The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates that the age qualification for Kindergarten learners in both public and private schools should be atleast five (5) years old as stated in DepEd Order No. 20, s. 2018.
DepEd reminds that all Learners who attended classes in Kindergarten must be registered in the Learner Information System (LIS) and assigned Learner Reference Number (LRN). Malicious intent to hide underaged Kinder learners to avoid detection in the system shall be reported to the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent and Regional Director for appropriate disciplinary action.
READ: DepEd Automated Modified Learner Enrollment and Survey Form (MLESF) for SY 2021-2022
For SY 2019-2020 onwards (Private Schools):
- School opening is within June, Learners who will turn five (5) years old as of August 31
- School opening is within July, Learners who will turn five (5) years old as of September 30
- School opening is within August, Learners who will turn five (5) years old as of October 31
Private Schools that started classes in September 2021 shall still apply Age Cut Off as of October 31, 2021
Public Schools Age Cut Off for Kinder for SY 2021-2022 is as of October 31, 2021
Age Qualification for Kindergarten Learners in Both Public and Private Schools
DepEd Order No. 20, s. 2018 Paragraph 5 Items A & C
Age qualification for Kindergarten learners in both public and private schools should be five (5) years old by June 1 of every calendar year. However, the school may consider learners entering Kindergarten who will turn five (5) years old by the end of August on the condition that the Philippine Early Childhood Development (ECD) Checklist must be administered to the learner prior to the start of the opening of the school year, to ensure that the learner is capable of meeting the expectations of the grade level. Parents may provide documentation and/or certification of the learner’s previous Early Childhood Education (ECE) experiences (i.e., preschool, day care, pre-Kindergarten) in addition to the results of the Philippine ECD Checklist.
For schools commencing their school year beyond June, the requirement that Kindergarten learners should be five (5) years old by June 1 and the extension period ending on August 31 shall be adjusted. For schools commencing their school year in July, Kindergarten learners should be five (5) years old by July 1 and the extension period shall be until September 30. For schools commencing their school year in August, Kindergarten learners should be five (5) years old by August 1 and the extension period shall be until October 31.”
