Superior Academic Outcomes.

Homeschooling provides a tailored educational experience designed to meet each child’s unique needs. Studies by researchers like Dr. Brian Ray (NHERI) demonstrate that homeschoolers often outperform their peers in public schools, scoring 30-37 percentile points higher in subjects such as reading and math. This success stems from the 1:1 teaching model, which allows for a personalized approach that aligns with each child’s pace, interests, and strengths.

Homeschooling isn't Expensive.

Many parents find homeschooling more affordable than expected. Even families where both parents work can often make homeschooling work by utilizing flexible schedules, sharing educational responsibilities, and leveraging community support. Costs for educational materials and resources are typically manageable, making homeschooling a practical option for a wide range of families.

You don't need to have formal certification.

No formal teaching certification is required. Research by Dr. Lawrence Rudner has shown that parents without degrees or teaching qualifications can achieve excellent results with their children. The key lies in providing a supportive, flexible learning environment tailored to the child’s individual needs, fostering their natural curiosity and capacity to learn.

Socialization and Home education.

One of the most persistent myths about homeschooling is that it isolates children. In reality, homeschooled students often engage in an average of 5.2 extracurricular activities, such as sports, music lessons, study groups, and volunteer programs. These opportunities provide exposure to a variety of interpersonal relationships, often more diverse than those found in traditional school settings.

Leveraging Technology and Travel in Homeschooling. 

Homeschooling offers unmatched flexibility in incorporating technology and hands-on learning experiences. Advances in technology and affordable travel options enable families to explore the world and engage in experiential learning without the constraints of rigid school schedules. Homeschoolers have access to a vast array of online resources, digital libraries, and global educational platforms that enrich their learning journey.

Fostering Creativity and Independence.

Homeschooling is highly effective in fostering creativity and independence. Children have the freedom to pursue their natural interests and delve deeply into topics that inspire them. This approach promotes the development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and self-reliance. Recent findings in neuroscience underscore the importance of a relaxed, stimulating educational environment for optimal growth, which homeschooling can provide.

Supporting Children with Special Needs.

Homeschooling is an excellent option for many children with special educational needs, as it allows for a customized approach that addresses their specific learning styles and paces. Parents can create a nurturing environment that empowers these children to thrive and achieve their goals, free from the limitations of a one-size-fits-all educational model.

Homeschooling offers parents the opportunity to design a unique educational path that supports their child’s holistic development while respecting their learning pace and individual interests. By fostering creativity, independence, and meaningful social interactions, homeschooling prepares children to navigate the world with confidence, resilience, and critical thinking skills. Choosing homeschooling is a forward-thinking investment in their future, equipping them to grow into capable, well-rounded individuals.

Homeschooling, or home education, is a learning journey that takes place within the family, outside traditional schools, while remaining connected to the broader social context. Parents play an active role in their children’s education, tailoring the learning process to fit both the family’s needs and the individual requirements of each child.

This approach is suitable for all educational levels, from primary school through upper secondary school, including preparation for the high school diploma (Italian maturità). Parents are not required to have specific educational qualifications or high income levels, making homeschooling an accessible and flexible option for families.

Hiring tutors or educators for homeschooling is not mandatory, nor is enrolling the child in private schools. Home education is based on the interaction between the family and the social environment, without the required involvement of external experts.

Regarding educational content, the National Guidelines provide a clear framework for each educational level and course of study. For families seeking more specific curricula, websites like www.edupar.it offer detailed information on Italian school programs and www.edulearn.it offers live online group lessons on various subjects that foster socialization and soft-skills. Alternatively, you can request the previous year’s curriculum from your local reference school.

Some parents choose to study in groups, either in person or online, and participate in educational and recreational initiatives with other families. Occasionally, certain subjects—such as music, mathematics, or foreign languages—are entrusted to professionals outside the family. It’s important to remember that seeking assistance is normal and often necessary to provide a well-rounded educational experience.

