The second largest city in Italy, Milan is considered the national economic capital. Milan is home to several internationally renowned institutions for learning, making it attractive to immigrants, expatriates, and international students. Milan boasts of a first-rate education system, which provides excellent instruction and research opportunities for students specializing in various fields.
Parents who choose to send their children to schools in Milan often point to several reasons why this Italian city has been their top choice. The following are the primary reasons why parents should consider sending their children to schools in Milan:
Milan has one of Europe’s most strategic positions. Residents in Milan can just hop on a one-hour or two-hour flight to other countries within the European Union, i.e. France, Germany, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Moreover, there are several low-budget airlines which operate in this Italian city. Thus, going to and from several places for work, leisure, or personal engagements is less of a hassle.
Milan boasts of an efficient public transport system. The city has punctual trams and buses, which the locals use to move around. Also, students can avail of a monthly pass for transportation, which allows them to get discounted rates and hassle-free commute to and from schools.
The Italian culture is no doubt evident in Milan. In this city, traces of the unique Italian architecture and art can be seen in its cathedrals, buildings, monuments, and galleries. Moreover, the food choices in Milan are diverse and cater to a variety of palates. Its traditional dishes include pizza, lasagna, cotoletta , and panettone. Likewise, theatre and music enthusiasts can find something to entertain themselves in Milan’s affluent entertainment and arts industry. Lastly, Milan is considered a fashion hub. Its streets are lined with commercial establishments, which showcase Italian style and sophistication.
Milan is home to a multitude of immigrants, employees, tourists, and students from around the world. The diversity in Milan speaks for its recognition and respect of other cultures. Expatriates can expect an accepting community in Milan.
Milan is sometimes portrayed as a “grey” city because of its stereotypical rustic architecture. Unknown to many, Milan has several public parks and gardens which complement its design. Its biggest parks include the Parco Sempione, Parco Nord, and the Villa Reale Park.
The education system in Milan follows the same structure of Italian education. Children are required to attend school from 6 years old until they are 16. Compulsory education in Milan has 3 stages: primary school or “scuola elementare”, lower secondary school or “scuola secondaria di primo grado”, and upper secondary school or “scuola secondaria di secondo grado”. After these 4 stages, a student can proceed to the fifth stage of education, which is tertiary or university education. Kindergarten is optional for children who want preparation for primary and secondary levels.
Below are specific descriptions of each stage of learning followed by schools in Milan:
In Milan, children may be enrolled into a kindergarten facility or a nursery school (known as “asilo” or “scuola materna” or “scuola dell’infanzia”). They can start preschool education at age 3 as preparation for their entry to a primary school. In this stage, children are taught to count, read, write, and socialize among their peers. Kindergarten is an optional stage of education in Milan. Parents may opt to send their kids directly to primary school at age 6.
Primary school is the start of compulsory education in Milan. It is also known as “scuola primaria” or “scuola elementare”. Children are required to enroll in a primary school when they turn 6 years old. Some schools accept enrollees who are aged five and a half, so as to comply with the European standard of school leaving age. In primary schools, children are taught reading, writing, and counting, as well as the fundamentals of subjects, such as history, geography, English, mathematics, sciences, and the Italian language. Most schools also incorporate music, computer, and social studies into their curricula. Likewise, some schools include religious education (although this is optional). Children attend 5 years of primary school in Milan. By the time they turn 11, they are qualified to enroll in lower secondary school. It is crucial to note that there is no leaving exam requirement in Milan. Furthermore, primary schools in the city have small class sizes, comprised of 10 to 25 pupils, which allow for more effective learning.
Lower secondary school, also known as first grade secondary school, is required for all students in Milan who are aged 11 to 14. It is the equivalent of middle school in most countries, and is the start of secondary education in Milan. Overall, secondary school lasts for 8 years (4 in lower secondary and 4 in upper secondary school). Students in lower secondary school are mandated to attend at least 30 hours of learning sessions per week. Some schools implement other activities, i.e. sports, music, and computer, during the afternoon sessions. Moreover, students are required to take a written examination in Italian, mathematics, science, and a foreign language once they finish third year in lower secondary school. The exam will determine if they can move forward to upper secondary school. Successful examinees are given the “Licenza di Scuola Media” or “Licenza Media”, which is a testament that they can be admitted to the next stage of education.
