In Italy, choosing a secondary school means deciding early on the educational path your child should follow. Learning programs vary greatly depending on whether your child selects a liceo (high school), an istituto tecnico (technical school) or an istituto professionale (professional school).

There are different types of liceo, each with its own particular focus. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for university study by providing a solid educational base. Although the diploma students receive when they finish a liceo is valid in competitions for public jobs, the assumption is that the student will attend college rather than enter the workforce immediately.

Students who go to istituti tecnici graduate certified to work as plumbers, draftsmen, electricians, etc.

Students who graduate from istituti professionali also have professional qualifications which make it possible for them to begin work immediately. There are many different types of technical and professional schools, some with very demanding curricula. Graduates of these schools are prepared for college, if they wish to attend.

To obtain a complete list of secondary schools, go to http://www.comune.bologna.it/Istruzione/Scuola/Superiori.html. The hunt for the right high school begins in the Fall of the last year of middle school.

Some high schools organize after-school activities such as theater groups, clubs, and sports teams. There are student governments, though. One student representative is elected from each class and periodic assemblea (general meetings) are held so students can discuss important current events or school-related issues.

In order to know all the news and some good suggestion about high scools visit the pages of Flashgiovani Italian version:
http://www.flashgiovani.it/scuola/scuola.htm