The home education declaration is a fundamental document that parents must submit annually in Italy, both when starting home education and when renewing their decision in subsequent years. It is a simple written statement addressed to the school principal in the family's district of residence (Art. 23, Legislative Decree 62/17). This declaration outlines the parents’ decision to independently educate their children and does not require any additional attachments. It can be submitted in person, sent via registered mail with return receipt, or delivered through certified email (PEC). The school principal is responsible for updating the National Student Registry but is not required to formally reply to the family.

The home education declaration must be submitted when transitioning to home education (initial declaration), particularly if the student was previously enrolled in school and the parents decide to withdraw them. This declaration applies to the current academic year and must always be accompanied by a formal withdrawal from the school.

At the national level, the declaration can generally be submitted at any time of the year, except in the province of Trento, where specific restrictions apply that differ from the general regulations.

For renewal, the declaration should be sent around January each year if the student is not enrolled in school and the parents intend to continue home education for the upcoming academic year. This declaration applies to the school year that begins in September. You can find the document to compile on the website.

For the first cycle of education (scuola primaria and scuola media o secondaria di primo grado), the school principal of the local district is the head of the comprehensive school (Istituto Comprensivo) where the child is registered in the municipal registry. In some cases, this school may be located in a neighboring municipality or in a different district of a large city. If the reference school is unclear, it is advisable to contact the education office of the local municipality for assistance.  

For the second cycle of education (scuole superiori or scuola secondaria di secondo grado), after completing the final exam of the first cycle (terza media), the home education declaration must be sent to the school principal of the upper secondary school offering the chosen program of study. This is in accordance with the 2023 ministerial note on enrollment procedures.

The concept of "territory of residence" is flexible and varies depending on the educational cycle.  

For the first cycle, it may refer to a neighborhood in large cities, an entire town if only one comprehensive school (Istituto Comprensivo) serves the area, or a district if the designated comprehensive school is located in a neighboring municipality, a common scenario in rural areas.  

For the second cycle, the definition expands significantly to include the location of the school offering the chosen course of study for the student in home education. This broader scope is determined by the Triennial Educational Offer Plan (Piano dell’Offerta Formativa Triennale) of the selected institution.  

If your child is not currently enrolled in school, follow these steps to initiate home education:  

1. Prepare the "Dichiarazione" paperwork: 

   - Print two copies of the home education declaration.  

   - Fill out both copies completely and accurately.  

2. Submit the Paperwork:  

   - Take one copy to the administrative office of the school in your local district and have it officially registered (protocolled). Request a receipt with the protocol number as confirmation of submission.  

   - Deliver the second copy to the protocol office of your local municipality and have it registered there as well.  

3. Consider Alternative Submission Methods:

   - While the declaration can also be sent via registered mail (with acknowledgment of receipt) or certified email (PEC), delivering it in person for the first time is recommended to ensure clarity and confirmation.  

4. Obtain the Protocol Number:  

   - Ensure you receive a protocol number from the school as proof that your declaration has been received and processed.  

Important Notes:  

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with compulsory education lies entirely with the parents. It is their duty to prepare and submit the declaration to the appropriate authorities. The decision to pursue home education must be declared annually by both parents to maintain compliance.  

Even if the school does not remind the family to submit the declaration, it remains the parents’ obligation to notify their intent to continue home education every year. Failing to do so may result in administrative complications.  

This process ensures that your choice of home education is properly documented and aligned with legal requirements.

Steps to Follow If the Student’s Enrolled School Is Outside Their Territory of Residence

If the student is enrolled in a school outside their territory of residence, follow these steps to transition to home education:

Prepare the Required Documents:

Print one copy of the school withdrawal letter (Letter A).

Print three copies of the home education declaration (Letter B). At the end of each copy of Letter B, include a note stating that the declaration is being shared with the enrolled school for informational purposes and that the school in the territory of residence is the competent authority, as specified in Article 23 of Legislative Decree 62/2017.

Submit to the Current School (School 1):

Deliver both Letter A (withdrawal) and one copy of Letter B (declaration) to the administrative office of the school where the student is currently enrolled.

