Ateneo to start accepting female students in all-boys basic education schools
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in a "milestone decision" said it will start accepting female students in its all-boys basic education schools by S.Y. 2029 to 2030.
In its Feb. 10 memo, ADMU said the board of trustees during a meeting last Feb. 4 approved the full implementation of a co-education scheme in response to the goal in its Lux-in-Domino strategic plan, i.e., to increase the university's student population and diversity.
Preparations will begin in S.Y. 2023 to 2024, while co-ed admission starts in A.Y. 2024 to 2025 for Kinder, Grade 1, and Grade 7.
"Much work is needed to prepare the Basic Education schools for this milestone decision," read the memo signed by ADMU President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ.
ADMU first accepted female students in 2016, during the first batch of the K to 12 program.
ADMU, then Escuela Municipal de Manila, was founded as an exclusive school for boys in 1859 during the Spanish occupation. At the time, the church and government wanted women to stay at home only, deeming them unfit for education.
