What is K to 12?

K to 12 simply means Kindergarten to Grade 12. Before the K to 12 program, the

Philippines is implementing a 10-year basic education system with six years of
elementary education and four years of high school education. In the new K to 12
program of the Department of Education, there will be a mandatory Kindergarten, six
years of elementary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior
high school.
In a nutshell, the K to 12 basic education program is a decongested education system with
a learner-centered curriculum producing globally competitive graduates.
Five Key Benefits of the K to 12 Basic Education Program
1. It will produce globally competitive graduates
The K to 12 program answers the need for a 12-year education system which is at par
with international standards such as the Washington Accord and the Bologna Accord.
Graduates of the K to 12 program will be perceived with increased competency and have
better global opportunities.
2. Students will learn more easily
The improved basic education curriculum is decongested and focused. Students will have
more time learning core academic areas thus ensuring better comprehension. Also, pupils
from Grade 3 and below will be thought in their mother tongue to ensure better
understanding of basic concepts.
3. Students will be free to pursue their passion
The new curriculum will be learner-centered. Students will be allowed to choose elective
subjects and specializations which they really want. The students will love learning more
and will grow to their full potential. Whether the students want to be professionals,
businessmen, artists or athletes, theirs skills and talents will be honed and nurtured.
4. There will be savings on college tuition fees
Grade 11 and 12 takes the form of a two-year college education. In a public school, this is
tuition-free. In effect, the number of year of college courses will decrease because of
redundancies. Those who will pursue college will have fewer years to pay for. Graduates
will also receive training certifications, which reduces the need to study a vocational
course.

5. It will reduce unemployment rate and improve the economy

With the increased competence and workmanship due to TESDA-like training and
college-like education included in the new curriculum, the graduates will become highly
employable, reducing the rate of unemployment in the Philippines. Those who are
passionate about starting businesses will be enabled to open more job opportunities.
The K to 12 basic education program aims not only to produce better graduates but also
to improve the quality of life of the country as a whole. What is asked from us as Filipino
citizens is that we support the program in whatever ways we can, share the information to
others and, most of all, believe in the success of this program.