Law Summary
Definition and Scope of Private Schools and Colleges
- Includes any private institution managed by individuals or corporations.
- Not subject to Bureau of Education authority and regulations.
- Offers primary, intermediate, secondary, technical, professional, or special courses where diplomas or degrees are awarded.
Requirements for Establishment and Government Recognition
- Schools must incorporate under Corporation Law (Act No. 1459).
- Must file a detailed petition including:
- Name, location, and dates (organization and incorporation).
- Names and addresses of officers, directors, faculty.
- Financial status and investment details.
- Description of buildings, facilities, sanitary and lighting arrangements.
- Teacher qualifications and curriculum details.
- Laboratory facilities and other required information.
Conditions for Granting Authority to Open Schools
- Secretary grants opening authority upon satisfactory review.
- Authority subject to revocation for improper management, non-compliance with curriculum, teacher incompetency, or fraud.
- Periodic inspections mandated to ensure maintenance of standards.
Procedure for Government Recognition After One Year
- Issuance of certificate after one year if management and instruction are satisfactory.
- Allows school to issue certificates to graduates recognized by the Government.
- Graduates entitled to benefits and privileges equal to those from public schools.
Publication and Maintenance of Minimum Standards
- Secretary to publish minimum standards for academic and professional schools.
- Covers primary, intermediate, high schools, colleges, and specialized professional schools.
Conditions for Granting and Maintaining Government Recognition
- Recognition withheld if approved courses of study are not maintained.
- Schools must meet all Secretary-prescribed requirements and regulations.
- Must furnish a bond conditioned on efficient administration and regulation compliance.
Revocation of Government Recognition
- Recognition revoked for failure to maintain standards.
- Revocation also applies if diplomas/degrees are awarded without completion of prescribed work.
- Revocation includes denial of the right to continue as an unrecognized school.
Rights of Graduates from Recognized Private Schools
- Entitled to the same benefits as graduates of government schools.
- Can enter higher courses in government schools subject to available space.
Appointment, Powers, and Duties of the Commissioner of Private Education
- Appointed by the Secretary of Public Instruction.
- Responsibilities include:
- Inspecting schools seeking permission or recognition.
- Proposing standard curricula.
- Reporting school conditions including financial, organizational, and academic aspects.
- Recommending recognition or revocation.
- Publishing lists of approved schools and recognized courses.
- Regulating use of "Officially recognized by the Government" legend in school documents and advertisements.
- Operates under Secretary's direct authority with compensation fixed by Appropriation Act.
- Assisted by necessary authorized personnel.