Homeschooling Laws and Advice in Italy

Homeschooling is gaining momentum around the globe, and Italy is no exception. The Italian Ministry of Education reports that the number of homeschooled students increased from around 4,000 before the pandemic to more than 15,000 in 2024.

But can you homeschool in Italy? If you’re considering homeschooling while living in Italy or planning a move there, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape, the steps involved, and the support available. 

This blog offers a comprehensive guide to homeschooling laws in Italy, along with practical advice for parents considering this educational approach.

At a glance:

• The Italian Constitution guarantees parents the right and duty to educate their children, meaning it's the education, not school attendance, that's mandatory.

• You can create a personalized curriculum, but the government ensures quality education through a yearly exam at a public or private school to verify your child’s progress.

• The number of homeschooled students has surged, tripling from about 4,000 to over 15,000 in 2024, showing a clear shift toward more flexible, personalized education.

• To homeschool, you need to notify authorities annually and submit a self-declaration that you have the necessary resources and ability to educate your children.

Is Homeschooling Legal in Italy?

Yes, homeschooling in Italy is completely legal! It's not just a casual choice; it's a right guaranteed by the Italian Constitution. This means the state must respect a parent's decision to educate their children at home. 

The most important thing to remember is that in Italy, instruction is mandatory, not school attendance.

Here are the key laws you should know about:

The Legal Framework

Italy's legal framework aligns with international human rights principles. For example, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child support parents' rights to decide on their children's education, reinforcing Italy's national laws.

1. The Constitution

This is the foundation of it all.

• Article 30 states that it's your "duty and right" to educate your children. This is a fundamental freedom you can count on.

• Article 33 of the Constitution allows families to create a personalized educational system at home, tailored to each child's needs, promoting active learning while aligning with national curriculum guidelines.

• Article 34 makes sure that elementary and middle school education is compulsory, which is why the state has some oversight. They just want to make sure your child is actually learning.

2. The 1994 Law (Decree No. 297/1994)

This law gets into the practical details.

• Annual Notification: Every year, you have to let the school authorities know you plan to homeschool. It's a simple, yearly heads-up.

• Show You're Capable: You'll need to sign a declaration stating that you have the resources to educate your kids. This is usually just a quick, easy form.

3. The 2017 Law (Decree No. 62/2017)

This is the more recent update.

• Mandatory Annual Exams: This law introduced the requirement for your child to take a yearly exam. These tests happen at a public school and are how the state verifies your child's progress.

• Follow the Curriculum: To prepare for these exams, your teaching should align with the Italian national curriculum. It's a roadmap to follow, not a strict set of rules.

Annual Progress Reviews

Homeschooling families are required to have their child’s progress reviewed annually. The review ensures students are meeting national educational standards while allowing for personalized learning paths. Organizations like Libera Schola work to ensure homeschooling rights are respected and provide guidance on compliance with regulations.

The legal foundation provides the "why," but let's move on to the "how" with a practical, step-by-step approach to beginning your homeschooling journey.

How to Start Homeschooling in Italy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Homeschooling, known as "istruzione parentale" in Italy, can be bureaucratic, and it's important to be aware of the requirements to ensure compliance.

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Homeschooling is legally recognized under the Italian Constitution, which grants parents the right and duty to educate their children.

• Annual Notification: You must annually notify the "dirigente scolastico" (school authorities) of your intent to homeschool your child. This notification is a mandatory step for each academic year.

• Capacity Declaration: As part of the annual notification, you must provide a self-certification stating your "technical" and "economic" capacity to educate your children at home.

  • "Technical capacity" generally means the parent has a level of schooling beyond that of the children they are teaching.

  • "Economic capacity" refers to having the financial means to support your child's education.

The law does not provide rigid definitions for these, and a simple self-declaration is usually sufficient.

Step 2: Plan the Curriculum and Exams

You are required to follow the Italian national curriculum. You must prepare a personal curriculum that aligns with the subjects taught in public schools.

• Annual Exams: A significant requirement for homeschooling in Italy is that your child must undergo annual examinations to verify their academic progress.

