A practical guide to curricula, grading, and qualifications
Milan is home to one of Europe’s most diverse international education landscapes. Families relocating to the city can choose between American, British, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Italian state schools—often within the same districts. While language of instruction is an important consideration, the more significant differences lie in how each system structures learning, assesses progress, and prepares students for university. Understanding these distinctions is essential for making an informed and realistic choice.
Choosing the right school system
Education systems differ not only in curriculum content, but also in expectations around assessment, academic pressure, and progression. Some systems emphasise continuous assessment, others rely heavily on external examinations. Some encourage broad subject exploration until late adolescence, while others require early academic specialisation. None of these approaches is inherently superior, but each suits different learning styles, personalities, and long-term plans.
In Milan, international schools operate alongside Italy’s state system, offering families a wide range of academic philosophies within a single city.
The American school system
American international schools award a High School Diploma, typically earned through continuous assessment rather than a final national exam. Students accumulate credits across subjects over four years of high school (Grades 9–12), with performance measured using a Grade Point Average (GPA), usually on a 4.0 scale.
Assessment is varied and ongoing. Coursework, projects, presentations, quizzes, class participation, and exams all contribute to final grades. This system places emphasis on consistency over time rather than performance on a single set of exams.
Standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT are commonly required for university admissions, particularly in the United States, but they complement rather than replace school grades.
A defining feature of the American system is flexibility. Students study a broad range of subjects throughout high school and typically specialise later than in other systems. This can be advantageous for students who develop academic interests gradually or who value extracurricular involvement alongside academics.
The British school system
British international schools generally follow the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations at age 16. These externally assessed exams are graded on a 9–1 scale (with 9 being the highest) and are subject-specific.
After IGCSEs, students usually specialise by taking three or four A-Levels over two years. A-Levels are academically demanding and assessed primarily through final examinations, with grades ranging from A to E*.
The British system is characterised by early specialisation and clear academic pathways. Students narrow their subject choices earlier than in most other systems, which can be effective for those with defined strengths or university goals. However, the reliance on high-stakes exams can be challenging for students who perform better with continuous assessment or who develop academically at a later stage.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate was designed specifically for internationally mobile families and is offered by many international schools in Milan. Schools may provide the full IB continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16–18.
The IB Diploma requires students to study six subjects across languages, sciences, humanities, and mathematics. Each subject is graded on a 1–7 scale, with a maximum of 45 points, including three additional points awarded for the core components.
These core elements include:
- Extended Essay: an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a critical thinking course examining how knowledge is constructed
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): experiential learning beyond the classroom
Assessment combines externally marked exams with internally assessed coursework moderated by the IB. The workload is sustained over two years, requiring strong time-management and organisational skills. The IB is often described as academically demanding but offers a balanced and internationally consistent qualification.
The Italian school system
Italy’s state education system provides a contrasting model. Students typically attend one of several types of Liceo, each with a specific academic focus, such as classical studies (Liceo Classico), scientific subjects (Liceo Scientifico), languages (Liceo Linguistico), or social sciences.
Assessment is traditionally based on oral and written examinations, with grades awarded on a 10-point scale. At age 18, students sit the Esame di Stato (Maturità ), a comprehensive final examination combining written tests, an oral exam, and continuous assessment. Final scores are expressed out of 100.
The Italian system is known for its theoretical depth, structured curriculum, and high academic expectations. While highly respected within Italy and the European Union, it can be demanding for students who are not fully fluent in Italian or who are accustomed to more flexible assessment models.
University recognition and progression
All of these qualifications can lead to university admission, but recognition varies by country and institution:
- The IB Diploma is widely recognised worldwide and often valued for its academic breadth and consistency
- A-Levels are the standard route into UK universities and are well understood internationally
- American High School Diplomas are broadly accepted, sometimes alongside standardised test results
- The Italian Maturità is fully recognised in Italy and the EU, though additional documentation or equivalency procedures may be required elsewhere
For many families, long-term university plans play a decisive role in system choice.
Making an informed decision
In recent years, Milan has seen growing interest in international education not only from expat families but also from Italian parents seeking alternative academic approaches. This has contributed to increasingly diverse and multilingual school communities.
Ultimately, selecting a school system is less about prestige and more about alignment—with a child’s learning style, academic strengths, and future plans. Understanding how curricula, grading, and assessments differ helps families avoid unexpected challenges and make decisions based on clarity rather than assumptions.
Beyond the system itself, each school’s ethos, support structures, and learning environment matter. Speaking with other parents, attending open days, and seeking first-hand perspectives remain some of the most effective ways to determine the right fit.
Article by Easy Milano Editorial Staff
Featured Image by Javier Trueba
