The Italian School System Explained for Expat Parents

System Overview

Italian education is divided into distinct cycles, each with its own character. Unlike the US or UK systems, Italy separates children into different schools-not just different classes-at key transition points. This means changing buildings, teachers, and often commutes at ages 6, 11, and 14.

Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Most children also attend preschool from age 3. The state system is free (apart from minor contributions for materials and activities), and covers the vast majority of Italian children.

Age Structure at a Glance

Note: The cut-off date for starting school is December 31st. Children who turn 6 by December 31st can start primary school that September. This is different from the UK's August cut-off and can mean your child is in a different year group than expected.

Scuola dell'Infanzia (Ages 3-6)

Italian preschool is not compulsory, but almost all children attend. It's not about academics-the focus is on socialisation, play, creativity, and learning to be part of a group. Don't expect reading lessons or homework.

State preschools are free (small contributions for materials). Hours typically run 8:00-16:00, with options for shorter days. Getting a place can be competitive in urban areas-registration usually happens in January/February for the following September.

For expat children, preschool is often the ideal entry point. Young children absorb language naturally, and the play-based environment reduces pressure while building Italian fluency.

Scuola Primaria (Ages 6-11)

This is where formal education begins. Five years (prima through quinta elementare), with the same class group and often the same teachers throughout. The curriculum covers Italian, maths, science, history, geography, English, art, music, and physical education.

Schools offer different schedule options:

• Tempo pieno (full-time): 8:30-16:30, including lunch and afternoon activities
• Tempo normale (normal time): 8:30-12:30/13:30, with some afternoon sessions

Homework is regular but not overwhelming in early years, increasing as children progress. Class sizes are typically 20-25 students. There are no "sets" or "streams"-all children study the same curriculum at the same level.

Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Ages 11-14)

Commonly called "scuola media" or middle school. Three years (prima, seconda, terza media) that bridge the gap between primary and the more specialised high school. This is typically the most challenging transition for expat children arriving mid-education.

The curriculum expands: more subjects, multiple teachers, increased homework and academic expectations. Students take a second foreign language (usually French, Spanish, or German alongside English). The final year ends with an exam (esame di terza media) that determines high school options.

Hours are typically 8:00-13:00/14:00, Monday through Saturday-yes, including Saturday in most schools. This surprises many expat families.

Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (Ages 14-19)

This is where Italian education diverges most sharply from US/UK models. Students choose a specific type of high school based on their interests and career direction:

Liceo (Academic Track)

• Liceo Classico: Classical languages (Latin, ancient Greek), humanities
• Liceo Scientifico: Sciences and mathematics focus
• Liceo Linguistico: Modern languages (typically 3 foreign languages)
• Liceo Artistico: Art and design
• Liceo Musicale: Music specialisation
• Liceo delle Scienze Umane: Social sciences, psychology, pedagogy

Istituto Tecnico (Technical Track)

Combines general education with technical/vocational training in fields like economics, technology, agriculture, tourism, or graphics. Prepares students for both university and work.

Istituto Professionale (Vocational Track)

More hands-on training for specific professions: hospitality, healthcare, mechanics, fashion. Students can enter the workforce after graduation or continue to specialised higher education.

All tracks last five years and conclude with the Esame di Stato (Maturita)-a national exam that determines university eligibility. The choice made at 14 significantly shapes a student's path, which can feel high-stakes for families unfamiliar with the system.

The School Day

Italian school schedules differ significantly from UK/US norms:

• Start time: Usually 8:00-8:30
• Primary (tempo pieno): Until 16:00-16:30, with lunch included
• Secondary: Often 8:00-13:00/14:00, no lunch at school
• Saturday school: Common in secondary schools
• No after-school care: Unlike UK, limited structured after-school options

The shorter secondary school day means children are home by early afternoon. This works in Italian culture where family lunch is important, but can be challenging for dual-working parents without extended family nearby.

What Differs From US/UK Systems

Key Takeaways for Expat Parents

• Age cut-offs differ: Your child might be in a different year group than you'd expect. Check before assuming.
• Younger is easier: Children under 8 typically adapt fastest to Italian-medium education.
• High school choice matters: The decision at 14 sets a direction-understand the options before your child reaches that point.
• Schedules affect logistics: Plan for short secondary school days and potential Saturday school.
• Language support varies: Some schools have experience with non-Italian speakers; many don't. Ask directly.