Education in Italy is compulsory till the age of 16. The Ministry of education, know as "Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca" establishes the guidelines at all levels. A primary, middle or high school can be both private or public, the latter being almost completely free. There is also a thirs type of school know as "scuola paritaria" which is not financed by the government but can be cheaper than most private institutions.

High schools can sometimes be very specialized, with courses that will leas student to a particular job afterwards (chartered accountants, translators, technical operators and so on). These are called "professional schools" and are usually governed by Regions.