According to andyeducation, Italy has a highly developed educational system that provides free primary and secondary education for all citizens. Primary school typically begins at the age of six and lasts for 10 years, divided into two stages: elementary school (grades 1-5) and middle school (grades 6-10). During these stages, students can choose between two main tracks: academic or vocational. The academic track is designed to prepare students for higher education and includes courses in Italian, math, science and social studies as well as electives such as music or art. The vocational track focuses on practical skills such as carpentry or electrical engineering that can be applied in the workplace. Students who choose this track also take courses in math, science and social studies but focus more heavily on their chosen vocational area. At the tertiary level, students can attend universities, polytechnics offering degree programs in a wide range of disciplines such as business, engineering, law and medicine. Additionally there are professional institutes which provide diploma programs focused on technical skills such as computer programming or nursing. Italy also has a number of non-formal learning centers located throughout the country which offer courses in literacy skills and life skills such as job search techniques or money management skills. See educationvv for Italy educational systems.
