๐ฎ๐นap italian review
5.3 Education
Verified for the 2025 AP Italian examโขLast Updated on June 18, 2024
Education ๐ซ ๐
Education is free in Italy for all students and is divided into 5 stages: kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and university.
Kindergarten (scuola dell'infanzia) ๐ฆ ๐ง
- 3 years of nursery school
- Ages 3-6; American preschool
- American preschool
Primary School (scuola primaria/scuola elementare)
- 5 years
- Ages 6-11; American elementary school
- The curriculum is the same for EVERYONE: Italian, English, mathematics, natural sciences, history, geography, social studies, and physical education
Lower Secondary School (scuola media)
- 3 years, 8 AM - 1 PM
- Ages 11-14; American middle school
- Students stay in the same classroom for most of the day
Upper Secondary School (scuola superiore)
- 5 years, 8 AM - 4 PM
- Ages 14-19; American high school
- Students move from classroom to classroom
- Every grade level has an exam at the end of the year (esame di maturitร ) โ๐พ ๐
- Same curriculum structure for the first 2 years and then... specialization
Liceo
- Theoretical knowledge, specializing in a specific field (humanities, science, languages, art)
- Normally students would then proceed to a university
Istituto Tecnico
- Theoretical knowledge, specializing in a specific field of study, integrated with a 3-6 month internship at a company, business, or university
- Normally students would then get a technical job
Istituto Professionale
- Practical subjects (engineering, agriculture, technical assistance, handicrafts), enabling students to find a job immediately after graduation
University (universitร ) ๐ ๐ฉ๐ผโ๐
- Network of public and state-affiliated universities
- Some of the oldest universities in the world: the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, and the University of Naples Federico II
- Offer MANY potential subjects โ popular areas include international business, art history, literature, fashion, and Italiano :)
- So-called 3+2 system- Laurea Triennale - 3 years of school, "Bachelor Degree"- Laurea Magistrale - Laurea Triennale + 2 years of specialization, "Masters Degree"- Laurea Magistrale Quinquennale - unique 5 years of school for certain programs such as Law, Arts, and Music
Italy vs USA: Education Edition
- Italyโfive years in high school, school on Saturdays, number grades ๐ข, fewer extracurriculars
- USAโ4 years in high school, weekends off, letter grades ๐ , extracurriculars are very popular (sports, clubs, theater, etc.)
- BOTHโbalance between group and individual work, English is taught, students receive more responsibility with age
Key Terms to Review (6)
Laurea Triennale: Laurea Triennale is an undergraduate degree in Italy, typically awarded after three years of study at a university. It serves as the first level of higher education, enabling students to gain specialized knowledge in their field and often serving as a stepping stone toward further studies or entering the workforce.
Laurea Magistrale: Laurea Magistrale is a second-cycle degree in the Italian higher education system, typically requiring two years of study after obtaining a three-year Laurea. This degree is essential for students who wish to specialize in their field of study and is often a prerequisite for pursuing a doctoral degree or advanced professional roles.
Laurea Magistrale Quinquennale: Laurea Magistrale Quinquennale is a five-year master's degree program in Italy, typically awarded in fields such as medicine, architecture, and engineering. This degree is essential for students aiming to enter professional fields, as it combines advanced academic study with practical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
Liceo: Liceo is an Italian secondary school that serves as a crucial educational institution for students aged 14 to 19, typically offering a more academically rigorous curriculum. It prepares students for higher education by providing specialized programs, including classical studies, scientific studies, and artistic studies, allowing students to choose paths that align with their interests and future aspirations.
Scuola Media: Scuola Media, or Middle School, is an important stage in the Italian education system that serves students aged 11 to 14. This three-year program is designed to bridge the gap between primary education and secondary schooling, focusing on a well-rounded education that includes various subjects like Italian, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Students develop critical thinking skills and begin to prepare for their future academic paths.
Universitร : Universitร refers to an institution of higher education that offers academic degrees and engages in research. It plays a critical role in shaping the educational landscape and contributes to personal and professional development, fostering critical thinking and innovation, which are essential in addressing global challenges.