PRIVATE schools will retain the freedom to set their own academic schedules, as the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that its planned three-term school calendar will not be mandatory for private institutions.

In an ambush interview at Batasan Hills National High School on Wednesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angaraclarified that while the three-term system will be implemented in public schools, private schools may choose whether to adopt it.

“Mas maluwag talaga sa private schools. They are free to have their own school year and instruction, basta sumusunod sila sa curriculum at minimum number of school days,” he said, noting that many private schools have already adopted a three-term setup voluntarily.

Angara emphasized that the three-term calendar should not be confused with a trimester system.

“Ang trimester, kada term iba-ibang subjects. Sa three-term, grading period lang siya—pareho lang ang subjects,” he explained.

The DepEd chief also highlighted that private schools could explore flexible learning arrangements in response to disruptions such as rising energy costs.

“We are giving them flexibility… puwedeng mag in-person, puwedeng work from home, o hybrid (setup),” Angara said.