EDUCATION IN ITALY

Good-quality international schools in Italy can be one of the most problematic issues facing families in relocation. Whether to follow the Italian system or whether to continue with an international curriculum and qualifications is hotly debated amongst expats. 

Most international schools in Italy follow a curriculum model from the US or UK (a few follow the French system) and provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the International Baccalaureate. 

Admission and enrolment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive compared with local standards, but offers high quality learning, small class sizes, first-rate facilities, and a range of extracurricular activities. Boarding facilities are available in very few schools in Italy. 

Whatever your choice, the following section aims to give an insight into the options available to parents with a list of some of the best international schools in Italy – we cover Rome, Milan, Florence and Emilia-Romagna.

In the section below, you will also find more information about the Italian public school system, with detailed descriptions of each stage of schooling, the compulsory school ages and the different types of national qualifications available to young people.

Do feel free to add your comments to a school your child is attending to help other parents make one of the most important decisions of their lives.