How To Help Your Young Child Adapt to the Italian School System

Living in a foreign country isn’t easy for us adults. You can only imagine how difficult it is for a young child. Their first major social contact outside their home in a foreign culture is in school. A school can be intimidating for them, especially when there are linguistic, cultural, and social gaps. Problems with assimilation can hamper their growth and mental well-being.
In Italy, the education system does not change significantly from its European counterparts. But it is a distinct society altogether anyway, and children of immigrants can still struggle to adjust to its ways. The child should be well-informed about how the system works, what to do in certain situations, and where to go when help is required. And this article will help you identify those answers.
Here is how you can help your child adapt to the Italian School System, with special reference to elementary education:

1. Understand their needs and your budget 
   Broadly speaking, there are two types of schools in Italy: Public and private. In Italy, public education is free for all children so long as they are residents of the country. Nationality doesn’t factor in at all. Moreover, elementary education is mandatory, so your child has to be in the system. No questions asked.
   But when it comes to deciding where to send your child, you need to ascertain their needs and your finances. Public schools are tuition-free but may not have a very global take on curriculum. On the other hand, private schools are expensive but offer diversified exposure to curricular and extracurricular activities.
   Suppose your child has been in the local society long enough. In that case, they can manage in public schools and amid a largely local culture. But, if they have linguistic and cultural struggles, you may want to send them to an international school. But, these suggestions should not be generalized.
2. Subjects they will have to learn at elementary school
   Your child needs to know that they will be subject to a weekly 27 hours of teaching and learning. This will go on for five years. Throughout these years, they will have to learn several subjects compulsorily. These include Italian, English, History, Geography, Math, Physical Education, and Technology.
3. Tell them that holidays will be their reward 
   Italian schools are shut on Christmas, Easter, and national bank holidays. However, all students get the main break during the summer season. As many as three months will be there for children to enjoy back at home. However, let them know that a report card called pagella will be given to parents at the end of each school term. These report cards are mailed to parents or uploaded on the website.
4. Tough Grading Ahead 
   Well, it may come as terrifying news, but your child must be prepared for this. In Italy, schools don’t hand out scores very kindly. Grades are on a scale of 1 to 10, but 10s are rare. A good score is considered to be eight, and any score above six is considered a pass. But don’t worry because the Italian education system is known for its tough grading, and universities across the globe acknowledge that.
5. Uniforms aren’t mandatory 
   Children who come from countries where school uniform is compulsory may be surprised to know that they may not wear uniforms at schools here. It depends on which school, of course. But, all public schools do not mandate uniforms. Yes, there may be a dress code for preschool and elementary school students. But, other than that, there aren’t many stipulations on what to wear to school. Private schools, however, require students to wear official school uniforms.

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