DepEd: 24.6M students enrolled in public, private schools for 2020-2021

The number of enrollees in public and private schools for the upcoming school year has reached more than 24.6 million or 88.7% of last year’s total enrollment, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday.

During a budget hearing at the Senate, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said there were 24,633,586 enrollees in both public and private schools as of September 25, less than two weeks before classes start on October 5.

She said the number surpassed the 80% adjusted enrollment target the DepEd submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Latest data from DepEd showed that 22.4 million students enrolled in public schools or 99.43% of last year’s enrollment.

Meanwhile, 2.13 million students enrolled in private schools or 49.62% of last year’s enrollment.

“The challenge is the enrollment from private school learners. Although with the gradual reopening of the economy, the numbers are also moving up,” Briones said.

She also said this is a clear manifestation of trust among learners and their parents that the DepEd can deliver safe learning opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

To recall, the DepEd moved the opening of the school year 2020-2021 to October 5 from August 24 due to difficulties brought by the health crisis.

The DepEd and the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) also said they are against an academic freeze this school year amid the health crisis as this will result in learning loss for students. -NB, GMA News