For German families moving to Italy or living there for several years, the school system can seem familiar at first glance, yet functions quite differently in practice. While Germany delegates educational authority to its individual states, in Italy the Ministry of Education in Rome calls the shots. While German schools are increasingly shifting to full-day schedules, classes in Italy wrap up around noon in many places. And while German students receive grades on a scale of 1 to 6, Italy uses a scale of 0 to 10. A closer look reveals, however, that the system is logically structured and offers real opportunities for both children and parents, once its framework is understood.
A system with clear stages
The educational journey of Italian children often begins at the scuola dell'infanzia, the preschool. Attendance is voluntary, but nearly all children between the ages of three and six participate. The daily routine resembles that of a German Kindergarten, though with a somewhat stronger academic focus: language skills, social competencies, and motor development are deliberately cultivated. For children arriving from abroad, this phase is often pivotal for picking up Italian quickly.
At age six, children enter the scuola primaria, which spans five years. It largely corresponds to the German Grundschule, though without the early tracking into different secondary school types. Children generally remain in stable class groups, and teachers shift between homeroom and subject-teacher roles. Instruction takes place in the morning, often until 1 p.m., while full-day classes with a cafeteria exist primarily in larger cities. Something that often strikes German parents is the strong rhythm of morning lessons followed by afternoon homework.
Middle school in Italy covers three years
After primary school comes the scuola secondaria di primo grado, middle school, which covers three years. This is the stage where instruction becomes noticeably more subject-specific: alongside Italian, mathematics, and history, the curriculum includes natural sciences, a second foreign language, and foundational technology. At the end of the third year, students take a final exam that prepares them for the transition to upper secondary school.
The scuola secondaria di secondo grado, the upper secondary level, plays a defining role in the Italian educational path. It lasts five years and encompasses three types of schools. The Liceo is the most academically oriented route, preparing students for university, with specializations in areas such as natural sciences, classical languages, arts, or education. The istituti tecnici combine theoretical foundations with technical or business-oriented practice. The istituti professionali provide a stronger introduction to skilled trades and service-sector professions. All pathways conclude with the Maturità, a nationally regulated graduation exam similar to the German Abitur, which qualifies students for university study.
Compulsory education and flexible pathways
Compulsory schooling in Italy extends until age 16. Up to that point, children and adolescents are required to attend school, regardless of whether they hold Italian or foreign citizenship. After that, a form of compulsory education continues, obligating young people to obtain either a further qualification or a vocational credential by the age of 18.
One distinctive feature: even home schooling is permitted, though under strict conditions. Parents must demonstrate that they can ensure an adequate level of learning, and children are required to take exams at state schools.
Grades, report cards, and grade repetition
The Italian grading system is one of the biggest adjustments for German parents. Assessment is based on a scale of 0 to 10, with 6 as the minimum passing grade . A 7 is considered solid, an 8 is good, and 9 or 10 are very strong results, though by no means the norm. In primary school, verbal assessments are still used to some extent, but by middle school, numerical grades dominate. Report cards are issued twice a year. Notably, academic performance is not the only focus: behavior is also evaluated separately.
Another difference from Germany is the comparatively frequent practice of grade repetition. When students fall below the passing threshold in multiple subjects, the class council decides whether a year must be repeated. In upper secondary school, there is often an intermediate step: students with poor grades must complete assignments over the summer and pass make-up exams before it is determined whether they advance. In Italy, repeating a grade is viewed less as a stigma and more as a necessary measure to close learning gaps. For German families, this can nevertheless come as a cultural shock.
What school in Italy costs
State schools are fundamentally free of charge, including for children of families who have moved from Germany, but parents should expect noticeable additional costs . In primary school, most textbooks are provided, but this is not the case in middle or upper secondary school: families pay several hundred euros per year for textbooks and materials. Additional expenses include sportswear, notebooks, copies, and, where applicable, the school cafeteria.
Many schools collect a "voluntary contribution" that funds projects and digital equipment. While no one is required to pay, many families do, since schools would otherwise be unable to offer key programs.
The Italian school day: a long afternoon at home
The classic Italian school day begins at 8 a.m. and often ends around 1 p.m. Only a few schools offer full-day instruction, and even there, free afternoons are not uncommon. This rhythm has a marked effect on family life : children typically eat lunch at home, and afternoons are devoted to homework, sports clubs, music schools, or parish youth groups. For working parents without family support nearby, this can be a real challenge. As a result, full-day spots, where available, are often in high demand.
International studies such as PISA place Italy in a solid middle tier. In reading literacy, Italian students consistently score slightly above the OECD average; in mathematics and science, somewhat below it. Much like in Germany, there are significant regional differences: the industrialized north achieves better results than the structurally weaker south. At the same time, both Italy and Germany face similar challenges: declining performance in the wake of the pandemic, a shortage of qualified school staff, and growing social inequality.
What German-speaking parents should know
The most important factor for children from German-speaking families is language. Those who enter the scuola dell'infanzia early often have a noticeably easier start. Sports clubs, music schools, and leisure groups also help with language acquisition and integration into the classroom community. Second, it is worth basing school selection not on reputationbut on the individual child's strengths. The Liceo is demanding and theory-heavy; an istituto tecnico or professionale can be the more suitable and successful path for many children.
Third, parents are advised to reinterpret the grading system. A 6 does not mean "barely passing" but simply "passed." A 7 is perfectly fine, and an 8 is good. The pressure often arises only from misguided comparisons with the German system. And finally: communication is everything. Italian schools rely heavily on personal conversations, parent-teacher meetings, and even WhatsApp class chats. A great deal of information flows through parent representatives via informal channels, and questions are often answered more quickly in everyday interactions than through official inquiries to the school office.
To enroll in an Italian school, families generally need a few basic documents. Chief among these is the codice fiscale, the personal Italian tax identification number, which is also issued for children. It serves schools and authorities as a unique identification number. In addition, an identity document, proof of residence, and, depending on the region, vaccination records are typically required. It is therefore advisable to apply for the codice fiscale well in advance to ensure a smooth enrollment process.
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