Elementary

Paaralang Elementarya or elementary education is the first part of the educational system, and it includes the first six years of compulsory education from grade 1 to 6, with an optional 7th grade offered by some schools. Major subjects include maths, science, English, Filipino and social sciences. Optional subjects include music, arts, physical education, and health. Private school students may select subjects from a wider curriculum including religious instruction in the dogma of their choice.

Until 2004, primary students traditionally sat for the National Elementary Achievement Test (NEAT) administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS). However, the scores obtained by students in the NEAT were not used as a basis for their admission into Secondary school.

During 2004, when DECS was officially converted into the Department of Education (DepEd), and as a result of reorganization, the NEAT was changed to National Achievement Test (NAT) by the Department of Education (DepEd). Students from both public and private elementary schools take this exam to measure a school's competency. As of 2006, only private schools have entrance examinations for Secondary school.