Lombardy schools report high numbers of non-Italian students

Data from the Fondazione Ismu Ets highlights a significant demographic shift in Lombardy's educational system, where over 236,000 students hold non-Italian citizenship. In Milan, some schools have become multicultural microcosms, with 35 institutions reporting that non-Italian students make up more than 50 percent of the student body, representing over 230 different nationalities.

However, disparities exist between educational tracks. While foreign students comprise approximately 20 percent of primary and middle school enrollments, their presence drops to 12.9 percent in high schools. Specifically, in academic lyceums, the figure is only 6.9 percent, compared to 24.2 percent in vocational schools.

In the city of Pioltello, the demographic transformation is even more pronounced. Certain schools, such as Iqbal Masih and Mattei-Di Vittorio, report that foreign-origin students reach an average of 70 percent of the total enrollment, with over 70 different ethnicities represented. Local officials have noted that while cultural diversity is a reality in the classrooms, the region faces challenges regarding teacher shortages and high rental costs that make it difficult for educators to reside in the area.