Studying in Italy
Italy education system
Italy has a structured education system with different school types catering to different age groups and educational needs. Here's an overview of the main school types in Italy:
- Scuola dell'Infanzia (Kindergarten or Preschool)
- Age: 3-6 years
- Non-compulsory
- Focuses on the basic cognitive and social skills development.
- Scuola Primaria (Primary School or Elementary School)
- Age: 6-11 years
- Compulsory
- Subjects include Italian, mathematics, history, geography, science, music, art, physical education, and a foreign language.
- Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (Lower Secondary School or Middle School)
- Age: 11-14 years
- Compulsory
- Concludes with a final exam (Esame di Stato) that students must pass to move to the next level.
- Covers subjects similar to the primary school but in greater depth, and may add technical education, computer studies, and a second foreign language.
- Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (Upper Secondary School or High School)
- Age: 14-19 years
- The final five years of the compulsory education system.
- Different tracks are available:
- Liceo: These are preparatory schools with different specializations like classical, scientific, artistic, linguistic, and human sciences.
- Istituto Tecnico: Focuses on technical and managerial training in areas like economics, tourism, or technology.
- Istituto Professionale: Provides vocational training in areas like agriculture, industry, or services.
- Higher Education
- Università (University): Provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral level studies.
- Istituti Tecnici Superiori (Higher Technical Institutes): Offers specialized courses in technical fields.
- Accademie di Belle Arti & Conservatori (Art and Music Institutes): For students interested in the arts, music, dance, and drama.
In addition to the mainstream school types, Italy also has private schools, international schools, and religious (often Catholic) schools that offer alternative education options to the national curriculum.