For families relocating to Italy, understanding the education system is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth transition for children. Italy offers a structured public education system, a range of private and international school options, and a welcoming approach to integrating foreign students. This guide covers every stage of Italian education, the enrollment process, school types, and what to expect as an expat family.
Structure of the Italian Education System
Italian education is overseen by the Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito (MIM), the Ministry of Education and Merit. The system follows a structured progression from early childhood through university.
Asilo Nido (Nursery, Ages 0 to 3)
Not part of the formal education system but widely available through municipal, private, and cooperative providers. Public asili nido are subsidized and income-based (ISEE-dependent), with monthly fees typically ranging from EUR 100 to EUR 500. Private nurseries cost EUR 400 to EUR 1,000+/month. Demand often exceeds availability in larger cities, so apply early (typically January to March for the following September). Waitlists are common, particularly in Milan, Rome, and Bologna.
Scuola dell’Infanzia (Preschool, Ages 3 to 6)
Free in public schools (scuola statale) and municipal schools (scuola comunale). Not compulsory but attended by approximately 94% of children. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with lunch included. The curriculum focuses on socialization, creative expression, motor skills, and early literacy/numeracy readiness. Private and religious preschools (particularly Catholic) are also widely available.
Scuola Primaria (Primary School, Ages 6 to 11, 5 Years)
Compulsory education begins at age 6. The scuola primaria covers five years and provides a generalist education including Italian, mathematics, science, history, geography, English (mandatory from first grade), art, music, physical education, and tecnologia (technology). Most schools operate either tempo normale (27-30 hours/week, mornings with some afternoons) or tempo pieno (40 hours/week, full day 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with lunch, the preferred option for working families). Class sizes average 20 to 25 students. Students receive narrative evaluations rather than numerical grades.
Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Middle School, Ages 11 to 14, 3 Years)
The second stage of compulsory education. The curriculum broadens to include a second foreign language (typically French, Spanish, or German), more advanced mathematics and sciences, and Italian literature. Students receive numerical grades (1 to 10, with 6 as passing). At the end of third year, students take the Esame di Stato (state examination) consisting of written tests in Italian, mathematics, and languages, plus an oral examination. This exam determines eligibility for upper secondary school.
Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (Upper Secondary, Ages 14 to 19, 5 Years)
Students choose from three distinct tracks, a decision that significantly shapes their educational and career path.
Liceo (Academic Track): University-preparatory education. Options include Liceo Classico (classical studies: Latin, ancient Greek, philosophy, Italian literature, the most prestigious and traditional), Liceo Scientifico (sciences and mathematics with Latin), Liceo Linguistico (modern languages: three foreign languages), Liceo delle Scienze Umane (social sciences and psychology), and Liceo Artistico (visual arts) or Liceo Musicale e Coreutico (music and dance).
Istituto Tecnico (Technical Institute): Combines general education with specialized technical training in sectors like economics (Amministrazione, Finanza e Marketing), technology (Informatica e Telecomunicazioni), tourism, agriculture, or construction. Graduates can enter university or the workforce directly.
Istituto Professionale (Vocational Institute): Practical, career-oriented training in fields such as hospitality (Enogastronomia e Ospitalita Alberghiera), healthcare, mechanics, fashion, and agriculture. Includes significant hands-on experience and internships.
All three tracks culminate in the Esame di Maturita (maturity exam) at age 19: a rigorous multi-day examination including two national written tests, one school-designed written test, and an oral examination before a commission. The diploma di maturita is required for university admission.
Enrollment Process
Public School Enrollment
Enrollment for the following school year opens in January through the Iscrizioni Online portal (MIM’s online registration system) for primary and secondary schools. You need a SPID digital identity or CIE to access the portal. Required documents include the child’s codice fiscale, proof of residency or domicilio, vaccination records (mandatory vaccinations are required by law for enrollment: polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis, Hib, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella), previous school records (translated and apostilled), and parents’ identity documents.
Public schools are assigned based on your zona di residenza (school catchment area). You can request a school outside your zone, but priority goes to resident families. Registration is free, though families typically pay small contributions for materials, insurance, and activities (EUR 50 to EUR 200/year). The mensa (school lunch, typically EUR 2 to EUR 5/meal, ISEE-based) and transportation may have additional fees.
