Education in the Philippines 

 The Philippine educational system has a complex history, which reflects the influence of Spanish, Japanese, and American colonial periods. During the American period, starting in 1898, a public school system was established and English was instituted as the language of instruction. Then, in 1987, the new Philippine constitution prescribed that both Filipino (Tagalog) and English be official languages of instruction.

English continues to be widely used from the higher primary levels onward, and language of instruction in the early years varies from school to school and from region to region. For example, one of 170 local dialects might be used as the language of instruction in the first two years of elementary school, with English and Tagalog taught as second languages. Then from the third grade on, math and science might be taught in English with social sciences and humanities taught in Tagalog. At the college and university level, English is used, almost exclusively, as the language of instruction.

The current Philippine educational system is loosely patterned after that of the U.S., with modifications. It is divided into four levels: elementary school (6 years), high school (4 years),
college (4 to 6 years), and graduate studies (up to 6 years). Most school years begin in June
and end in March, covering a period of 40 weeks.

The Philippines has a mix of public and private schools, colleges and universities, but the percentages in private schools increase at higher educational levels. Fewer than 10% of elementary school students attend private schools, but the percentage rises to over 60% at the high school level and to approximately 85% at the college and university level. About a third of the private college and university level enrollment is in religion-affiliated schools.
 

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