School System

The education system includes at present:

• Pre-primary school (“scuola dell'infanzia”) for children between 3 and 5 years of age, non-compulsory
• Primary school for children between 6 and 11 years of age
• Lower secondary school (“scuola secondaria di primo grado”) for children between 11 and 14 years of age
• Upper secondary school (“scuola secondaria di secondo grado”), made up of different kinds of schools and, generally, for students from 15 to 19 years of age

Access to both university and non-university higher education is reserved for students after passing the state exam at the end of upper secondary school.
Vocational training courses are run by local authorities and can be attended by people who have reached 15 years of age.

Primary School and Lower Secondary School

Primary school is part of the first cycle of the educational and training system, together with lower secondary school. There are two different education levels, each with its own requirements, even though they are part of the same school cycle. Primary school lasts five years and is subdivided into a first year linked to pre-primary school, followed by two two-year periods. There are also comprehensive institutions that include pre-primary, primary and lower secondary school all managed by one manager.

Upper Secondary School

General upper secondary education

• Classic liceo: It prepares to university studies and focuses on classic training.
• Scientific liceo: It prepares to university studies and focuses on scientific training.
• Artistic liceo: It prepares to university studies and aims at teaching art.
• Social-psycho-pedagogical liceo: It prepares to university studies, in particular to teacher training for future teachers of all types of schools, and to work in the social sector.

Vocational upper secondary education

• Technical institutes

• Professional institutes

• Art institutes