Foreign Student Integration
Italy has strong legal protections for enrolling foreign students regardless of immigration status. Schools must accept all children of compulsory age (6 to 16), including those without regular immigration documents. Students are placed in the class corresponding to their age by default, though schools can adjust placement based on academic evaluation. Schools with significant foreign student populations often provide laboratori di italiano L2 (Italian as a second language workshops) and cultural mediators to ease the transition. A protocollo di accoglienza (welcoming protocol) guides integration for newly arrived students.
International and Private Schools
International Schools
Major cities offer international schools following British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American (U.S. curriculum, AP, SAT preparation), International Baccalaureate (IB), French, German, Swiss, or other national curricula. These schools teach primarily in English or other languages, with Italian as a second language. Tuition ranges from EUR 8,000 to EUR 30,000+/year depending on the school and level. International schools are ideal for families on temporary assignments, those planning to return to the U.S. for university, or children who do not yet speak Italian. The European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and COIS (Collegio dei Docenti delle Scuole Internazionali) maintain directories of accredited schools.
Private Italian Schools (Scuole Paritarie)
Scuole paritarie are legally recognized private schools that follow the national Italian curriculum but are independently managed, often by religious organizations (Catholic schools are the most common). They offer the same diploma as public schools. Tuition ranges from EUR 2,000 to EUR 8,000/year. Class sizes are typically smaller, and some offer additional services, extended hours, or specialized programs.
University Education
Italian universities are among Europe’s oldest (Bologna, founded 1088, is the oldest continuously operating university in the world). The system follows the Bologna Process with three levels.
Laurea Triennale (Bachelor’s, 3 years): 180 ECTS credits. Provides a first-level degree. Many students continue directly to the laurea magistrale.
Laurea Magistrale (Master’s, 2 years): 120 ECTS credits. Required for many professions and for competitive career positions.
Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico (Single-Cycle Master’s, 5 to 6 years): For medicine (6 years), law, pharmacy, architecture, and veterinary science (5 years).
Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD, 3 to 4 years): Research-based doctoral programs.
Public university tuition is based on ISEE (family income declaration) and ranges from EUR 0 (for lowest income brackets, under the no-tax area threshold of approximately EUR 22,000 ISEE) to approximately EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000/year for higher income brackets. Private universities (Bocconi, LUISS, Cattolica) charge EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000+/year. Several Italian universities offer degree programs taught entirely in English, particularly at the master’s level, in fields like engineering, economics, design, and international relations.
For Americans, Italian degrees are recognized through credential evaluation processes (ENIC-NARIC network). For information on student residence permits, see our guide on student visas.
Daily School Life
Schedule and Calendar
The school year runs from approximately mid-September to early June (exact dates vary by region). Summer break is approximately 3 months (mid-June to mid-September), the longest in Europe. Additional breaks include Christmas (approximately 2 weeks), Easter (approximately 1 week), and various national and local holidays. School typically starts between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.
Homework and Study Culture
Italian schools assign significantly more homework than most American schools, starting from primary school. Secondary school students routinely spend 2 to 4 hours on homework daily. Oral examinations (interrogazioni) are a distinctive feature: students are called to the front of the class to answer questions on material, and these oral grades count significantly. The emphasis on memorization, oral presentation, and classical knowledge is stronger than in the American system.
Grading
Primary school uses descriptive evaluations (in fase di prima acquisizione, base, intermedio, avanzato). Secondary schools use a 1 to 10 numerical scale. A 6 is the minimum passing grade. Grades of 8 to 10 are considered strong. Grades below 6 in multiple subjects can result in retention (bocciatura, repeating the year), which is more common than in the U.S. and does not carry the same social stigma.
Practical Tips
Start Italian language preparation before the move. Even basic Italian helps children integrate faster. Schools provide support, but arriving with some foundation makes a significant difference. If enrolling in public school, consider your residential location carefully. School quality varies by neighborhood and region, and your address determines your assigned school. For temporary relocations or when language is a barrier, international schools provide continuity. Factor the tuition into your relocation budget early. Engage with the school community. Italian school life involves active parent participation: rappresentanti di classe (class parent representatives), school assemblies, holiday celebrations, and informal social networks. Participation helps both children and parents integrate.