Moving to Italy is a dream for many history, art, cuisine, and la dolce vita. But if you’re relocating with children, one of your most important questions will be: “How does the Italian school system work?”

Italy offers a rich educational tradition, a free and high-quality public system, and an expanding network of international schools. This guide explains everything you need to know so you can make confident choices about your child’s education in Italy.

Understanding the Italian School System

Italy’s education system is built on structure, inclusivity, and strong academic foundations. It is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16 and is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Merit (Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito).

Public education is free, and the majority of children attend state schools, though private and international options are also available.

The Structure of Schooling in Italy

1. Scuola dell’infanzia (Pre School / Kindergarten): Ages 3 to 6
   Preschool is optional but attended by nearly all Italian children.

   • Focuses on play, creativity, and social skills.

   • Offered by both public and private institutions.

   • Public preschools are free except for small meals or material fees.

2. Scuola primaria (Primary School): Ages 6 to 11
   This five-year stage begins compulsory education.

   • Subjects include Italian, math, science, geography, English, religion (optional), and art.

   • A single teacher or a small team teaches multiple subjects.

   • Emphasis is on developing critical thinking and literacy skills.

3. Scuola secondaria di primo grado (Lower Secondary / Middle School): Ages 11 to 14

   • Builds on core subjects while introducing history, civic education, technology, and foreign languages.

   • English is compulsory; many schools add a second foreign language such as French, Spanish, or German.

   • Ends with a final exam (esame di Stato di primo ciclo) that determines entry to upper secondary school.

4. Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (Upper Secondary / High School): Ages 14 to 19
   This stage lasts five years and offers several educational paths.
   Students choose the track that best suits their interests and career goals:

   • Liceo (Academic High Schools): Focused on theoretical subjects as literature, sciences, classical studies, languages, or arts. Leads to university.

   • Istituto Tecnico (Technical Schools): Blend of academic and practical learning (e.g., business, technology, tourism).

   • Istituto Professionale (Vocational Schools): Career-oriented, preparing students for trades or technical jobs.

After five years, students take the Esame di Stato (State Exam), the Italian high school diploma required for university admission.

What Comes After Secondary School?

After completing upper secondary school, students can choose between:

• University (Università): Academic institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

• Higher Technical Institutes (Istituti Tecnici Superiori – ITS): Specialized professional training in fields like design, fashion, IT, and engineering.

• Professional apprenticeships: Dual programs combining work and study.

Italy follows the European Bologna Process, ensuring degrees are internationally recognized across the EU.

School Types: Public, Private, and International

Italy offers a variety of school types to suit different educational preferences and family goals.

Public Schools (Scuole Statali)

• Free for all residents (with minimal fees for meals or materials).

• Follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.

• Instruction is in Italian, though many schools offer additional English classes.

• Teachers are well-trained and standardized nationwide.

• Ideal for families planning long-term residence or cultural immersion.

Private Schools (Scuole Paritarie)

• Recognized by the government (paritarie) and follow the same national curriculum but with more flexibility.

• Smaller class sizes and specialized teaching approaches (e.g., Montessori, Steiner).

• Tuition fees range from €2,000 to €8,000 per year.

• Some are faith-based (mainly Catholic) but open to all students.

International Schools

• Perfect for expats or multilingual families.

• Offer curricula such as IB, British (IGCSE/A-Levels), American, French, or German systems.

• Teach primarily in English, with Italian and other languages offered as subjects.

• Tuition ranges from €10,000 to €25,000 per year.

• Found mainly in Rome, Milan, Florence, and other major cities.

Language and Integration

• Italian is the language of instruction in public and most private schools.

• Non-native speakers are provided with Italian as a Second Language (Italiano L2) support to help integrate.

• English is taught from primary school, and many schools now include bilingual programs.

• International schools are the easiest option for children who are not yet fluent in Italian, but young learners adapt quickly in local schools.

Universities in Italy

Italy is home to some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, known for academic excellence and cultural heritage.

Some of the top universities include:

• University of Bologna (Università di Bologna) – Europe’s oldest university; leading in humanities, law, and science.

• Sapienza University of Rome (La Sapienza) – One of the largest universities in Europe.

• Politecnico di Milano – World-class for engineering, architecture, and design.

• Bocconi University (Milan) – Renowned for economics, business, and management.

• University of Padua (Università di Padova) – Excellence in medicine and psychology.

• LUISS Guido Carli (Rome) – Prestigious private university for law and international relations.

Academic Calendar: October to June
Tuition Fees:

• Public universities: €900–€4,000 per year (based on family income).

• Private universities: €6,000–€20,000 per year.
  Language: Many master’s and MBA programs are offered in English, while undergraduate courses are mostly in Italian.

Cultural School Norms in Italy

Italy’s school culture reflects its values: respect, community, and dedication to learning.

• Respect and formality: Teachers are addressed as Professore or Professoressa.

• Uniforms: Not required in most schools, though younger children may wear smocks (grembiuli).

• Schedule: Classes typically run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with optional afternoon sessions for extracurriculars or lunch (mensa scolastica).

• Lunches: School meals are healthy, hot, and freshly prepared, a reflection of Italy’s food culture.

• Homework: Regular and important; academic discipline is taken seriously.

• Parent involvement: Parents participate in school councils (consiglio d’istituto) and parent-teacher meetings.  

• Exams: Students are graded on both oral and written performance; oral exams are a traditional hallmark of Italian education.

Where to Begin Your Search

Here’s a roadmap to finding the right school for your family:

1. Define your priorities: Language of instruction, curriculum type, class size, and location.

2. Research local schools: Each Comune (municipality) assigns public schools based on residence.

3. Visit schools: Book tours to meet teachers and understand the environment.

4. Ask about language support: Especially if your child is new to Italian.

5. Check application timelines:

   • Public schools: Registration usually opens in January–February for the following September.

   • Private and international schools: Rolling admissions or early deadlines.

6. Network: Expat groups (e.g., Families in Rome, Milan Expat Network) can provide valuable advice and firsthand experiences.

Schools for Expat Families

Rome

• St. Stephen’s School: IB and American curricula; historic campus in central Rome.

• Marymount International School: Catholic, coeducational; American curriculum with IB Diploma.

• Ambrit International School: IB-accredited with strong language immersion.

Milan

• The British School of Milan: UK National Curriculum; IB Diploma.

• International School of Milan: IB World School; multilingual environment.

• American School of Milan: U.S. curriculum and IB Diploma.

Florence & Tuscany

• International School of Florence: IB programs; emphasis on arts and culture.

• Canadian School of Florence: English-language curriculum; small and community-oriented.

Northern Italy

• H-Farm International School (Treviso & Vicenza): IB programs with a digital innovation focus.

• Deutsche Schule Mailand (German School of Milan): Bilingual German-Italian curriculum.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Italy offers one of Europe’s most well-rounded education systems,  blending academic rigor with creativity, tradition, and a love of culture.

Whether your family chooses a local public school for immersion, a private bilingual program, or an international institution, your child will gain not only a strong education but also an appreciation for art, language, and community.

With its warm people, emphasis on quality learning, and growing international outlook, Italy is an inspiring place for children to grow and thrive.

Start early, visit schools, and enjoy the process, your family’s Italian educational adventure is about to begin.