The Italian educational system is organized as follows:
- integrated system 0-6 years, not mandatory, articulated in;
- childcare facilities for children between three and 36 months;
- kindergarten, which can be managed by the State, the local authorities, directly or through the conclusion of agreements, other public bodies or private, which welcomes children between three and six years.
First compulsory education of a total duration of 8 years, consisting of:
- primary school (5 years), for pupils aged 6 to 11 years; the primary school has as its objective: to promote, with respect for individual differences, the development of personality; to enable the acquisition and development of basic knowledge and skills up to the first logical-critical arrangements; to encourage the learning of means of expression, including literacy in at least one language of the European Union (English) in addition to the Italian language; lay the foundations for the use of scientific methodologies in the study of the natural world, its phenomena and its laws; enhance the capacity for relational and orientation in space and time; educate young citizens to the fundamental principles of civil coexistence;
- secondary school (3 years), for pupils aged 11 to 14 years. The secondary school of the first degree: stimulates the growth of the autonomous capacities of study and social interaction; organizes and increases, also through literacy and deepening in computer technologies, knowledge and skills, also in relation to the cultural tradition and the social, cultural and scientific evolution of contemporary reality; progressively develops the skills and the skills of choice corresponding to the aptitudes and vocations of the students; provides adequate tools for the continuation of education and training activities; introduces the study of a second language of the European Union; helps to orient for the subsequent choice of education and training.
The second cycle of education is divided into two types of courses:
- second grade secondary school (5 years). The schools organize high school courses, technical institutes and professional institutes for students and students from 14 to 19 years;
- three-year and four-year vocational education and training (VET) courses of regional competence, always aimed at students and students who have successfully completed the first cycle of education;
- higher education offered by universities, institutions of Advanced Artistic Training, Music and Dance (AFAM) and technical colleges Higher (ITS) with different types of courses.
