools may open classes early with distance learning

Private schools and non-DepEd public schools in the Philippines are permitted to commence their classes for the school year 2021-2022 prior to the general school opening, provided they adhere strictly to distance learning modalities.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones issued an advisory allowing these schools to start classes early, emphasizing the prohibition of face-to-face interactions.

Schools intending to start ahead of the general opening must submit the required documents to their respective regional directors for assessment, as stipulated in DepEd Orders No. 13 and 17, series of 2020.

The exact start dates for these institutions will be finalized by the regional directors after the evaluation of their submitted requirements.

Non-DepEd schools include state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges offering classes from Kinder to Grade 11.

The Department of Education is considering an August or September opening for the general school year, utilizing a blended learning approach.

The DepEd has proposed three potential opening dates for the upcoming school year to the President for final approval: August 23, 2021, September 6, 2021, or September 13, 2021.