Choosing the right school in Milan is a key decision for families seeking quality bilingual education. MILE School offers a dynamic Italian-English bilingual curriculum for children aged 1–14, combining the Italian National Curriculum (MIUR-recognised) with the Cambridge International Curriculum. This integrated approach helps students thrive academically, develop strong bilingual skills, and grow into confident, globally minded individuals—making MILE a top choice for both local and international families in Milan.
In this interview, Elena Nozzetti, MILE’s main point of contact for families, shares how she guides newcomers, supports international students, and helps families navigate the school’s unique offerings, giving parents an insider’s view of life at one of Milan’s most innovative bilingual schools.
For readers who may not yet be familiar with MILE, could you introduce the school and explain what makes it unique within both the local and international school community in Milan?
MILE is an international bilingual school in Milan that offers a dynamic and innovative educational journey from early years through middle school. What makes MILE unique is its truly integrated bilingual curriculum, where Italian and English are not simply taught as separate subjects, but lived daily as the natural languages of learning, communication, and discovery.
The academic programme at MILE brings together the best of two worlds: the Italian national curriculum, officially recognised by MIUR (the Italian Ministry of Education), and the Cambridge International Curriculum (Cambridge CV), which provides students with an internationally benchmarked pathway. This dual framework ensures that students receive both the solid academic preparation required in Italy and the global perspective, critical thinking, and skills valued by schools and universities worldwide.
The school is also recognised for its strong sense of community: families, teachers, and staff work closely together to create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and ambitious. The campus is designed with great attention to detail, offering bright classrooms, modern labs, and curated learning spaces that encourage collaboration and exploration.
Within Milan’s educational landscape, MILE stands out as a place where students grow to be confident, bilingual, and globally minded, prepared not only for the next steps of their academic careers but also to contribute meaningfully in an interconnected world.
As a bilingual Italian-English school for children aged 1 to 14, how does this dual-language environment support pupils both academically and socially?
Being a scuola paritaria officially recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) means that MILE offers the Italian national curriculum with full legal validity in Italy. Pupils can continue their studies in Italian schools at any level, sit state exams, and access Italian universities with the same recognition as students from any other state school.
At the same time, as a school accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education, MILE also provides pupils with the opportunity to follow the Cambridge International Curriculum. This globally respected programme equips students with internationally benchmarked knowledge and skills, preparing them to continue their education not only in Italy but also in schools and universities worldwide.
This dual recognition ensures that MILE students enjoy the widest possible academic options for their future: they are fully prepared to pursue studies in Italy while also being competitive and well-equipped for international pathways.
As the main point of contact for families joining MILE School, how do you guide and support new families through their first steps at the school?
My role is to ensure that their first experience with us is both smooth and meaningful. I see myself not only as a guide through the admissions process, but also as a bridge into the life of the school.
From the very first inquiry, I make sure families feel listened to and understood. I provide clear information about our bilingual curriculum, explain how the Italian and Cambridge programmes work together, and answer practical questions about daily routines, extracurricular activities, and school life. For international families, this often means offering guidance on how the Italian education system operates and how MILE’s recognition by both MIUR and Cambridge opens doors to multiple academic pathways.
Once a family decides to join, I personally accompany them through each step: confirming their registration, sharing orientation materials, arranging meetings with teachers, and introducing them to the wider team. I remain their reference point, someone they can turn to for clarification, reassurance, or even small logistical details that can make a big difference in feeling settled.
What do you enjoy most about welcoming new families into the school community?
What I enjoy most about welcoming new families into the MILE community is the opportunity to share the spirit of our school in a very personal way. Each visit is more than just presenting programmes or facilities, it’s about creating a genuine connection, listening to a family’s hopes for their child, and helping them imagine how their son or daughter will grow and thrive here.
There’s a special joy in seeing parents relax as they experience the welcoming atmosphere, and in watching children’s eyes light up when they explore our classrooms and spaces. It’s those moments that reflect what makes MILE unique: a caring, ambitious, and vibrant community where families immediately feel at home.
Milan is such a vibrant city; what do you think makes it a great place for families to live?