Have both documents officially registered (protocolled) and request a receipt with the protocol number for your records.

Submit to the School in the Territory of Residence (School 2):

Take the second copy of the home education declaration (Letter B) to the administrative office of the school in the student’s territory of residence.

Have the declaration protocolled and request a receipt with the protocol number as proof of submission.

Submit to the Municipality:

Deliver the third copy of the home education declaration (Letter B) to your local municipality’s protocol office. Have it protocolled and obtain a receipt with the protocol number.

Alternative Submission Options:

If delivering in person is not feasible, you may send the documents via registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or certified email (PEC). However, submitting the documents in person is recommended for the first submission to ensure proper handling and confirmation.

Parental Responsibilities:

The responsibility for fulfilling the compulsory education requirement rests entirely with the parents. It is their duty to prepare and submit the necessary communications to the relevant authorities.

The decision to pursue home education must be formally declared and communicated each year by both parents. Even if the school does not issue reminders, it is always the parents’ responsibility to notify their intent to continue home education annually.

By following these steps, you ensure that the transition to home education complies with legal requirements and that all relevant authorities are properly informed.

In the Autonomous Province of Trento, the regulations for home education differ significantly from the national framework. The home education declaration is considered a formal "application" and requires explicit authorization from the school principal.  

There are strict deadlines for submitting the application, and if these deadlines are missed, families must provide valid justifications for the delay. Additionally, unlike the rest of Italy, Trentino requires families to include a detailed educational plan for the current academic year, as stipulated by Regional Executive Order No. 2033 of 2020.  

These additional requirements underscore the region's structured approach to home education, emphasizing careful oversight and planning.

Homeschooling students can take qualification exams and end-of-cycle exams at any state or private school. The application deadlines are as follows:

Middle School Exam (Terza Media): Applications must be submitted by March 20.

Qualification Exam: Applications must be submitted by April 30.

High School Exam (Maturità): Applications must be sent to the Regional School Office (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale) by November 30.

Families are responsible for notifying their local school of their chosen examination institution. Once the application is submitted, the examination school will update the National Student Registry (Anagrafe Nazionale degli Studenti). The yearly exams are mandatory. 

Home education at the high school level offers a diverse range of educational pathways, including lyceums (licei), technical institutes, vocational institutes, and regional training schools.  

Lyceums include specialized programs such as classical studies, scientific studies, arts, music, human sciences, and sports education. Technical institutes provide options in fields like tourism, administration, finance and marketing, IT, and construction. Vocational institutes focus on areas such as hospitality, agriculture, industry and craftsmanship, and commerce, while regional schools emphasize professional training.  

Regardless of the chosen pathway, parents must comply with the regulations outlined in Article 23 of Legislative Decree 62/2017. This is particularly important for the first two years of study, which fall under the mandatory education requirement.

From an administrative perspective, parents of minor students must follow specific procedures. Each year, they are required to submit a home education paper (dichiarazione) to the principal of the comprehensive school (Istituto Comprensivo) in their district of residence, as stipulated by Article 23 of Legislative Decree 62/2017. This declaration confirms the choice of home education for the current academic year and allows the principal to update the National Student Registry (Anagrafe Nazionale degli Studenti) with the status "in home education."  

If the student was previously enrolled in a school, the parents must also formally withdraw the student (ritiro di frequenza) by submitting a specific withdrawal form to the principal of the school they attended.  

For students still under the compulsory education requirement—covering the first two years of high school (until the age of 16 or the completion of 10 years of education)—it is mandatory to arrange for an annual qualification exam with a state or accredited private school. This exam ensures that the student’s educational progress complies with current regulations.  

The school selected for the exam does not have to be in the same region as the student’s residence, but it must be a state or accredited private institution. The principal of the exam school is responsible for recording the exam results in the National Student Registry.  

The PCTO (Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation), formerly known as "Alternanza Scuola-Lavoro," is a vital component of high school education during the second two-year period and the fifth year. For students in home education, the PCTO remains an essential tool for acquiring practical skills and preparing for the workforce.  

