Kindergarten cut-off pushed to October 31 for school year 2025-2026
A kindergarten class at Pinyahan Elementary School, Quezon City. Starting school year 2025-2026, cut-off age for incoming kinder pupils in public schools is five years old on or before Oct. 31, according to the Department of Education. Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta.
MANILA, Philippines — Children who will turn five years old on or before October 31 may now be enrolled in kindergarten starting school year 2025-2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced.
The previous cut-off date was August 31.
“This policy is rooted in our understanding that every child grows and learns at their own pace,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement on Thursday.
“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,” Angara added.
The change was formalized through DepEd Order No. 15 series of 2025, dated June 4, 2025, amending the Omnibus Policy on Kindergarten Education.
The new policy also stated that children turning five years old between November 1 and December 31 may also be admitted into kindergarten if they complete a one-year early childhood development (ECD) program, the department said.
Another option for children turning five years old between November 1 and December 31 to enter kindergarten is to pass an ECD readiness checklist during enrollment, DepEd added.
“Private schools are also covered by the directive but may implement additional readiness assessments as part of their screening process,” the department clarified.
READ: DepEd says school year 2025-2026 will start June 16
According to DepEd, over 1.8 million children were enrolled in kindergarten in 2024.
Public school enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will take place from June 9 to 13.
The school year is set to begin on June 16 in public schools./mr
