higher education after their high school graduation.
Like elementary school, the passing grade to gradua-
te high school remained the same: 75% and above
per subject. A student would typically have graduated
high school by the age of 16 or 17.
In addition to the general public high schools, the
Philippines also offered specialized science-based
public high schools under the Philippine Science
High School System, which is still in existence today.
However, expectant students must pass the PSHS
System National Competitive Examination to be con-
sidered for enrollment. For those selected, science
high schools grant them the opportunity for stu-
dents to get quality education for free. Science high
schools are scattered throughout the Philippines, with
the main campus, Philippine Science High School,
located in Quezon City. The Philippine Science High
School is famous for being the hardest public high
school to get into.
Along with the standard 4 major classes, science high
schools typically incorporate another Math, Science,
and English elective. Most science high schools re-
quire a retention grade of 80-85% and above to con-
tinue attendance; anything less would result in expul-
sion. Although science high schools encourage their
students to pursue a career in Math and Sciences, it
is only the main campus, the Philippine Science High
School, that requires their students to take up a Math
or Science related major upon entering college.
Also included within the Philippine 10-year educatio-
nal system was private schooling. One big distinc-
tion in private schools vs. public schools was in their
structure. Whereas public schools separated elemen-
tary and high school due to the number of enrollees,
most private schools provided both elementary and
secondary education, and sometimes kindergar-
t