PRIVATE Senior High Schools (SHS) are now required to secure formal Government Recognition for the School Year (SY) 2027 to 2028, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Thursday.

This was mandated by DepEd Order (DO) No. 12, series 2026, which seeks to address the regulation gaps of private SHS programs by transitioning from provisional permits to government recognition.

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the order will help advance a “clearer and more consistent” quality standard across the public and private school systems.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Government Recognition, mas malinaw ang pamantayan, mas accountable ang institutions, at mas protektado ang learners (Through the Government Recognition, there will be clearer standards, more accountable institutions, and better protected learners),” he said.

Under DO 12 s. 2026, all private SHS with valid permits are required to secure Government Recognition to be granted with permanent legal authority to operate.

This will affirm the private institution’s compliance with DepEd standards in key areas like curriculum, leadership, facilities, learner support, faculty, planning, and finance.

The DepEd will use a standardized application, validation, evaluation, and monitoring procedures for the processing of Government Recognition.

To ensure learning continuity, private SHS will be given a one-year transition period for compliance during the SY 2026 to 2027.

During the transition period, qualified institutions, including Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP)-accredited schools, Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)-certified SHSs, and Strengthened SHS Pilot Schools, may be granted “automatic recognition,” subject to safeguards.

Only private SHS with Government Recognition will be allowed to admit Grade 11 under the SHS Voucher program beginning SY 2027 to 2028.

As of SY 2024 to 2025, private schools offering SHS programs cover 38 percent of all SHS nationwide, which served about 1.46 million Grade 11 and 12 learners. (PNA)