International Schools in Italy: Fees, Curricula and How to Choose 

There are many international schools in Italy available to foreign nationals and their families living in the country. These schools offer a wide range of curricula, from British to American, catering to the needs of students from various backgrounds.  

Choosing the right school can be quite a hassle. It’s important to consider various factors such as the curriculum, teaching language, age or year range, campus location, admissions requirements, and published fees. 

In this article, we will compare international schools in Rome, Milan, Florence, and other cities. We will highlight how to compare programs and accreditation, and what to look out for when choosing a school. We will also explore how our Italy immigration experts at Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) can help with your Italian immigration goals.  

International Schools in Italy – Key Takeaways

There are several international schools in Italy across Rome, Milan, and Florence that provide quality education for foreigners in the country.  

Most international schools covered here have English as the language of instruction. Other languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish are also taught across most schools. 

Before choosing an international school in Italy, check the curriculum, program, accreditation, location, and costs. Ensure you get the details from the school itself and do not depend on national averages.  

Gaining admission into an international school in Italy does not grant you a visa or residence permit to travel to and live in Italy. You must obtain the appropriate Italian visas to visit or live in Italy.  

How International Schools in Italy Work 

International schools in Italy are focused on providing a safe and progressive learning environment for the diverse student population, including both expatriate families and locals. 

Generally, the most recognized Italian international schools are in major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence. The average Italian international school offers programs that lead to internationally recognized qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma or IGCSE.  

A school’s name does not always correctly imply the curriculum used. For example, the British School of Milan follows the English National Curriculum through to age 16, with IGCSE examinations in Year 11, before offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Sixth Form. Parents should always check the entire curriculum pathway and not assume that one curriculum covers every stage.  

The teaching language, age limits, and admission requirements are also unique to each school. Always confirm the language of instruction, and any support available for students who need to learn.  

The cost of attending an international school in Italy also varies by school. Aside from tuition, parents and guardians must also pay administrative fees and other additional costs when enrolling, such as registration fees, books and materials, and uniforms. 

How to Compare International Schools in Italy 

Finding the right international school in Italy is crucial for your child, especially because this will shape their future education and even career. You should consider these aspects when choosing an international school in Italy.  

Curricula 

Look beyond the branded British, American, or international curricula and ask which curriculum will apply at each stage of your child’s learning. For example, a British pathway may not always lead to A Levels, but could lead to IGCSEs followed by the IB Diploma. For the American schools, check which qualifications your child will receive on graduation. 

Language 

Check the main teaching language of the schools you are considering. Ask whether there are language support resources available for your child within the set lessons or separate classes.  

Accreditation 

You want to select an international school that is recognized worldwide by the relevant bodies, especially if you and your child plan to continue their studies elsewhere.  This ensures your child’s qualifications are well-recognized wherever they go to further their education. For schools claiming IB provisions, check the official IB directory and confirm the exact authorized program with the school.  

Location 

You want to choose a school that is near your home, especially if your child is younger and you have just moved to the country. For older kids, compare different campuses and cities and check the available support resources for international students.  

Other factors to consider are: 

• Tuition fees: The cost of tuition fees is incredibly important. Take into account your budget and additional costs. Note that tuition and additional charges vary by school, year group, and school year. 
• Facilities and resources: You can arrange a visit to the school of your choice to see which facilities and resources they have at their disposal. Tools, gadgets, and facilities can be really helpful in learning. 
• The child’s needs: Before you search, consider what learning style and environment would suit your child the best. Do they excel in arts and music, or should they focus on more structured learning? 

International Schools in Rome 

Here are some international schools in Rome that offer different curricula, including the American, Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate (IB). 

Rome International School 

The Rome International School offers education for students aged 2 to 18, combining IB and Cambridge curricula.  

The school offers language classes such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish. English language support is also available for students during the school day.  

American Overseas School of Rome 

The American Overseas School of Rome takes a student-centered approach to learning from elementary to high school. It provides an American educational pathway with Advanced Placement and IB Diploma options in high school. 

The school’s AP and IB options provide different routes through the final school years. Students also have French, Spanish, and Italian classes and English language support as part of their class work.  

Marymount International School Rome 

Marymount International School is the first international school in Rome, founded in 1946. It is a catholic school that offers an American pathway and international qualifications.  

