In preparation for the upcoming school year, the Department of Education has officially launched the DepEd Early Registration schedule for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 for incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7 and 11 learners in public schools.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to enroll their children during this designated early registration schedule which runs from January 27 to February 23, 2024.
According to DepEd Order No. 03, s. 2018, “Basic Education Enrollment Policy”, the Early Registration is an essential step for Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7 and 11 learners. It specifies that:
- Early registration of incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7 and 11 learners in public schools shall be conducted from the last Saturday of January to the last Friday of February of each year.
- Incoming Grades 2-6, Grades 8-10 and Grade 12 are considered pre-registered.
Private schools are also encouraged to conduct their early registration activities within the same period as prescribed by DepEd. The Early Registration serves as a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and organized enrollment process for the upcoming school year.
DepEd Order No. 03, s. 2018, “Basic Education Enrollment Policy”
The Department of Education (DepEd) has instituted a comprehensive Basic Education Enrollment Policy that aims to streamline the enrollment process ensuring that all learners are accepted upon submission of the necessary documentation.
Enacted in response to changes brought about by Republic Act No. 10157 (Kindergarten Act) and RA 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), the policy consolidates various issuances such as the Learner Reference Number (DO 22, s. 2012), Adoption of Modified School Forms (DO 4, s. 2014), Omnibus Policy on Kindergarten (DO 47, s. 2016) and Transfer of Records (DO 54, s. 2016). This consolidated policy covers early registration, actual enrollment, Learner Information System (LIS) encoding, and reiterates policies on fee collection.
The policy extends to DepEd offices, personnel, parents and learners involved in enrollment in public and private schools, state and local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) offering basic education and Alternative Learning System (ALS) learning centers nationwide.
DepEd underscores the importance of early registration, particularly for incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7 and 11 learners which takes place from the last Saturday of January to the last Friday of February each year. The policy also addresses the needs of Out of School Children (OSC) and Out of School Youth (OSY) by identifying and registering them in the community during this period.
To facilitate the enrollment process, the policy establishes standardized procedures and guidelines for public and private schools, SUCs/LUCs offering basic education and ALS learning centers nationwide on how to enroll in DepEd schools . DepEd aims to create a seamless and inclusive enrollment system, ensuring that all learners have access to quality education.
DepEd Enrollment Eligibility and Documentary Requirements
Level | Eligibility | Documentary Requirements |
| Kindergarten | Children aged five (5) years old on or before August 31st of the school year they will enroll in. | Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)* Birth Certificate |
| Grade 1 | Children who have completed Kindergarten programs in DepEd accredited schools and centers. | – Kindergarten Certificate of Completion – PSA Birth Certificate |
| Grade 1 | Children who are six years old and above by August 31st of the school year they will enroll in and who have not completed Kindergarten | – Result of ECCD Assessment Checklist – PSA Birth Certificate |
| Grade 1 | Children who have completed any form of Kindergarten program in non-DepEd accredited learning and day-care centers, or home-schooled learners | – Result of PEPT or PVT – PSA Birth Certificate |
| Grade 7 | Grade 6 Graduate | SF 9 Grade 6 (formerly known as Form 138) |
| Grade 7 | PEPT Passer or A & E Test passer | – Result of PEPT or A & E Test – PSA Birth Certificate |
| Grade 11 | Grade 10 Completer | SF 9 Grade 10 (formerly known as Form 138) |
| Grade 11 | PEPT Passer or A & E Test passer | – Result of PEPT or A & E Test – PSA Birth Certificate |
Source: Department of Education