Upper secondary schools, also known as “ scuola secondaria di secondo grado ” or second grade secondary schools, are attended by students in Milan for four years. This level is equivalent to high school in most countries. There are generally two types of upper secondary schools in Milan: the “ liceo ” and the “ istituto ”. For the first two years of secondary education, students receive instruction in subject areas mandated by the Italian government. These subjects include Italian language, Italian literature, sciences, mathematics, religion, geography, history, social studies, physical education, and a foreign language. After the second year, students then get to take their specialization subjects, according to the type of high school they are currently enrolled at . For instance, in a “Liceo”, the concentration is mainly academics; whereas, in an
“Istituto”, the concentration is on vocational education. There are several classifications of “ liceo ” and “ istituto ” high schools in Milan, as stated below:
Known as classical high school, a liceo classico specializes in classic literature and art. A significant part of its curriculum is focused on teaching Latin, Greek, and Italian literature. Usually, the curriculum followed by this type of high school lasts for five years, wherein students are taught philosophy and history of art during their last 3 years of stay in the institution.
This is also known as a scientific high school, which, as the name implies, focuses on teaching the sciences, i.e. physics, chemistry, and natural sciences. Its curriculum lasts for five years as well, and includes the teaching of Latin and a modern language.
Also known as a fine arts high school, a liceo artistico prepares students for university courses in the arts, such as architecture, painting, and sculpture.
An istituto magistrale is also called a teacher training school, which provides outstanding instruction for prospective primary school teachers. Its curriculum spans five years, too.
An artistic school, or istituto d’arte , concentrates on providing skills to students who wish to have an arts qualification or a “Diploma di Maestro d’Arte”. Its curriculum can be completed in 3 years.
Istituti technici or technical institutes cater to those students who wish to pursue university studies or seek employment in various fields. Essentially, an istituto tecnico provides both theoretical education and specialization in fields of study, including commerce, agriculture, economy, tourism, law, administration, technology, and the humanities. Its curriculum covers five years of education.
Known as professional institutes, istituti professionali help students to obtain a vocational qualification upon completion of 3 to 5 years of studies.
During the final year of secondary education taken in high schools which follow a 5-year curriculum, students take a final exam called the “ esame di maturità” or “ esame di stato ”. This exam happens in June and July every year. Technically, the exam assesses the students’ knowledgeon various subjects, such as literature, history, science, society, and their chosen field of specialization. When they pass this exam, students receive a diploma equivalent to a high school diploma, called the “Diploma di Maturità” (Secondary School Diploma), which serves as a qualification for a student’s entry to the university.
Residents in Milan can send their children to several types of schools. Although compulsory education is free for all children in Milan regardless of their nationality, parents have the choice as to what type of school to enroll their children.
Public Schools
Public or state schools in Milan are funded by the government. They provide free education for all residents in the city. Public schools in Milan are known to deliver high quality education to students. However, a drawback for non-Italian parents and expatriates in Milan is the fact that public schools use the Italian language as their medium of instruction. A number of public schools in Milan are Catholic schools or “ scuola paritarie”. Likewise, another requirement for public schools in Milan is the teaching of Catholic religious education, as mandated by Italian law. Nonetheless, students who do not wish to undergo non-religious classes may attend “alternative” sessions, which teach them subjects such as mythology and human rights.
Private Schools
Private schools are institutions which receive funding from the local government of Milan, and at the same time, rely on tuition fees from their students. Since private schools still receive government funding, they are required to abide by the curriculum implemented by the education department. However, some private institutions offer special curriculum and bilingual education, which are enticing features for parents. Also, some private schools operate under a religious group.
International Schools
Milan is home to several international schools, which offer a wide range of curricula. Most international schools in Milan implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, American curriculum, British or UK curriculum, French curriculum, and German curriculum.
Milan seems to have it all, doesn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? Enrol your child at a school in Milan today!
Below is a comprehensive list of all schools in Milan. Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best schools in Milan with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.
Edarabia showcases all private schools in Milan through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.
Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in Milan tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.
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