Moving to Italy with children who don’t speak Italian can feel daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right school. Fortunately, major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Turin offer a range of international school options where English or other foreign languages are the primary medium of instruction. Additionally, online learning alternatives can help ease the transition for families settling in.
Below is a breakdown of private international schooling options in each city to help you make an informed decision for your family.
Rome
Italy’s capital is home to a large expat community and offers numerous international schools.
• St. Stephen’s School: An American-international IB boarding/day school near the city center.
• American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR): Offers a U.S. curriculum and the IB diploma; classes are in English.
• St. George’s British International School: Follows the British curriculum with an international student body.
• Rome International School: Offers the IB program (PYP, MYP, DP).
• Marymount International School Rome: A Catholic school with IB and American curricula.
• The New School Rome: Offers the British curriculum.
• Saint Francis International School: Offers a blended American and International curriculum for children aged 3 to 14.
Milan
As Italy’s financial hub, Milan has a well-established international education scene.
• The British School of Milan (Sir James Henderson): Offers the full UK curriculum and IGCSEs.
• American School of Milan (ASM): Offers an American curriculum with AP courses.
• Canadian School of Milan: Follows the Canadian curriculum (Ontario).
• International School of Milan: Offers the IB Primary Years Programme through Diploma Programme.
• German School of Milan: Bilingual German-Italian instruction with English in upper years.
• St. Louis School: Offers both IB and British curricula.
Florence
Known for its art and history, Florence also provides good international schooling, especially for younger children.
• International School of Florence: One of Italy’s oldest international schools offering IB programs and a U.S.-style curriculum.
• Canadian School of Florence: A newer, growing school with a curriculum based on Canadian standards.
• Florence Bilingual School: Offers a bilingual (Italian-English) program.
• Lycée Victor Hugo (French International School): Follows the French curriculum.
Naples
While fewer in number compared to Rome or Milan, Naples still offers quality options for non-Italian speakers.
• Naples American High School (DoDEA): Serves children of U.S. military families, but some civilian expats are eligible.
• International School of Naples: Offers American curriculum and IB programs in a diverse environment.
• Montessori International School: Follows Montessori principles with English-language instruction.
• British Forces School (BFS): Primarily for the children of British Armed Forces personnel but may have places for other expats.
• École Alexandre Dumas de Naples (French International School): Follows the French curriculum.
Turin
A northern Italian city with a growing international presence, especially among tech and automotive industries.
• International School of Turin (IST): IB-accredited, with English instruction and students from over 30 countries.
• The British School of Turin: Offers UK curriculum and fosters integration with the local community.
• World International School of Torino (WIST): Offers the IB program.
• Lycée Français Jean Giono: Follows the French curriculum.
• Social Institute: A Catholic school with international programs.
Online Alternatives
• Wolsey Hall Oxford: A UK-based online school offering primary to A-level education.
• Connections Academy: An online K–12 private school recognized globally.
• King’s InterHigh: A British online school that accommodates expat children with live and recorded lessons.
• Laurel Springs School: An accredited online private school offering a U.S.-based curriculum.
• Dwight Global Online School: Provides IB and American curricula.
• Bridgeway Academy: A U.S.-accredited online learning program with personalized pacing.
• Pearson Online Academy: An accredited online U.S. curriculum suitable for students in Italy.
• Time4Learning: A U.S.-based curriculum designed for homeschooling expat families.
• My Online Schooling Europe: Offers live British curriculum classes aligned with UK standards.
• International Schooling: Provides a global curriculum for expat children worldwide.
Final Tips for Parents
• Language Support in Italian Schools: Ask schools about Italian language integration programs—many provide extra assistance for children who do not speak the local language.
• Accreditation: Look for schools accredited by international organizations (IBO, CIS, NEASC, etc.).
• Waiting lists: International schools in Italy can have long waiting lists—start the admission process early.
• Cost: Tuition at private international schools ranges from €8,000 to €25,000+ per year. Some offer scholarships or financial aid.
• Blended learning: Consider hybrid solutions (part in-person, part online) if your child needs a gradual transition to a new educational environment.
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