by InTrieste
More than 132,000 students in Friuli Venezia Giulia are set to return to the classroom this week, marking the official start of the academic year on Wednesday, September 11. While some schools have already commenced classes early, following local autonomy regulations, the majority of students will begin the new term in the coming days.
However, this year brings a notable shift in the region’s student population. According to data released by the Regional School Office, enrollment in state-run schools has dropped to 132,587 for the 2024-2025 school year. This represents a 1.67% decrease from the previous year, when the total stood at 134,839. The decline, equivalent to 2,252 fewer students, reflects broader demographic trends impacting schools across the country.
In institutions where Italian is the primary language of instruction, the figures show declines across all levels of education. Enrollment in preschools has dropped by 479 students to 12,131—a 3.80% decrease from last year. Similarly, primary schools have seen a 2.77% decline, with 39,413 students enrolled. Middle schools report a loss of 580 students, bringing total enrollment down to 27,664, while high school enrollment has remained virtually unchanged at 49,454, a negligible decrease of two students.
Schools offering instruction in Slovene, a significant language minority in the region, have also been affected by the demographic decline. Preschools in these institutions have 731 students enrolled, a drop of 0.95%, while primary schools have lost 45 students, bringing their total to 1,351, a 3.22% decrease. Middle schools have seen a sharper drop of 4.48%, with only 874 students enrolled. However, high schools with Slovene instruction have bucked the trend, showing a modest increase of 2.43%, with 969 students attending this year.
In addition to state-run schools, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s private institutions also contribute to the overall student body, further boosting the region’s educational landscape.
The decline in student numbers echoes a nationwide trend in Italy, where a shrinking birthrate and changing demographics have led to decreasing enrollments. Educational leaders are watching these figures closely, concerned about their implications for school funding, staffing, and community vitality.
