Education in Italy is divided into six levels. The first three levels are required by law, kindergarten through middle school. Most children go to public schools. Classes are smaller than in the United States with only 9-13 students in each class. Many classes in the US have more than 20 students.

After finishing the first three levels of education 84% of teenagers choose to further their education in upper secondary school [prep school]. Most children choose to go through an academic program rather than a vocational program while in upper secondary school. While in upper secondary school students must take difficult exams. In order to pass upper secondary school students must pass a two day written and oral exam. After graduation admission to a university is guaranteed even though there are only sixty in all of Italy.

Although it is good many students choose to further their education, universities are too over crowded. Too many students choose to get degrees in the art and medical field. Italy is not a short for people with that background. As a result of this Italy is short of people who have an engineering and scientific background. Italy has a high graduate unemployment rate.