Best Education Options for Families
Reasons for Moving to Italy
Italy, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and excellent lifestyle, is a top destination for families seeking a new beginning. With picturesque landscapes, world-class cuisine, and a strong sense of community, it’s no wonder that expat families are increasingly drawn to life in Italy. Whether relocating for work, family ties, or a desire for a slower, more enriching lifestyle, Italy offers a welcoming environment for families of all sizes.
One of the most important considerations for parents moving to Italy is the quality of education. A well-structured school system and a growing number of international institutions make the transition smoother for children and help parents feel confident about their decision. From vibrant cities like Milan and Rome to peaceful towns in Tuscany or Umbria, families can find educational opportunities that align with their values, language preferences, and academic aspirations.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best education options for families in Italy, helping you navigate the system and choose the right fit for your child’s future.
The Importance of Education for Expat Children
Education plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children adapt, thrive, and grow in a new country. For expat families in Italy, choosing the right educational path means not just academic excellence, but also a smooth social integration, emotional well-being, and future preparedness.
Expat children often face unique challenges: new languages, unfamiliar cultures, and different academic standards. A supportive, inclusive school environment helps bridge these gaps. Many international schools in Italy offer globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British GCSEs, or the American high school diploma, making transitions easier and future relocations smoother.
Additionally, education in Italy places strong emphasis on interpersonal skills, creativity, and collaboration—traits that serve expat children well both locally and globally. Italian schools and international institutions alike offer extracurricular opportunities, fostering well-rounded development.
By selecting the right school, parents can ensure that their children not only receive an outstanding education, but also feel a sense of belonging in their new home.
Understanding the Italian Education System
Structure of the Italian Education System
The Italian education system is well-established and regulated by the Ministry of Education. It is structured into five main stages:
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Scuola dell’infanzia (Preschool) – Ages 3 to 5
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Scuola primaria (Primary School) – Ages 6 to 11
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Scuola secondaria di primo grado (Lower Secondary) – Ages 11 to 14
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Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (Upper Secondary) – Ages 14 to 19
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Università (University)
Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16. After lower secondary school, students choose a specific type of upper secondary school, ranging from academic high schools (licei) to technical and vocational institutions.
While public education is free, instruction is typically delivered in Italian, which can pose a challenge for expat children who are not yet fluent in the language.
Key Stages of Education in Italy
The key educational stages are designed to prepare students for both higher education and the job market. Each level builds on the previous one, with increasing specialization:
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Primary School focuses on foundational skills—literacy, math, science, and basic civic education.
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Lower Secondary School introduces more subjects like foreign languages, history, and geography, helping students explore interests.
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Upper Secondary School branches into multiple tracks:
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Liceo Classico (classical studies)
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Liceo Scientifico (science-focused)
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Liceo Linguistico (languages)
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Istituti Tecnici (technical education)
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Istituti Professionali (vocational training)
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Understanding these options can help expat families plan ahead and align their child’s learning path with their aspirations.
Types of Schools Available in Italy
Public Schools vs. Private Schools
Public schools in Italy are funded by the government and provide a solid education with a focus on core academics and national curricula. Classes are conducted in Italian, which can be challenging for expat children initially, but immersion can lead to fluency.
Private schools, while more costly, often offer bilingual programs, smaller class sizes, and enhanced facilities. Some are religiously affiliated and may include values-based education.
Choosing between public and private depends on the family’s goals, the child’s language skills, and available local options.
International and Bilingual Schools
International and bilingual schools are a top choice for many expat families. These schools typically follow international curricula (IB, British, American) and teach in English or multiple languages, easing the transition for non-Italian speakers.
In cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, international schools offer high academic standards, multicultural environments, and strong support systems. These institutions help children retain their native language while learning Italian, and their diplomas are widely accepted by universities worldwide.
Though tuition is higher, the long-term benefits often justify the investment.
Choosing the Right School for Your Children
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
When selecting a school, expat parents should consider:
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Language of instruction: Will your child thrive in an Italian-speaking environment, or do they need English support?
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Curriculum: Does the school offer internationally recognized programs?
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Location: Is the school easily accessible from your home or work?
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Reputation and reviews: What do other expat families say?
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Support services: Are there programs for language acquisition or counseling?
Parents should also evaluate the school’s philosophy, extracurricular options, class sizes, and teacher qualifications.
How to Enroll Your Child in a School
Enrollment processes vary depending on the type of school:
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Public schools: Registration is typically done online via the Ministry of Education’s portal during specific enrollment periods (usually January).
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Private and international schools: Admissions often involve an application, interview, and documentation such as report cards, passport copies, and proof of residence.
Early application is recommended, especially for international schools with limited spaces. Some schools also offer open days or virtual tours, which can help families assess the environment before committing.
Extracurricular Activities and Their Importance
Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are essential for a child’s holistic development. They build soft skills like teamwork, leadership, creativity, and time management. For expat children, these activities are also an excellent way to make friends and feel part of the local community.
Participation in clubs, sports, and the arts enhances confidence and helps children explore passions outside the classroom, enriching their overall learning journey.
Popular Extracurricular Options in Italy
In Italy, extracurriculars are woven into both school life and community programs. Popular options include:
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Sports: Soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball
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Arts: Theater, dance, painting, and music
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STEM: Robotics, coding, and science clubs
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Languages: Additional Italian or English language classes
Many international schools offer a wide selection of clubs and after-school programs tailored to students’ interests. Parents can also enroll children in external community centers, music academies, or sports associations.
Support Services for Expats in Italy
Community Resources for Families
Italy has a growing network of services supporting expat families. Local municipalities often provide orientation sessions, child services, and parenting workshops. Larger cities also host cultural mediation services to help families integrate.
Parent associations, especially within international schools, often organize social events, workshops, and informational sessions, creating a sense of belonging and support.
Online Forums and Support Groups
Digital communities are a lifeline for many expats. Facebook groups like “Expats in Italy” or “Moms in Milan” offer advice on schools, parenting, healthcare, and day-to-day life. These forums allow families to ask questions, find recommendations, and share experiences.
Websites like Expat.com, RadioMamma, and EasyMilano also provide resources, school directories, and networking opportunities.
Being part of these groups helps families adjust more easily and feel less isolated.
Ensuring a Bright Future for Your Children
Moving to Italy is an exciting chapter filled with new experiences and opportunities, especially when it comes to education. By understanding the Italian education system and the variety of schooling options available, expat families can make informed decisions that set their children up for long-term success.
Whether choosing a public school for cultural immersion or an international school for curriculum continuity, the key is to align the choice with your child’s needs, personality, and aspirations. Engaging in extracurricular activities and tapping into local and online support networks can further enrich your family’s life in Italy.
At the American School of Milan (ASM), we understand the unique needs of international families. With a world-class curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive multicultural environment, we strive to provide an educational experience that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you’re planning a move to Italy or are already navigating the educational landscape, ASM welcomes you to explore how we can support your family’s journey. Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour.