Understanding the Italian High School System

Italian high schools, 'scuole superiori', cater to students aged 14-19. They're divided into different types, including Liceo (academic), Istituto Tecnico (technical), and Istituto Professionale (vocational), each focusing on distinct educational paths.

Licei offer specialized curricula like Liceo Classico (focused on humanities and ancient languages), Liceo Scientifico (maths and sciences), and Liceo Artistico (arts). Students choose based on interests and career aspirations.

After five years, students face the 'Esame di Stato' (State Exam), crucial for university admission. It includes written tests and an oral exam, covering subjects from the last year of studies.

Classes typically run Monday to Saturday morning. School days are longer than in many other countries, with fewer extracurricular activities, prioritizing academic over athletic or artistic pursuits within the school setting.

Grades in Italy range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), with 6 as the pass mark. Rigorous scoring often results in lower average grades compared to other countries, reflecting the demanding nature of Italian high school education.

The 'maturità' exam period is filled with unique customs, such as students wearing quirky costumes to the last day of school and the '100 giorni' celebration, marking 100 days until the exams begin.

High school type heavily influences university options. For instance, a Liceo Classico graduate might be more inclined towards humanities courses, while a Liceo Scientifico alumnus might pursue a STEM degree.