Italy prepares for the 2026/2027 school year return

As the 2026/2027 school year approaches in Italy, various sectors are preparing for the return to classes. The Ministry of Education has released the official calendar, which includes the reintroduction of Saint Francis of Assisi's day as a national holiday on October 4. Regional start dates vary, with classes beginning as early as September 7 in Bolzano and as late as September 17 in Puglia.

Health professionals are offering guidance to families. The Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (Sipps) recommends establishing regular sleep, meal, and physical activity routines. Experts also emphasize the importance of vision checks to prevent eye strain from digital devices and managing backpack weight, which should ideally not exceed 10-15% of a child's body weight to avoid back issues.

Local communities are also active; initiatives like 'Lo Zaino Sospeso' in Augusta and solidarity networks in Pisa are collecting school supplies for families in need. Meanwhile, academic institutions like the Università Politecnica delle Marche are launching specialized programs for medical and dental students to prepare them for upcoming entrance selections.