The Italian school system at present is based on primary, secondary and higher education. All children are required to attend school from age six through sixteen.

The primary level starts at the age of 6 until the age of 11. The curriculum includes: Italian, English, Geography, History, Math, Science, Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education, Information Technology and Catholicism.

the secondary school is compulsory and students attend it for 3 years . The curriculum includes: religion, Italian, English, an alternate foreign language, history, geography, science, math, technology, information technology, art, music and physical education. At the end of the 3 years children take an exam and those who pass it can start their higher education.

Higher education lasts five years until the student is eighteen or nineteen    Each higher secondary school is broken down by subject matter such as:

• liceo scientifico (scientific)
• liceo classico (classic)
• liceo linguistico (language)
• istituto magistrale (school for teachers)
• istituto tecnico (technical school)
• istituto professionale (professional school)

The art schools are further divided into:

• liceo artistico (artistic high school)
• istituto d'arte (art school)
• accademia di danza (dance academy)

·  conservatorio di musica (conservatory of music)

·  accademia nazionale d'arte drammatica (national academy of dramatic arts).

After completing the higher secondary school, students give an exam in order to receive their school leaving certificate. Once they have their diplomas, they either begin their careers in their professions or move on to the University.