What is the Italian word for English high school?

There isn't one single perfect translation for "high school" in Italian, as the educational systems differ. The closest and most common translations depend on the context:

* Scuola superiore: This is the most general and widely understood term, referring to upper secondary education. It encompasses all types of high schools.

* Liceo: This refers specifically to a type of high school focused on academic preparation for university. It's a more specific term than "scuola superiore."

* Istituto tecnico/Istituto professionale: These refer to vocational high schools, focusing on technical skills or professional training, respectively.

So, the best translation depends on the *kind* of high school you're referring to. If you're speaking generally, scuola superiore is safe. If you know it's an academic high school, liceo is more appropriate.