The PCTO requires students to complete a specific number of training hours with companies or organizations in their local area. The required hours vary depending on the educational path: lyceums (licei) require fewer hours than technical and vocational institutes, which have higher requirements.  

The program is tailored to the individual student and developed with the collaboration of two key figures: the **school coordinator** (for home education, this role can be filled by a parent or tutor) and the **company supervisor**. Together, they design the student’s PCTO plan, outlining objectives, timelines, tasks, and the skills to be developed.  

At the end of the program, the company supervisor prepares a final evaluation of the student’s performance, which is used to calculate their school credit. This credit is a critical requirement for admission to the high school graduation exam (maturità).  

To be admitted to the high school graduation exam (*maturità*), students must complete their studies for the third, fourth, and fifth years and accumulate the necessary school credits. These credits are calculated based on the average grades achieved during the academic year and documented educational experiences, such as the PCTO program.  

School credits are earned yearly (third, fourth, and fifth years) and can range from 8 to 11 points per year, depending on the grade average:  

- In the third year, a grade average of 6.4 may result in 8 or 9 credits.  

- In the fourth year, the same average may yield 9 or 10 credits.  

- In the fifth year, it could provide 10 or 11 credits, with additional consideration for documented extracurricular activities.  

These school credits form the starting base for the final *maturità* grade. The final score is calculated by adding the school credit to the scores from the two written exams (each worth 20 points) and the oral interview (also worth 20 points). The maximum possible score is 100, while a minimum of 60 is required to pass and receive the diploma.  

Maturità Bonus:

The exam commission may award a bonus of up to 5 points at their discretion. This bonus is granted to students who achieve at least 30 school credits and a minimum of 50 points on the exam itself. It is reserved for students who demonstrate excellence throughout their academic path and during the final exams.

During the first two years of high school, home-educated students are required to take an annual qualification exam (same di idoneità) to progress to the next grade, as outlined in Article 23 of Legislative Decree 62/2017. This exam verifies compliance with compulsory education requirements and must be taken at a state or accredited private school.  

From the third year onward, the qualification exam is no longer mandatory, and the focus shifts to acquiring practical skills through the PCTO program. However, home-educated students must still take a preliminary exam to qualify for the high school graduation exam (maturità). This preliminary exam, held in May, ensures that the student has completed the required study program for the third, fourth, and fifth years.  

Many home-educated students complete the third- and fourth-year qualification exams annually at private schools familiar with homeschooling practices.  

The maturità exam for private candidates includes two written tests and an oral interview:  

- The first written test is in Italian and is the same for all study programs.  

- The second written test varies depending on the chosen study program.  

- The oral interview involves presenting PCTO experiences and demonstrating transversal skills and knowledge of civic education.  

Both the preliminary exam and the maturità exam must be taken at a state or accredited paritaria school. The results are recorded in the National Student Registry (*Anagrafe Nazionale degli Studenti*).

Qualification exams and final exams for the first cycle (terza media) can be taken at any state or scuola paritaria in Italy, without territorial restrictions. It can't be taken in Private schools. Families are free to choose the school, regardless of their province or region of residence, as established by Ministerial Decree No. 5 of February 8, 2021. This ensures that homeschoolers have the same freedom of choice as students enrolled in traditional schools.

When selecting a school for the exam, families can consult the school’s PTOF (Piano Triennale dell’Offerta Formativa), a public document that outlines the school’s educational offerings, study programs, subjects, and teaching methods. Additional factors to consider include logistical convenience, the school’s openness to homeschoolers, and the possibility of arranging exploratory meetings with the school principal. Insights from other homeschooling families can also be a valuable source of information.

Parents are permitted to attend the exams, as no law prohibits their presence. In Italy, exams are public by regulation. On www.edupar.it we have all info on best schools and the experiences of home educating families. 

Applications must be submitted by April 30 for qualification exams in the first cycle, as outlined in the 2021 Ministerial Decree. The application deadline for the Terza media exam has been moved up to mid-March.

