Parental education in Italy is a legal and increasingly popular choice for families, including expatriates. Many people are unaware that it is possible to educate their children at home. This misconception arises from the fact that schooling up to 16 years of age is commonly and erroneously referred to as compulsory schooling. However, according to the Italian Constitution, it is not school attendance that is compulsory, but education, which are two distinct concepts.
This has always been the case, at least since the birth of the Italian Constitution. In the past, when many families in Italy were illiterate or not wealthy enough to afford home schooling equivalent to formal education, the two concepts overlapped. As a result, school attendance became the de facto standard because it was the only accessible and free means to provide children with a decent education.
Nowadays, with most parents holding degrees and being sufficiently wealthy, they could easily choose to opt for parental education. However, many still decide to send their children to school because they are too busy with work to manage their children’s education. Hiring a private teacher or a babysitter for many hours would be too expensive. In practice, school becomes a convenient place for their children to learn a few notions and, for some, it serves as a place for their children to be while they are at work. Some parents also believe that school is necessary for their children to socialize, as they might not have other opportunities to do so. As a result, these parents often do not participate actively in their children’s education, leading to various problems for both their children and others. Essentially, many parents do not send their kids to school because it is the best option, but because it is the only affordable one. This fact can sometimes lead to a lack of motivation for the school system to improve, as the demand for schooling remains high regardless of the quality of education provided.
A good point is that parental education these days is no longer a privilege of just a few very rich people, as it was in the past. Today, those who want to give their kids a different kind of education or wish for their children to pursue talents in music or sports can provide them with the time and opportunity to do so. After spending 5-6 or more hours at school and then being obliged to do homework at home, what time is left for these kids to pursue their private talents or other activities? In my opinion, they spend too much time at school, often doing very useless activities. The school system should be organized to provide options for those who need a place for their children while also offering a reduced timetable for those who do not. For example, three hours from Monday to Friday to study the main topics would be sufficient. Then, to be attractive, schools should provide high-quality extracurricular courses to attract students.
Here is an overview of the rules and regulations governing home education in Italy:
Legal Framework
- Legality: Homeschooling is legal in Italy, supported by the Italian Constitution, which guarantees the right to education. Parents have the option to educate their children at home rather than sending them to traditional schools.
- Compulsory Education: Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. This means that homeschooled children must follow the same educational standards as those in public schools.
Requirements for Homeschooling
- Annual Notification: Parents must notify the local school authorities (dirigenti scolastici) of their intent to homeschool each year. This notification should include a declaration of their capacity to provide education.
- Demonstrating Capacity:
- Technical Capacity: Parents must show that they have completed a level of education beyond that of the children they are teaching.
- Economic Capacity: Parents need to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support their homeschooling efforts. However, there are no strict requirements for documentation, and self-declaration is often sufficient.
Curriculum and Assessment
- Families must prepare a personal curriculum that aligns with the subjects taught in public schools.
- Homeschooled students are required to take annual exams at a public or recognized private school (scuola paritaria) to assess their progress and ensure they meet educational standards.
- Exams: The exams typically occur in June, and parents must submit a written request for these assessments along with their curriculum to the school authorities for approval in March or April.
Support and Resources
- While homeschooling is legal, it is not widely practiced in Italy, and families may face challenges such as lack of support from local schools.
- Various homeschooling support groups and networks exist, providing resources, community support, and advocacy for homeschooling families in Italy.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Italy offers a viable alternative to traditional education, allowing families flexibility and control over their children’s learning. However, it comes with specific responsibilities, including annual notifications, curriculum development, and assessments. Families considering this option should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements and seek out local resources to support their homeschooling journey.
Additional Considerations
With the money saved from not sending their children to private schools, parents can afford to hire the best music maestros and enroll their children in top sports centers with renowned instructors. Nevertheless, some parents prefer to send their children to traditional schools because it is the only affordable option for them, not necessarily the best one. This reliance on the school system can sometimes result in a lack of motivation for schools to improve, as the demand for schooling remains high regardless of the quality of education provided. Additionally, some parents believe that schools are essential for their children to socialize, despite the availability of other social opportunities outside of school.
In summary, parental education in Italy is a viable and legally supported option for families who prefer or require an alternative to traditional schooling. It allows for a tailored educational experience that can be adjusted to meet the specific needs and interests of each child. For families willing to invest the time and resources, home education can offer a highly personalized and effective approach to learning.