There are over 91 nationalities represented at this school, and it offers a wide range of language classes such as Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese, German, Arabic, and many more upon demand and need. 

International Schools in Milan 

Here are some top international schools in Milan for foreigners. Each of these schools offers something different in terms of curricula, so it’s important to pick what works best for your child. 

British School of Milan 

This international school has an elaborate British curriculum. British curriculum aims to prepare its students for IGCSEs and A Levels. The British School of Milan is known for its well-rounded education, including sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. 

The school offers the IB Diploma as the final qualification and not A Levels. There are English classes available, and Italian, French, Spanish, and after school Mandarin club. 

Canadian School of Milan 

This international school delivers a blend of Canadian, British, and international curricula.  It supports students from primary school through middle school and is one of the leading IB international schools in Milan.  

This institution has two campuses, catering to children in different age groups. Although the language of instruction is English, it also offers French, Italian, and Spanish classes for students.  

International School of Milan 

The International School of Milan offers an IB pathway that covers primary, middle, and diploma education at its Baranzate campus. 

With 65% of the students being international, the school also offers language classes for Italian, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin.  

International Schools in Florence 

Here are some great options for families considering international schools in Florence.  

International School of Florence 

This prestigious IB World School has an inclusive learning environment with a strong emphasis on arts and technology. You can enroll your child in different types of education, from kindergarten to high school. 

The Junior School is in Bagno a Ripoli, while the Upper School is in Florence. The school offers English as an additional language to students who need it. Other languages, such as Italian, French, and Spanish are also taught.  

Canadian School of Florence 

Canadian School of Florence follows the Ontario Canadian Curriculum and provides an Italian paritaria program alongside international education. 

The school’s campuses serve different stages, so confirm the site assigned to your child before resumption. Non-English speaking students get learning support. Italian and French are also taught.  

International School Fees in Italy 

International School tuition and overall fees change annually in Italy and vary by school, year group, and school year.  So, it’s important to check each school’s official website/fee schedule often to get the updated rates. Generally, tuition fees range from €11,000 to €28,000 a year. 

Tuition and additional charges 

In addition to tuition, expat families in Italy should also consider registration fees, uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and transportation costs. These can add up to €1,000 or even more a year. These charges are different for each school, and you should always request an itemized quotation and confirm the actual costs.  

Admissions and Enrollment Steps 

Like tuition, admissions and enrollment steps differ by school and year group. Once you confirm that there is an available place for your intended start date, you can follow the steps below: 

• Research and shortlist schools: Compare different curricula, the teaching language, budget, age range, and location. The best source of information is each school’s official website.  
• Check the program: Confirm the program and curriculum offered at your child’s entry level, whether its IB, Cambridge, American, etc. Ask how previous studies will affect placement, particularly during examination years.  
• Contact admissions: After choosing a school, contact admissions and discuss any other concerns you have, such as additional fees and tuition, language of instruction, and find out if your child will have to complete any assessments or interviews.  
• Obtain documentation and fee schedule: Ask the school for their specific checklist and obtain the requested documents, which may include previous school reports, letters of recommendation, and proof of residence. 
• Enrollment: Once the school accepts your child, you must sign the enrollment contract outlining the terms and conditions. In the contract, you can find all the details, including tuition fees. 

Financial Support and Payment Questions 

Any financial support resources, discounts, and payment plans depend on the exact school you choose. Before signing any contract and accepting a place, ask the following questions:  

• Financial support: Is a scholarship or financial assistance arrangement available for your child’s entry year? What are the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and renewal conditions? 
• Payment plans: Can I pay tuition in installments? When is the payment deadline? Are there any additional fees?  
• Discounts: Are there any discounts if I enroll more than one kid? Or any discounts for advance payments?  
• Employer-funded tuition: Does the school have a different fee schedule if my employer is paying?  
• Cancellation and withdrawal: Are any of the payments refundable, and do I have to give advance notice?  

Schools and Family Relocation to Italy 

School admission and Italian immigration status are separate decisions. The official visa for Italy portal determines entry visa requirements, from nationality, country of residence, reason, and length of stay.  

Plan your child’s resumption date around your relocation timelines. Before you commit to a home, confirm the campus your child will be attending and ensure the commute is practical. If required, ask the school if resumption dates are flexible, as this will give you more room to plan better when moving to Italy. 

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.