my gut says that it is italian. there is a small sticker back by the rear derailleur and one below the shifters on the downtube. What are these?

oh, and whatever it is, it is probably a good one. Number tabs don't tell you anything much about a junior's bike, but this is pretty clearly an adult frame, and is more than likely built out of good stuff.

I'd betcha it is a repaint (also a very good one), based on the generic stickers.