A new measure arrives that promises to support families with children in private schools. An amendment to the economic package introduces a voucher of up to 1,500 euros for students enrolled in private institutions, valid for 2026.
This is a contribution intended for families with an ISEE that does not exceed 30 thousand euros (according to updated data from the Ministry of Education, as of 31 August 2024, approximately 771,909 students attend a private school in Italy).
What does the measure provide?
The bonus, which will be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Merit, can reach up to 1,500 euros for each student attending a private school, both in the first level and in the first two years of high school. The amount of the voucher will be calculated based on brackets inversely proportional to the ISEE income of the families, with an overall limit of 20 million euros for 2026.
The precise methods for disbursing the contribution will be established by a decree of the Ministry of Education, which will work together with the Ministry of Economy to define the operational details. In particular, the decree must also establish the specific limits of the contribution, taking into account any funds already allocated by the individual Regions for the same purposes.
All that glitters is gold?
Not exactly.
This measure, despite being a concrete help for families with children in private schools, could in some way further weaken public schools in Italy, which are already largely in pieces. Offering financial incentives for private schools could incentivize an even clearer separation between those who can afford private education and those who are forced to remain in the public sector, fueling inequalities. If not accompanied by adequate investments in state schools, this measure risks undermining the principle of equality of opportunity in education.