The application for high school graduation exams (maturità) must be submitted by November 30 of the previous year.

It is essential to monitor these deadlines carefully and ensure that the application, along with the educational plan, is submitted to the chosen school on time.

In upper secondary education, there is greater flexibility in managing qualification exams, which means deadlines for applications may vary. Families should verify the specific dates with the school administering the exam to ensure compliance.

No, it is not necessary to follow "ministerial programs" in home education, as these no longer exist. Instead, the official reference for both schools and homeschooling families is the National Curriculum Guidelines (Indicazioni Nazionali per il Curriculum), which outline the learning objectives for each educational stage.

The National Curriculum Guidelines provide a flexible framework, defining the learning goals and competencies students should acquire throughout their educational journey. These guidelines enable both schools and homeschooling families to tailor educational pathways to individual needs while maintaining a consistent national standard.

Furthermore, parents are permitted to attend exams, as no law prohibits their presence, and exams in Italy are public by regulation.

For the first cycle of education (primary and lower secondary school), the qualification exams are governed by Ministerial Decree No. 5 of February 8, 2021. 

According to Article 3, the exams for primary school and the first year of lower secondary school assess the student's readiness to advance to the next grade. These exams consist of a written test on linguistic competencies, a written test on logical-mathematical competencies, and an oral examination. For the second and third years of lower secondary school, the exams include written tests in Italian, mathematics, and English, as well as a multidisciplinary oral examination. For students with disabilities, the commission includes a support teacher, and the exams are prepared with reference to the student's educational plan, such as an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or Personalized Didactic Plan (PDP), where applicable.

For the second cycle of education (upper secondary school), Ministerial Decree No. 5 of February 8, 2021, establishes the regulations in Article 6. 

The examination commission, chaired by the school principal or their delegate, includes teachers from the candidate's desired class covering all subjects in the curriculum, with additional teachers included if necessary. Before exams begin, the commission reviews the candidates' submitted study plans, which must align with official curricula to qualify for admission. Candidates are tested on all subjects of the study plan for the year or years in which they have not achieved promotion. External candidates must also cover any subjects or parts of subjects not overlapping with their previous courses of study.

The exams involve a variety of formats, including written, graphical, and oral tests, as well as musical or choreographic performance and practical demonstrations. For candidates taking exams for multiple years, each year's study plan is evaluated separately. Students with certified learning disorders (SLD) have their exams adjusted based on their certification, with compensatory tools provided as needed to support their success. These regulations ensure a comprehensive and inclusive process that maintains academic standards while addressing the individual needs of students.

The final state exam for the first cycle of education aims to assess the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired by the student, including their readiness for future educational paths.

The exam consists of three written tests and an oral interview, each graded on a scale of ten. The examination commission prepares the exam content and establishes the criteria for correction and evaluation. The written tests, designed to measure the competencies outlined in the student's final profile according to the National Curriculum Guidelines, include:

1. A written test in Italian (or the language of instruction), assessing language proficiency.
2. A written test on logical-mathematical skills.
3. A written test on foreign language skills, including one section for each language studied.

The oral interview evaluates the knowledge described in the student’s final profile, focusing on their ability to reason, solve problems, and demonstrate critical and reflective thinking. It also assesses citizenship skills and competencies in foreign languages. For students enrolled in musical programs, the oral interview includes a practical instrument performance.

The methods and structure of the tests are defined by the Minister of Education, Universities, and Research through ministerial decrees.

For students who are absent from one or more tests due to documented serious reasons, as assessed by the class council, the commission will schedule a supplementary exam session.

Important Note: For the final exam, students have the option to take an enhanced English test as an alternative to the traditional exam format, which includes English and a second foreign language. When selecting the school for the exam and submitting the application, it is essential to confirm that the school's PTOF (Triennial Educational Offer Plan) includes the languages of interest. Additionally, for those opting for the enhanced English test, it is advisable to verify in advance that the chosen school allows this option.

This ensures alignment between the student’s preparation and the school’s offerings, avoiding potential complications during the exam process.

