Education in the Philippines is divided into several levels: elementary, secondary, and tertiary. The country follows a K-12 system, which includes one year of kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of high school, and two to four years of college. The Department of Education (DepEd) oversees basic education, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) manages higher education institutions. Public education is free, but families often face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and limited resources. Private schools are also available and may offer different curricula. The medium of instruction is primarily Filipino and English, reflecting the country's diverse culture and history.