Italy’s secondary education system is structured differently from the American model, and the choices families make at age 13 to 14 have significant implications for a student’s academic and professional future. Understanding these pathways is essential for American families relocating to Italy with school-age children. For primary education and the broader school system overview, see our education guide.
Structure of Secondary Education
Italian secondary education is divided into two levels.
Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Lower Secondary, ages 11 to 14): Three years of general education following primary school (scuola primaria). All students follow essentially the same curriculum: Italian, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language (typically English), a second foreign language (often French or Spanish), technology, art, music, and physical education. Students take a state exam (esame di stato) at the end of the third year to obtain their licenza media. This exam includes written tests in Italian, mathematics, and languages, plus an oral examination.
Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (Upper Secondary, ages 14 to 19): Five years of education, the type of which students choose at age 14. This is the most consequential educational decision in the Italian system, because the three main pathways lead to very different outcomes.
Upper Secondary Pathways
Liceo (Academic Track)
The liceo provides a rigorous academic education primarily preparing students for university. There are six types.
Liceo Classico: The most traditional and prestigious track, emphasizing Latin, ancient Greek, Italian literature, philosophy, and history. Produces strong critical thinkers and writers. Historically the path to law, medicine, politics, and academia. Enrollment has declined but it retains significant cultural prestige.
Liceo Scientifico: The most popular liceo, balancing sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology) with humanities (Italian literature, Latin, philosophy, history). Prepares students for university programs in engineering, medicine, science, economics, and virtually any field. The opzione scienze applicate variant replaces Latin with more computer science and laboratory work.
Liceo Linguistico: Focuses on modern foreign languages (three languages studied in depth, typically English plus two from French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian). Strong preparation for international careers, translation, diplomacy, and international business.
Liceo delle Scienze Umane: Focuses on psychology, pedagogy, sociology, and anthropology. Prepares students for social work, education, and human sciences university programs. The opzione economico-sociale variant adds economics and law.
Liceo Artistico: Art-focused with specializations in visual arts, architecture, design, graphics, audiovisual, and scenography. Prepares students for art academies, architecture, and design programs.
Liceo Musicale e Coreutico: Specialized in music or dance. Limited number of schools, requiring an entrance audition.
Istituto Tecnico (Technical Institute)
Technical institutes provide a combination of general education and specialized technical training over five years. Graduates can enter the workforce directly or continue to university (particularly in related fields). Two main sectors with multiple specializations.
Settore Economico (Economic sector): Amministrazione, Finanza e Marketing (business administration, accounting, marketing) and Turismo (tourism management). Strong preparation for business careers and related university programs.
Settore Tecnologico (Technological sector): Specializations include Informatica e Telecomunicazioni (IT and telecommunications), Meccanica e Meccatronica (mechanical engineering), Elettronica ed Elettrotecnica (electronics), Chimica e Biotecnologie (chemistry and biotechnology), Costruzioni, Ambiente e Territorio (construction and surveying), Agraria (agriculture), and Trasporti e Logistica (transport and logistics). These provide practical technical skills alongside academic foundations.
Istituto Professionale (Vocational Institute)
Vocational institutes offer the most hands-on, employment-oriented education. Five-year programs with significant practical training, internships, and laboratory work. Specializations include Servizi per l’Enogastronomia e l’Ospitalita Alberghiera (hospitality and culinary arts, training future chefs, sommeliers, and hotel managers), Manutenzione e Assistenza Tecnica (maintenance and technical assistance), Servizi Commerciali (commercial services), Industria e Artigianato (industry and craftsmanship), Agricoltura (agriculture), and Servizi Sanitari (health services). Graduates can enter the workforce or, with the five-year diploma, access university.
The Esame di Stato (Maturita)
All upper secondary tracks conclude with the esame di stato, commonly called la maturita, a national examination taken in June of the fifth year. The exam consists of two written tests (the first in Italian, the second in a subject specific to the school type) and an oral examination covering multiple subjects. The maximum score is 100 points (with possible lode/honors), combining internal assessment (up to 40 points from years 3 to 5) and exam performance (up to 60 points). The maturita is culturally significant in Italy, comparable to a combination of SATs and high school graduation in the U.S., and is a rite of passage that Italians remember vividly. The diploma is required for university admission.
Considerations for American Families
Integration Challenges
Entering the Italian secondary system requires strong Italian language skills. Unlike primary school, where younger children absorb language quickly through immersion, teenagers face more demanding academic content in Italian. Most public schools do not offer dedicated Italian-as-a-second-language support beyond initial orientation. Consider intensive Italian language preparation before enrollment, particularly for upper secondary entry.
International Schools
For families who prefer English-language education or plan to return to the U.S., international schools offer IB (International Baccalaureate), American AP, or British A-level curricula. Major international schools exist in Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Turin. Annual tuition typically ranges from EUR 10,000 to EUR 25,000. These schools provide smoother transitions but less cultural and linguistic immersion.
Credential Recognition
The Italian diploma di maturita is recognized for university admission in the U.S. and most countries. Conversely, American high school diplomas and transcripts can be evaluated for equivalency (equipollenza or dichiarazione di valore) through the Italian consulate or MIUR (Ministry of Education) for enrollment in Italian schools or universities.
Choosing the Right Path
The choice at age 14 between liceo, istituto tecnico, and istituto professionale is more consequential than any equivalent American decision. Italian families typically discuss this choice extensively with teachers during the final year of scuola media, and the school issues a non-binding recommendation (consiglio orientativo). While switching tracks is technically possible, it is bureaucratically difficult and may require repeating years. Take the initial choice seriously. The liceo scientifico is the most flexible option if uncertain, as it keeps the broadest range of university paths open.
Practical Tips
Visit prospective schools during their open day (typically November to January). Italian schools welcome families and provide tours, presentations, and Q&A sessions. Public secondary education is free (no tuition), though families pay for textbooks (EUR 200 to EUR 400/year), school materials, and optional activities. The school year runs from mid-September to mid-June, with breaks at Christmas (approximately 2 weeks), Easter (approximately 1 week), and scattered national holidays. There is no summer school tradition in the Italian system. School hours are typically morning-only (8:00 AM to 1:00 or 2:00 PM) for upper secondary, though some schools are introducing afternoon sessions. For family life context and activities, see our family life guide.