High School Graduation Exam (Maturità)  

Legislative Decree April 13, 2017, No. 62  

Commission and Exam Venue (Article 16)  

External candidates must take their exams at state or accredited private schools to which they are assigned, in accordance with the criteria outlined in Article 14, paragraph 3, and the procedures specified in the annual ordinance under Article 12, paragraph 4.  

Candidates who have completed their studies at non-accredited private schools or through preparation courses are prohibited from taking exams at private schools that share the same management or have overlapping interests with the organization where they studied.  

Exam Format and Content (Article 17) 

The high school graduation exam consists of two national-level written tests and an oral examination.  

The first written test evaluates mastery of the Italian language (or the language of instruction) and the candidate's expressive, logical-linguistic, and critical thinking skills. This test involves writing an essay or other text type on topics from various domains, such as literature, philosophy, history, science, technology, or the arts. It may include multiple sections to assess linguistic comprehension, logical-argumentative abilities, and critical reflection.  

The second written test assesses knowledge, skills, and competencies in one or more core subjects of the candidate’s specific study program. Depending on the program, it may include written, graphical, practical, or musical/compositional elements.  

The oral examination evaluates the student’s educational, cultural, and professional profile. During the oral test, candidates are asked to analyze texts, documents, projects, or real-world problems to demonstrate their mastery of disciplinary content, the ability to integrate knowledge, and critical and personal reasoning. They must also present a short report or multimedia project on their work-based learning experience (alternanza scuola-lavoro).  

For external candidates, this presentation covers activities as defined in Article 14, paragraph 3. The oral exam also assesses knowledge of "Citizenship and Constitution" and verifies competencies in foreign languages.  

Students unable to attend one or more sessions due to documented serious reasons may take the exams in a supplementary or extraordinary session, with adjustments made for exceptional cases.  

Standardized National Tests (Article 19)  

Students in their final year are required to take national computer-based tests prepared by INVALSI. These assess proficiency in Italian, mathematics, and English. For English, the test evaluates skills in comprehension and usage based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students unable to participate due to documented serious reasons are eligible for a supplementary session.  

Provisions for Students with Disabilities (Article 20)

Students with disabilities are admitted to the high school graduation exam under Article 13. The class council determines the type of exam and whether it holds equivalent academic value based on the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The examination commission may include support teachers or experts who assisted the student during the school year.  

Differentiated exams are prepared to align with the IEP, and if they are considered of equivalent value, the student receives the standard diploma. Otherwise, an educational credit certificate is issued, detailing the course of study and completed activities. This certificate includes no reference to the differentiated nature of the exams in official records.  

For students with Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) certified under Law No. 170/2010, the exam accommodates the use of compensatory tools and extended time limits, as outlined in the Personalized Didactic Plan (PDP). If the foreign language written test is exempted, an oral substitute test is administered. Exemptions are not noted on the final diploma.  

In severe cases, students with DSA may follow a differentiated program, culminating in exams designed to issue an educational credit certificate rather than a diploma. These students are also excluded from standardized foreign language tests if exempted.  

Evaluation Criteria  

Grading rubrics for the written and oral exams are standardized to ensure consistent assessment of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Each year by January, the Ministry specifies the subjects for the second written test and any additional tests required for specific study programs.  

For professional education tracks, the second test has a practical focus to assess the candidate's acquired professional competencies, and a portion of the test is tailored to the school’s specific educational plan.  

This comprehensive framework ensures that the high school graduation exam is inclusive, rigorous, and reflective of students' academic and professional development.

If a school refuses your exam request, the refusal must be properly justified, as it could constitute a violation of your rights. Article 34 of the Italian Constitution states that "school is open to everyone," thereby ensuring the right to access education and exams.

In the event of difficulties, it is essential to assert your rights by referring to the relevant legal provisions. If necessary, consider seeking assistance from legal or educational advocacy organizations to ensure compliance with the law and protect the student's rights.

Finally, if a school refuses your request for the exam, it is likely that they won't be homeschooling friendly, so perhaps you should broaden your research.