Italy is well known for having some of the oldest educational systems in the world with the oldest school, the University of Bologna, dating to 1088. Education in Italy is mandatory from 6 to 16 years of age and is separated into five stages: kindergarten (scuola dell’infanzia), primary school (scuola primaria or scuola elementare), lower secondary (scuola secondaria di primo grado or scuola media inferiore), upper secondary school (scuola secondaria di secondo grado or scuola media superiore), and university or (università).

Education is free in Italy for all nationalities who are residents but there is also a private educational system. At the birth of a child, parents have the option to enroll them in an asilo nido (nursery school) where they can attend until 3 years old.