Your installation’s School Liaison Program staff are a good first resource for any questions regarding school options while stationed in Italy. While most students attend a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, both homeschooling and local Italian schools are available.

School Liaison Program: www.navymwrnaples.com/child-youth/school-liaison

Located at the Fleet and Family Support Center, room W72 on the Support Site. DSN: 314-629-6549, Comm: +39 081-811-6549

DoDEA schools are located on the Support Site and accept enrollments throughout the year to accommodate military families.

Enroll at: www.dodea.edu/registration.    

The Sure Start pre-Kindergarten program gives priority enrollment to children of service members whose rank is E-1 to E-4, GS-1 to GS-4 or NAF-1 or NAF-2. Start communicating early on with DoDEA staff or the School Liaison to begin the enrollment process for your school-aged children.

Naples Elementary School: napleses.dodea.edu. The elementary school is for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade. Sure Start Pre-K is also available.

Naples Middle High School:  naplesmhs.dodea.edu. The middle high School is for students in grades 7 through 12.

Home schooling is a legal option open to all SOFA-sponsored active-duty military, DoD civilians and contractors. Your children may be eligible for auxiliary services offered by DoDEA-Europe. Contact the School Liaison for more information and to connect with homeschool groups.

Another option is sending your child to a private international school. These schools will charge tuition but may offer discounts for multiple children. They typically offer English-language instruction and make a good alternative for students not eligible for DoDEA attendance. Contact the School Liaison to learn about international school options. 

While stationed in Italy, you have the option to send your children to public or private Italian schools. All instruction will be in Italian, though most schools will offer remedial language acquisition help. Keep in mind that students will not get American holidays off. You will need a local address to enroll. Visit your installation School Liaison for local school information.

Italian education stages

Kindergarten: “scuola dell’infanzia” or “Asilo.” Ages 3 to 6.

Primary school or elementary school: “scuola primaria“ or “scuola elementare.” Ages 6 to 11.

Lower secondary school or middle school: “scuola secondaria di primo grado“ or “scuola media.” Ages 11 to 14.

Upper secondary school or high school: “scuola seconaria di secondo grado” or “scuola superior.” Ages 14 to 19. There are three types of high school:

• “Liceo“ for high-level theoretical study and university preparation.

• “Istituto tecnico“ is the most common, and also leads to a university entrance qualification.

• “Istituto professionale” is a vocational school for specific trades, crafts and careers.

Welcome to Naples