In January 2026, the Second Congressional Commission for Education (EDCOM II) released a definitive report entitled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms”. The findings opened the eyes of the nation, particularly in the “proficiency collapse” of the students once they reach Grade 12.
The landscape of Philippine education is at a crossroads, shifting and demanding for change. As José Rizal University enters into the school year 2026-2027, we begin the partial implementation for the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum for our incoming Grade 11 students–paving the way for an educational experience that moves away from the rigid academic silos to a more dynamic, industry-aligned, and future-ready pathway for every learner.
We are not just adopting national reforms, we are leading them.
The New Direction
In the old curriculum, JRU has four (4) tracks namely: the Academic track, which has Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Accounting, Business, and Management (ABM), and Humanities and Social Sciences (HG); the TechVoc Track, which has Animation, Computer System Servicing (CSS), Food and Beverages (FB), and Tour Guiding (TG); the Arts and Design Track, and the Sports track. In the new curriculum, it is streamlined into two (tracks), with different pathways that optimizes a student’s educational journey towards college and employment readiness: the Academic Track with pathways Business and Entrepreneurship (BE), Social Sciences and Communication (SSC), Technology and Mathematics (TMAT), Health and Allied Sciences (HAS), and Arts and Design; and the Technical Professional Track with pathways Animation and Graphic Design (AGD), Computer Systems and Programming (CSP), Culinary Arts and Services (CAS), and Travel and Tourism Services (TTS). Whether you are in the Academic Track or the TechPro Track, our university provides the facilities– from AI coding hubs to commercial-grade kitchens– to support these hybrid interests and meet international standards.
The Streamlined Core for Deep Mastery
The new curriculum has been reduced to mandatory core subjects from 15 key areas to the following: Effective Communication and Mabisang Komunikasyon, Life and Career Skills, General Mathematics, General Science, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino. With these essential foundations, we ensure that our students spend more time developing into graduates who are not just “test-ready”, but also “world-ready”. With our competent faculty that are aligned with their subject specializations, we address the national teacher-subject mismatch highlighted by EDCOM II, which will result in our learners’ mastery in foundational competencies before advancing to their specialized pathways. We also offer institutional and track-based electives that integrate essential skills and knowledge, preparing students for a job market increasingly influenced by globalization and innovation.
Why Choose JRU?
While many schools can offer the new curriculum, and apprehensions from students and parents with the changes are understandable, JRU assures that the Senior High School provides a distinct competitive edge. Our qualified and competent faculty are not just teachers, they are industry practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom. With our expanded industry partnership networks, we will accommodate the increased immersion hours for significant and maximized “on-the-job” experiences before they even graduate, where learners don’t just “observe” but actively contribute to real-world projects, solving the “outdated curriculum” trap. The program also boasts its seamless alignment with our college degree programs, eliminating the “bridging” subjects in college.
Our Commitment
At the heart of the implementation is a simple philosophy: The student is the master of their own fate, the captain of their own destiny. Our role is to provide the tools, mentorship, and the platforms to prepare them for the journey. For parents, this means an investment in a school that doesn’t just follow mandates, but enhances them with a tradition of excellence. For students, it promises a two-year journey, albeit short, but meaningful–feeling like a head start rather than a mere requirement, marking the beginning of their professional edge.