  • These exams are typically held at a public or recognized private school ("scuola paritaria") in June.

  • You need to submit a written request for these assessments, along with your personal curriculum, to the school authorities in March or April.

• Language: The exams are conducted in Italian. However, for foreign families residing in Italy, accommodations may be made based on the child's Italian language proficiency, previous educational background, and length of stay in Italy.

A Quick Tip for Foreign Families: If you're only staying for a short time and haven't officially registered, you may not face as much scrutiny. However, for long-term stays, it's always best to follow the official process to avoid any issues down the line.

If you're still weighing whether homeschooling is the right choice for your family, our comprehensive comparison of Homeschooling vs Public School: Mental Health and Other Advantages explores the broader implications beyond academics

However, with only the right curriculum, you can create a wonderful learning environment for your children right at home in Italy.

Curriculum and Academic Evaluation in Italy

When homeschooling in Italy, parents must create a detailed curriculum that meets the country’s educational standards, covering the same subjects taught in public schools. Here’s what you need to know:

• Personalized Curriculum: You’re in charge of developing a curriculum that meets national standards, but you can tailor it to suit your child’s learning needs. Your curriculum should include learning goals, subjects, materials, and teaching methods. Make sure to document it and keep it ready for review by educational authorities if needed.

• Documentation and Flexibility: Your curriculum is a living document. You’ll need to update it regularly to reflect your child’s progress and ensure compliance with regulations. This keeps everything structured and transparent.

• Annual Exams and Assessments: Each year, your child must take exams, usually in March or April, at a public or recognized private school. You’ll need to submit the curriculum and request the exams to make sure your child can participate.

• Importance of Exam Performance: The results of these exams are tracked by local authorities, providing official proof of your child’s progress. It’s essential that your child meets the required standards, as failing to do so might lead to them needing to return to public school.

• Securing Educational Credentials: To graduate and receive a recognized educational credential, like a high school diploma, your child must pass exams such as the “esami di idoneità” or “esame di Stato.” These exams are important for university admission and future educational opportunities.

Homeschooling in Italy offers flexibility, but it’s important to meet the national academic requirements. For additional help, parents can connect with support organizations for tips and resources to stay on track.

Resources and Support for Homeschooling in Italy

Homeschooling in Italy may be relatively uncommon, but there are plenty of resources and support networks to help families on this educational path. While institutional support can be limited, homeschooling families have found strength in various local and online communities.

1. Italian Home Education Association

This association offers valuable materials and legal insights for homeschooling families in Italy. It provides practical resources to help families navigate homeschooling laws and guidelines.

2. Libera Schola

Founded by Erika Di Martino, Libera Schola supports homeschooling families by connecting them with educational authorities. It advocates for educational freedom and hosts events, offering a space for resource-sharing and community-building.

3. Online Platforms and Resources

• Libera Schola’s Forums: These online forums offer guidance, discussions, and legal compliance advice for homeschooling families.

• International Curricula: Organizations like GHEX allow Italian families to connect with global homeschooling communities, exchanging ideas and resources. A comprehensive, developmentally-aligned curriculum of  The School House Anywhere (TSHA) can also be beneficial for you. 

4. Social Media Communities

• Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram: These platforms help create a dynamic homeschool community in Italy, where families share advice, arrange meetups, and collaborate on educational projects.

• Controscuola.it: Controscuola.it is a bilingual forum and blog that helps expat families navigate homeschooling in Italy.

5. In-Person Activities and Peer Networks

Many homeschooling families organize local field trips, cultural projects, and social events to promote interaction and build a sense of community. These activities not only help with education but also provide emotional support, especially when dealing with bureaucratic challenges.

6. Diverse Educational Approaches

Within these networks, families explore various educational philosophies like Montessori and unschooling. This diversity of approaches allows families to find what works best for their children, all while maintaining a strong community connection.

However, with all the legal requirements, curriculum planning, and support networks in place, you might be wondering what makes this journey worthwhile. 

