The Diploma di Maturità (Esame di Stato) is the Italian national secondary school diploma, administered by the Ministry of Education. It is recognized worldwide as a rigorous pre-university qualification and is accepted by universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
At Accademia Internazionale Santa Luce, students follow the Italian national curriculum from Prima Media (Year 7, age 11) through to Quinta Liceo (Year 13, age 19), culminating in the Esame di Maturità at the end of Quinta Liceo.
| Stage | Years | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scuola Media | Prima Media - Terza Media | 11-14 | Core subjects: Italian, Mathematics, History-Geography, Sciences, English, a second modern language, Arts, PE. Students develop a broad foundation across all disciplines. |
| Primo Biennio | Prima Liceo - Seconda Liceo | 14-16 | General programme with exploratory options. Students begin to identify their areas of strength and interest for specialisation in the Triennio. |
| Triennio | Terza Liceo - Quinta Liceo | 16-19 | Students focus on their chosen indirizzo (specialisation). The Esame di Maturità is taken at the end of Quinta Liceo. |
In the Triennio, students focus on their chosen specialisation. Accademia Internazionale Santa Luce offers the following:
Advanced algebra, analysis, probability, and geometry. Essential for students pursuing engineering, science, or economics at university.
Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, organic and inorganic chemistry. Practical laboratory work forms a significant part of the course.
Biology, geology, ecology, and genetics. Includes fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Suited for students aiming for medicine or biological sciences.
Analysis of historical and contemporary political issues, international relations, and geopolitical dynamics.
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, sociology, and political science. Preparation for business, law, and social science degrees.
In-depth study of English language, Anglophone literature, and cultural analysis. Conducted primarily in English.
Our university guidance programme begins in Terza Liceo and continues through to Quinta Liceo. Students receive individual advice on university selection, application procedures, and personal statement preparation. Recent graduates have been accepted at universities including:
In addition to the Maturità, Accademia Internazionale Santa Luce is an authorized CILS/CELI preparation centre. Students whose first language is not Italian are entered for CILS examinations as they progress through their studies. This provides them with an internationally recognised certification of their Italian language level.
The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) is awarded by the University of Siena and is recognized worldwide.
| Level | CEFR | Typical Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CILS A1 | A1 | End of 1st year | Basic interactions, simple phrases |
| CILS A2 | A2 | End of 2nd year | Routine tasks, describing surroundings |
| CILS B1 | B1 | Terza Media / Prima Liceo | Independent use, opinions, travel |
| CILS B2 | B2 | Terza Liceo / Quinta Liceo | Fluent interaction, complex texts |
Students who join Accademia Internazionale Santa Luce with limited or no Italian receive dedicated language support through our Italian Language Integration Programme (ILI). This intensive programme runs alongside the regular curriculum and typically lasts one to two years, depending on the student's starting level and progress.
ILI students receive additional hours of Italian language instruction each week, adapted coursework in content subjects, and regular one-to-one tutoring. The goal is for students to transition fully into mainstream Italian-medium classes as quickly as possible.
