Italian school system - explanation please

[MEMsmum]

Following on from the NZ request, can someone please explain how the Italian school system works. My sister lives in Italy, has 3 kids the oldest of which is nearly 15 and wants to leave school! Surely he can't leave until he's 16 -

I am struggling to understand how the whole system works (and I can't ask her again - she's kept me well informed, I just can't seem to retain the info!! I'm going to have to take notes!!) - so is it like this:

pre-school from 3 to 5 years
nursery from 5 to 7 years
First school from 7 to 9 years
Middle school from 9 to 13
High school from 14 to 18

Do the kids graduate at 18 with a high school diploma? And why are there so many different types of high school - academies, technical schools,science schools, hospitality school ...

Unfortunately my sister is a single parent (brother in law died 3 years ago) and her mother-in-law is no help. Friends are lovely and try to help and answer questions, but I think there are just some things that as a native you assume people know ... any illumination gratefully received .

[MEMsmum]

Anyone?

[gio71]

Hi I am just about to get to grips with the pre-school bit in Italy so not up on how it works later on but worth posting on the Little Italy thread. Mix of Italian and Brits in Italy so someone should be able to help you.

[MEMsmum]

Will do - thanks