Benefits of Homeschooling in Italy

Homeschooling in Italy offers numerous benefits, attracting more families to this flexible educational approach. Here’s why it’s becoming increasingly popular:

• Educational Freedom: Italian laws require homeschooling families to cover mandatory subjects like Italian, math, and science. Beyond the basics, parents can customize the curriculum to match their child’s unique interests and learning style.

• Personalized Learning: Homeschooling allows for active, student-centered learning, which traditional classrooms often struggle to achieve. Students engage deeply with the material, making learning more enjoyable and meaningful.

• Holistic Development: Families can focus on life skills, nature, and real-world learning, which are harder to find in conventional schools. Flexible scheduling lets families integrate travel, extracurriculars, and personal commitments into their education.

• Strengthening Family Bonds: Homeschooling fosters closer relationships between parents and children through shared learning experiences. This approach encourages a sense of collective purpose, enhancing both academic and emotional growth.

• Cultural Enrichment: Parents can teach Italian language and culture while also broadening their children’s global perspectives. Homeschooling offers the freedom to instill personal values and encourage critical thinking, promoting lifelong learning.

• Growing Popularity: With approximately 15,000 families homeschooling in Italy, this educational choice is becoming more accepted and is growing faster than in countries like Austria and Portugal.

For a comprehensive analysis of what to expect, you might find our detailed guide on Understanding the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling Kids particularly helpful as you weigh your options.

While the benefits of homeschooling in Italy are compelling, it's important to approach this decision with a realistic understanding of the obstacles you may encounter. 

Challenges  of Homeschooling in Italy

In Italy, families often find themselves navigating bureaucratic hurdles and societal perceptions that can make the homeschooling journey more difficult. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main challenges you might face:

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Some regions may be more supportive than others, leading to inconsistent experiences. For example, in areas like Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, enforcement of regulations may be stricter, sometimes requiring legal action to defend homeschooling rights.

• Resistance from State Schools: Some schools may not fully understand or support homeschooling due to unfamiliarity with laws. Misunderstanding of homeschooling regulations can create friction with educational authorities.

• Social Stigma and Misconceptions: Public schools are seen as essential for social integration, leading to misconceptions about homeschooled children. Homeschooling families may face judgment, causing emotional challenges and social isolation.

• Limited Educational Freedom: Legal requirements like exams and the need for supportive educational partners can feel restrictive. Some families turn to scuole paritarie (state-accredited private schools) for more flexibility, at a cost.

• Navigating Changing Regulations: Local enforcement of regulations can vary, leading to uncertainty. Parents need to stay updated on both national and regional laws to ensure compliance.

Staying informed, engaging with supportive networks, and advocating for educational rights are essential to overcoming these obstacles.

Final Words!

Homeschooling in Italy is a legal and growing option, giving parents the right to educate their children at home while following certain rules, like annual notifications and exams. This approach offers flexibility and personalized learning, but it also comes with challenges, such as navigating complex regulations and dealing with social stigma.

To make homeschooling easier, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a solution. TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) provides a flexible, hands-on approach that focuses on creative thinking and active, non-screen learning of your children.

With TSHA, you can also reduce the administrative load. Our Transparent Classroom feature helps you track student progress and maintain records, making it easier to meet Italian regulations. TSHA also provides 24/7 support and a strong community, so you’re never alone and always have access to expert guidance. Our portability makes us perfect for expatriates and families on the go, designed to meet your children’s educational needs. 

Register today with TSHA as an educator or a parent!

FAQs

1. What are the requirements for homeschooling in Italy?

Parents must notify the local Dirigente Scolastico annually and provide proof of their educational capability. An annual assessment ensures students meet educational standards.

2. How can TSHA help homeschooling families in Italy?

TSHA offers a flexible, hands-on curriculum that is portable and adaptable, perfect for families in Italy who need a personalized and developmentally-aligned education.

3. Are there homeschooling support groups in Italy?

Yes, there are homeschooling networks like Libera Schola, and international platforms can also provide guidance and community support.

4. How can I homeschool a child with special needs in Italy?

Italy allows homeschooling for children with special educational needs. TSHA’s inclusive curriculum can help personalize learning for these students, meeting various educational requirements.