What is the early education system in Italy?

Almost 95 percent of Italian children aged 3 to 6 are enrolled in preschool programs, which is among the highest rates of enrollment in the European Union. Italy's ECEC programs are divided by age and follow a pattern fairly similar to that in France and Belgium. Compulsory primary school begins at age 6.

What is the early childhood education system in Italy?

ECEC provision for children aged between three and six years is organised at 'childhood schools' (scuole dell'infanzia) that are run by the State, municipalities and private subjects. This ECEC level is classified as ISCED 020.

What is the education system like in Italy?

Education in Italy is free and is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 16 years. The Italian education system is divided into nursery, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. University is usually undertaken at the age of 19. Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education.

What is the first cycle of education in Italy?

The first cycle of education is compulsory, has a total duration of 8 years and is specifically divided into: Primary school: 5-year education for pupils aged 6 to 11 years; Secondary school: 3-year education for pupils aged 11 to 14.

What is the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy?

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy and pedagogy focused on preschool and primary education. This approach is a student-centered and constructivist self-guided curriculum that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments.

Inside the Italian Education System: What Sets it Apart

How is Reggio Emilia different from Montessori?

One of the key differences is that the Reggio Emilia approach has an emergent curriculum, whereas Montessori is more structured. The former is a kindergarten (pre-prep) educational approach, whereas Montessori schools extend from 3 years to adolescent age (12-15).

What is the criticism of Reggio Emilia?

A criticism of the Reggio Emilia curriculum has been that in the absence of a written curriculum there is a lack of accountability to the wider society. Advocates of the Reggio Emilia approach argue that there is a detailed recording of the curriculum process, which opens their practice to criticism and scrutiny.

How are Italian schools different from American schools?

There are no sports, there is no yearbook, no drama club, no band, no school newspaper, etc. Some students do participate in sports, but it is not through the school. Students generally don't hang around after the final school bell rings.

How long is a school day in Italy?

Italy School Hours

Compulsory education in Italy starts at age 6 and lasts till age 16, where school typically lasts from around 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including five hours of academics and a lunch break. The school days may be shorter, but Italian children typically attend a full day of school on Saturdays!

How is preschool education viewed in Italy?

In Italy, every preschool includes some Montessori and Reggio Emilia elements. Italian preschools are play based, children learn by doing in an informal setting in which communication and verbal exchange is encouraged. The focus is on social skills and emotional development in order to develop the whole child.

Is school 6 days a week in Italy?

Italian children typically attend school for 24 to 40 hours a week. Most schools have a school week from Monday to Friday, but many also have classes on a Saturday. If a school runs for six days, their teaching hours may be from 08:30 to 13:00.

Do kids go to school on Saturday in Italy?

Schools in Italy run classes Monday to Saturday, beginning in the morning at 8.00am/8.30am and lasting around 5 hours. Recently more schools are introducing what is called “settimana corta” (literally short week), where students attend for more than five hours Monday to Friday and have Saturday free.

Is Education in Italy free?

International students cannot study in Italy for free. But unlike in many other European countries, the tuition fees in Italy are the same for both EU and Non-EU students. The tuition fees in Italian universities depend on whether the university is public or private and the type of program you'd like to enroll in.

What is kindergarten called in Italy?

In Italy, there are daycare and kindergarten schools for very young children which are called nido and asilo.

What is taught in Italian schools?

Currently, most secondary schools provide some common structure and core subjects (such as Italian language and literature, history, geography, philosophy, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, one or more foreign language and physical education), while other topics are specific to one type of establishment (i.e. ...

Is preschool mandatory in Italy?

Are Kindergarten or Preschool Mandatory in Italy? Kindergarten or preschool, known as scuola materna, is not compulsory in Italy. However, these schools are run on a state level, and you have a guaranteed place for your child in one for free. Alternatively, you can opt for private preschools.

How does the Italian school system work?

Education in Italy is compulsory from 6 to 16 years of age, and is divided into five stages: kindergarten (scuola dell'infanzia), primary school (scuola primaria or scuola elementare), lower secondary school (scuola secondaria di primo grado or scuola media inferiore), upper secondary school (scuola secondaria di ...

What age do you finish school in Italy?

State compulsory schools are free and divided as follows: Primary school (elementary) - from 6 to 11 years, compulsory; Lower secondary school (middle school) - 11 to 14 years, compulsory; Secondary school (upper) from 14 to 19 years, compulsory up to 16 years.

What age do Italians finish high school?

Middle school lasts three years (roughly from age 11 to 14), and high school lasts five years (roughly from age 14 to 19). Every tier involves an exam at the end of the final year, required to earn a degree and have access to further education.

Do schools in Italy have uniforms?

In Italian schools, uniforms are not mandatory. There is usually a uniform for kindergartens and elementary schools. After graduating from these, there is no uniform, and children can wear whatever they wish. A school bag has to be carried to the school.

What do school lunches look like in Italy?

Compared to what happens overseas, Italian school lunches have to include a starchy dish (alternating rice, pasta and soup), a main course (based on meat, fish, eggs or cheese), two or more vegetable side dishes and plenty of fresh fruit.

What are the cons of Reggio classrooms?

Disadvantages of the Reggio Emilia Approach

In the United States, Reggio Emilia-inspired schools are primarily private and too expensive for many families. Also, many of these schools are spaces with predominantly white families and educators, which can feel jarring for children of color.

What are the cons of Reggio?

This child-led approach also has drawbacks, as you can't consistently see the results of learning. The emergent curriculum means that children learn on a different timeline than mainstream schools and can seem disorganized.

What is the Italian teaching method?

The Reggio Emilia approach believes that parents and the wider community have collective responsibility of children. It is an inclusive, village-style approach that engages children, parents and the community as all being essential components to the learning process.