School year begins across Italy and San Marino amid demographic and infrastructure challenges

The 2026-2027 academic year has commenced across various regions in Italy and San Marino, highlighting diverse local challenges and demographic shifts.

In San Marino, enrollment in primary and nursery schools has declined due to demographic trends, though interest in vocational training centers has seen significant growth. In Italy, regional reports show varying trends: Emilia-Romagna has activated over 24,000 classes, while Tuscany reports approximately 427,000 students alongside concerns regarding teacher job security. Molise faces a continuous decline in student numbers, losing roughly 13,000 students over the last 15 years, which impacts staffing and resource allocation.

Infrastructure and climate adaptation remain critical issues. In Sicily, calls have been made for emergency funding to climatize school buildings to combat rising temperatures. In Calabria and other regions, the start of classes has been met with discussions regarding building quality. Meanwhile, several municipalities, including Nereto and Calenzano, have inaugurated new or renovated facilities funded by the PNRR to improve safety, accessibility, and modern learning environments.