The Italian school system is divided into several stages, starting with scuola dell'infanzia (preschool) for children aged 3 to 6. This is followed by scuola primaria (primary school), which lasts five years and serves children aged 6 to 11. After primary school, students attend scuola secondaria di primo grado (lower secondary school) for three years, typically from ages 11 to 14. Upon completing lower secondary school, students can choose between scuola secondaria di secondo grado (upper secondary school) or vocational training. Upper secondary school lasts five years and prepares students for university or professional careers. The system emphasizes a broad education, including subjects like Italian language, mathematics, and foreign languages.