One of the most significant highlights of the K-12 Program is the opportunity given to all Filipino children to have access to early childhood education. This access allows a 5-year old child to enroll in Kindergarten, start schooling, and slowly get adjusted to formal education.

           Known as Universal Kindergarten, this feature of the K-12 Program is founded on researches that show that children who underwent preschool education (Kindergarten) tend to have better completion rates than those who did not. Furthermore, researches also show that children who have gone through Kindergarten exhibit a better preparation for primary education, thus, giving them the readiness and the best foundation as they experience lifelong learning and development. As a unique part of the Kindergarten curriculum, pupils will learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, songs, and dances using the Mother Tongue as medium of instruction.

              Unlike in the Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School levels, Kindergarten will not use the new K-12 Grading System (WW,PT,QA) which will be implemented nationwide starting SY 2015-2016.

          

          

         

Sources: The Manila Bulletin Online, DepEd.gov.ph, The Official Gazette www.gov.ph

By: Nelfa C. Trinidad | T-II | Orani National Highschool