Primary school in the Philippines are more commonly known as "elementary school" (Filipino: paaralang elementarya, sometimes called mababang paaralan). they are consists of six levels, with some schools adding an additional level (level 7). The levels are grouped into two primary subdivisions: primary-level, which includes the first three levels, and intermediate-level, which includes the last three or four levels.
On December 2007, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced that Spanish is to make a return as a mandatory subject in all Filipino schools starting in 2008.Primary education in the Philippines covers a wide curriculum. The core subjects (major subjects) include Mathematics, Sciences, the English and Filipino languages, and Makabayan (Social Studies, Livelihood Education, Values). Other subjects include Music, Arts, and Physical Education. Starting at the third level, Science becomes an integral part of the core subjects.That announcement has not yet come into effect. In private schools, subjects include Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Basic Computer, Filipino, Music, Arts and Technology, Home Economics, Health, Physical Education, and in Catholic schools, Religion or Christian Living. International schools and Chinese schools have additional subjects, especially in their language and culture.