Education

Aviano Air Base offers families both on-base and off-base educational options, providing flexibility and high-quality learning environments.

On-base education is provided by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) at the Aviano School Complex. DoDEA schools are accredited by Cognia and its regional agencies and are globally recognized by universities and education institutions worldwide.

The Aviano School Complex includes two schools located in separate wings to support age-appropriate learning environments:

Aviano Elementary School (Pre-K–5th Grade): https://avianoes.dodea.edu/ 
Aviano Middle/High School (6th–12th Grade): https://avianomhs.dodea.edu/ 

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is available to eligible four-year-old children and focuses on social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Children ages 3–4 who qualify for special education services may receive support through the Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities (PSCD) program. Families should contact the school registrar or the School Liaison Office for more information.

Families may also choose off-base Italian public or private schools. Instruction is primarily in Italian, though some schools offer English instruction. Guidance on local school enrollment is available through the Aviano School Liaison Office.

Aviano offers adult education opportunities that support academic, professional, and degree-completion goals. College courses are offered at flexible times, and facilities support distance and online learning.

The Education Center provides testing services, financial aid guidance, DANTES testing, and distance learning support. Military members, DoD civilians, adult family members, and high school students may utilize Education Center services. Educational counseling is available on a walk-in or appointment basis.

For additional information, visit the Aviano Education Center website: http://www.31fss.com/education-center.

The Aviano School Liaison Program supports military-connected families with children in Pre‑Kindergarten through 12th grade as they navigate frequent school transitions. On average, military families move nine times over a 20‑year career, and each relocation can present academic, social, and emotional challenges for students.

The School Liaison Program Manager serves as a community facilitator who connects families, schools, command teams, and community partners to address education-related issues impacting military children. The School Liaison Office plays a key role in easing school transitions for both inbound and outbound families and advocating for student needs.

The School Liaison Office supports military-connected students and families by:

• Connecting schools, families, and communities to meet the unique needs of Pre‑K–12 military-connected students
• Strengthening communication between parents, educators, community stakeholders, and military leadership
• Providing real-time solutions for students experiencing educational gaps or transition challenges
• Collaborating with community partners to expand educational opportunities and partnerships
• Coordinating professional development for educators to increase awareness of the military lifestyle
• Building networks of resources that promote resilient military-connected communities
• Supporting students experiencing parental deployment, temporary duty separations, and reunification

The Aviano School Complex currently serves approximately 1,000 students across Aviano Elementary School and Aviano Middle/High School. While the schools are located on the same campus, they are intentionally separated to provide developmentally appropriate learning environments based on grade level.

Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK) began at Aviano during the 2024–2025 school year and is offered free of charge to all military-connected children who are four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. The program supports self-help skills, early academic readiness, and social-emotional development. Participation is optional, and families should contact the school registrar for enrollment information.

DoDEA’s Child Find program is available to identify and assess children ages 3–21 who may have a disability and require special education services. If concerns are identified, a Case Study Committee (CSC) works with families and educators to determine eligibility and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) when appropriate. Children ages 3–4 who qualify may receive services through the Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities (PSCD) program.

School Liaison Office Location:
Via Pordenone, 52
Aviano PN, Italy 33080
Building 116, Room 005 (Area 1)
Phone: +39 0434 30 6084
Email: Aviano.slo@us.af.mil

This section provides important additional information related to transportation, enrollment requirements, records, educational compliance, enrichment opportunities, and before- and after-school programs at Aviano Air Base.

School Transportation

Transportation to and from the Aviano School Complex is provided for students residing within the designated Aviano commuting area. Families are strongly encouraged to contact the School Bus 

• Transportation is available only within the approved commuting area
• Families living outside the commuting area are responsible for transporting their children to school or to an established bus stop
• Commuting area maps are available through the Housing Office, School Liaison Office, and Bus Transportation Office
• The STO is located outside Aviano Elementary School
• Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• School Bus Transportation Office phone: +39 0444 106 0172 (Option 9)

The Student Transportation Office provides the following services:

• Daily commuting services
• After-school activity buses
• Curricular trips
• Co-curricular trips
• Cooperative work programs
• Special needs transportation

Entrance Age Requirements

• Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten: Child must be 4 years old by September 1
• Kindergarten: Child must be 5 years old by September 1
• Children already enrolled in an accredited kindergarten may enroll regardless of age (homeschool does not qualify)
• First Grade: Child must be 6 years old by September 1
• Questions regarding age exceptions should be directed to DoDEA or the School Liaison Office

Required Records & Documentation

• Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or Gifted Program documentation (if applicable)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) or bilingual education records
• Previous school contact information and records
• Course descriptions and grading scale (if available)
• Official transcripts (sealed or sent directly between schools)
• Report cards, withdrawal grades, and standardized test scores
• Proof of residence or military orders
• Student birth certificate or passport copy
• Immunization and health records
• Legal documents, as required
• Child’s military ID card

Educational Compliance Requirements
All command-sponsored dependents under the age of 21 who have not graduated from high school or completed a GED must be actively enrolled in one of the following educational options:

• Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school
• Italian public or private school
• Approved homeschool program
• Failure to meet these requirements may result in a report of educational neglect to the local command

Language & Enrichment Opportunities

• Free online language courses available through the Aviano Base Library
• Free or low-cost Italian language courses offered by local libraries
• Fee-based Italian language courses offered periodically on base
• Language-learning resources available at the Library, BX, Airman's Attic, and Thrift Shop
• Translation tools and apps such as Google Translate are recommended

Exceptional Student Programs

• Gifted education services available for qualifying students at Aviano Elementary School
• English as a Second Language (ESL) services for students whose primary language is not English
• Instruction in Italian culture, art, physical education, and music for all students
• Report cards issued every nine weeks
• Parent-Teacher Conferences held at the end of the first quarter

Before & After School Programs and Activities

• Before- and after-school care provided by Aviano Youth Programs (AYP)
• Registration available at www.militarychildcare.com or by calling DSN 632-7575
• Child Development Center (CDC) services include, full-day, part-time, and hourly care
• The CDC serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age
• Additional information about CDC programs, hours, and enrollment can be found at: https://31fss.com/child-development-center/
• Elementary and middle/high schools offer clubs such as Homework Club, Student Council, Music Club, and Robotics Club
• Aviano Middle/High School offers extracurricular sports for grades 9–12
• Aviano Youth Programs offer sports opportunities for elementary and middle school students