Classbase logo
Sign Up or Log In
Education Database

Education System in the Philippines


Education School/Level Grade From Grade To Age From Age To Years Notes
Primary Elementary School - Mababang Paaralan 1 6 6 12 6 Some schools include a 7th grade at ages 12-13
Primary Elementary School - Mababang Paaralan 1 6 7 13 6
Secondary High School - Secondary School - Mataas na Paaralan 1 4 12 17 4
Secondary High School - Mataas na Paaralan 1 4 12 17 4 Based on US educational system structure including Freshmen to Senior years.
Tertiary University/College level 4

Primary Education

Paaralang Elementarya or elementary state-sponsored primary school covers grades 1 to 3. Major subjects include maths, science, English, Filipino and social sciences.

Middle Education

State-sponsored middle school education covers grades 4 - 6, with an optional 7th grade offered by some schools. Major subjects include maths, science, English, Filipino and social sciences. Optional subjects are physical education, music and arts.

Private school students may select subjects from a wider curriculum including religious instruction in the dogma of their choice. Total middle school numbers exceed 13 million.

Secondary Education

Secondary education known as Paaralang Sekundarya comprises 4 grades that have changed little since the second world war. The curriculum is prescribed for both private and state schools. Core subjects are as follows:
  • Year 1 - Filipino 1, Algebra 1, Integrated Science, English 1, Phillipine History
  • Year 2 - Filipino 2, Algebra 2, Biology, English 2, Asian History
  • Year 3 - Filipino 3, Geometry, Chemistry, World History, Geography
  • Year 4 - Filipino 4, Calculus, Trigonometry, Physics, Literature, Economics
Minor optional subjects include Health, Music, Arts, Physical Education, Home Economics and Technology. Selected schools present additional subjects. Total secondary school numbers exceed 5.5 million.

Vocational Education

Accredited mainly private institutions known as colleges offer technical and vocational education. Programs address a wide range of practical subjects with durations between 2 weeks and 2 years. On completion students may take centrally-administered examinations to obtain certificates.

Tertiary Education

Phillipine UniversityMost institutions of higher learning are regulated by the commission for higher education.

Colleges typically offer 1 or more specialized programs while universities must offer at least 6 undergraduate programs in a wide array of subjects and at least 2 graduate programs.

There are also a number of private tertiary institutions, almost all with some form of sectarian association.

© 2011, Foreign Credits, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Your use of this service is subject to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.