Moving to Italy with Kids: Your Guide to Italian Schools and More

When our family decided to move to Italy, the dream of la dolce vita was strong, but so were our anxieties. Here at Ready Set Italia, we believe that proper planning can turn those anxieties into excitement. The biggest question mark of all was school... This is our story, and the guide we wish we had.

Understanding the Italian School System

The Italian school system offers several options, each with its own pros and cons. The right choice depends on your family's goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in Italy.

• Public Schools (Scuola Pubblica)

  Public schools are the most common choice for Italian families and an incredible value for residents. The instruction is in Italian, and they are designed to fully integrate children into the local culture.

  • Cost: These schools are nearly free, with typically only a yearly enrollment fee of €100 or less, plus school supplies.

  • Geographic Flexibility: A major difference from many other countries is that Italian public schools are not based on where you live. Because the public transport system is so comprehensive, students can easily travel to school, so geographic location is not a barrier to attendance. This means you can apply to attend any public school you want.

  • Pros: The immersive environment will result in your child becoming truly fluent in Italian. They will make Italian friends and fully integrate into the local culture.

  • Cons: The language barrier can be a challenge initially. While there may be an English course, the primary instruction will be in Italian.

    
    

• Private/Parity Schools (Scuola Paritaria)

  These schools are partially funded by the government but also supported by tuition. They are often, but not always, religiously affiliated.

  • Cost: Tuition is typically affordable compared to private schools in the US, ranging from €3,000 to €6,000 per year.

  • Pros: They can be a good middle-ground option.

  • Cons: Many of these schools are not bilingual, and most are affiliated with a faith group, usually Catholicism. They are also often very small, which may limit the variety of courses and staff expertise.

    
    

• International Schools (Scuola Internazionale)

  International schools cater to the expat community and offer a curriculum that often mirrors those of other countries.

  • Cost: These are by far the most expensive option, costing anywhere from €25,000 to €75,000 per year.

  • Pros: They often offer bilingual instruction (in both English and Italian) and provide a familiar curriculum, making the transition easier for your child.

  • Cons: The high cost can be a major barrier. These schools cater to expats, so students will come and go regularly. This means your child may not fully integrate into Italian culture and may make friends who move away.

    
    

A Note on Quality: It is important to remember that the cost of a school does not always equate to the quality of instruction. We found wonderful, high-quality public schools and learned that affordability in Italy does not necessarily mean a lesser education.

Timing is Everything: Ages & Enrollment in the Italian System

Beyond the type of school, the age of your children is one of the most critical factors in a successful move. Our family learned this firsthand.

• The "Golden Window": 14 and Under

  We found that kids under the age of 14 are incredibly resilient and adapt surprisingly quickly. Students are placed into school based on their birth year, not month and year like in the US. The Italian school year runs from early September to early June, and applications are typically due by February for the upcoming school year.

  • A Crucial Tip: If you're planning a summer move, you will likely need to be in Italy before the schools will speak with you. This can mean missing the February application window and having to choose from schools that still have openings, so you may need to take what you can get.

    
    

• Ages 15 and Up: A Different Approach

  High school (scuola superiore) in Italy is five years long and begins at 14. This is where things can get complicated. A 15-year-old from abroad will likely still start in the first year of high school, regardless of what grade they completed in their home country. Another key difference is that high schools are specialized. Students will need to pick a direction, such as a language school (liceo linguistico), science school (liceo scientifico), or a trade school (istituto tecnico). At age 16, most public and public/private schools will refuse to accept a new student from abroad, as school is no longer compulsory. For students 16 and older, the best options are usually online school from your home country or an international school. For kids 14 and younger, you have more choices, but it's important to weigh your options carefully.

  
  

A note on paperwork: When you move, be sure to bring your children's school transcripts and any graduation certificates. Yes, this even applies to elementary or middle school. Some schools will want a copy and may ask for them to be translated into Italian. Having these documents on hand will make the enrollment process much smoother.

The Language Learning Journey

Perhaps the biggest question on every parent's mind is, "How long will it take my child to learn Italian?" Our kids took a full year to become truly proficient, but the schools were incredibly supportive.

A great tip for language learning, especially during the summer months, is to avoid spending thousands on formal language camps. Kids learn best when they are doing something they love. Italy has tons of options for summer camps... from sports and science to nature camps. Enroll your child in a camp they will love that happens to be taught in Italian, and they will learn the language without being bored out of their mind. Start checking into summer camps as early as January for the best availability and prices.

Moving to Italy with children is a complex journey, but one filled with incredible rewards. By understanding the different school types, planning ahead with enrollment deadlines, and approaching language learning with a creative, supportive mindset, you can set your children up for a successful and enriching experience. It won't always be easy, but watching your child integrate, make new friends, and become a part of the vibrant Italian culture is an unforgettable part of the expat adventure. In bocca al lupo!