DepEd denies ‘Grade 13’ rumors
‘DepEd is reminding the public to be cautious and critical against misinformation.’
Daily Tribune‘DepEd is reminding the public to be cautious and critical against misinformation.’
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Sunday swiftly debunked social media rumors claiming that an additional grade level would be added to senior high school.
DepEd specifically called out a Facebook post alleging the introduction of Grade 13 starting in the 2025-2026 school year, firmly stating that these claims are false.
Currently, the senior high school program in the country’s basic education system consists of only two grade levels: Grade 11 and Grade 12.
“DepEd is reminding the public to be cautious and critical against misinformation. For official announcements and information regarding basic education, please visit the official DepEd Philippines social media accounts,” the agency said.
The upcoming school year will run from 16 June to 31 March 2026, marking a return to the pre-pandemic academic calendar, as stated in DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025.
The DepEd’s denial comes amid recent scrutiny of the senior high school curriculum.
During a Senate hearing last week, a DepEd official acknowledged that the five core subjects in the strengthened senior high school curriculum might not be enough to fully prepare students for college.
The Senate Basic Education Committee recently asked about the strengthened senior high school program, which is slated for a pilot run in the 2025-2026 school year and full rollout in 2026-2027. Under the new curriculum, core subjects will be cut from 15 down to five, and these will be offered throughout the entire school year.
The five core subjects are effective communication, life skills, general mathematics, general science, and social studies.
DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum Gina Gonong acknowledged that the five core subjects alone may not fully prepare students for college. She emphasized that senior high school students still need to take electives tailored to their chosen college programs.
She added that DepEd is coordinating with the Commission on Higher Education to identify prerequisite subjects for various college courses to better guide students in choosing their electives.