Milan is a city full of energy, culture, and opportunity making it a fantastic place for families to live. Beyond its world-renowned fashion and design, Milan offers excellent schools, vibrant neighbourhoods, and plenty of green spaces for children to explore.
From museums and theatres to parks and local markets, there’s always something to discover. Families can enjoy a rich mix of cultural, educational, and outdoor experiences, while easy transport links make it simple to explore the surrounding lakes, mountains, and countryside. In Milan, children grow up in a stimulating environment, surrounded by creativity and diversity
MILE emphasises discovering each child’s talents and nurturing their passions. Could you share some examples of how this philosophy comes to life inside and outside the classroom?
At MILE, discovering each child’s talents and nurturing their passions is at the heart of our educational approach. Teachers create project-based and inquiry-led learning experiences that allow students to explore their strengths, whether in STEM, the arts, languages, or creative problem-solving. Lessons are designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and independent learning, giving every child the opportunity to shine in areas they are most passionate about.
MILE offers a wide range of elective programmes, which are specially designed to let students pursue individual interests and develop new skills. These electives include options in music, drama, visual arts, coding and robotics, sports, and more. By choosing activities that resonate with their passions, students gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop teamwork and leadership skills.
In addition, students benefit from international opportunities through ISP’s ILOS programme, collaborating with peers from schools around the world on global projects that foster creativity, intercultural understanding, and innovation.
Through this combination of personalised learning, electives, and international experiences, MILE ensures that every child has the chance to discover their talents, nurture their passions, and grow into confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals.
Can you tell us about some of the opportunities children have through ISP’s International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS)?
As part of the ISP (International Schools Partnership) network, MILE School students benefit from a wide range of International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), which provide unique experiences beyond the classroom and help develop global awareness, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Through ILOS, pupils have the chance to:
- Collaborate on international projects with students from other ISP schools around the world, working together on challenges that span subjects such as sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange.
- Participate in global competitions and initiatives, where they can showcase their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork on an international stage.
- Engage in virtual exchange programmes, connecting with peers in other countries to share ideas, perspectives, and learn about different cultures.
- Attend leadership and development workshops, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility as global citizens.
- Experience cross-cultural learning trips (when possible), which immerse students in new environments and enhance their understanding of global issues firsthand.
These opportunities give MILE students not only the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world, international contexts but also to develop the interpersonal and intercultural skills that are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world.
What advice would you give to expat families who are just beginning their school search in Milan?
For families living in Italy, it is especially important to have some knowledge of Italian, even if the child will be enrolled in a bilingual or international programme. Understanding the language helps with everyday interactions, integration into the community, and ensures families can fully engage with school communications and events.
I always encourage families to consider not only the academic programme, but also the sense of community. Moving to a new country can be challenging, and having a supportive school environment where families feel welcomed and connected makes a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to ask schools about how they integrate international students, how they support children who may be learning in a new language, and what opportunities exist for parents to get involved.
Visiting schools in person is invaluable: you get a real sense of the atmosphere, the quality of the learning spaces, and how teachers and students interact. Trust your instincts, how you and your child feel during a visit often tells you more than brochures or websites can.
Moreover the daily schedule, extracurricular opportunities, and how the school prepares students for the future contribute to the choice.
Above all, remember that choosing a school is about finding the right fit, not just academically but also emotionally and culturally. The right school should feel like a community where your child can thrive and your family feels at home.
With the upcoming Open Day on 28th October, what can visiting families expect to experience during a Discovery Day at the school?
Visiting families at MILE School’s Discovery Day on 28th October can expect an engaging and immersive experience designed to give a real sense of life at the school. The day is structured to showcase both our academic programmes and the vibrant community that makes MILE unique.
Families will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the campus and explore bright classrooms, modern labs, and collaborative learning spaces.
- Observe lessons and activities in action, experiencing our truly bilingual approach where Italian and English are lived daily in meaningful learning contexts.
- Meet teachers and staff who guide and support our students, gaining insight into their teaching philosophies and approach to fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Learn about our curricula, including the Italian national programme recognised by MIUR and the Cambridge International Curriculum, and understand the pathways and academic options available to students both in Italy and internationally.
- Engage with the community, discovering how students, families, and staff work together to create a welcoming and ambitious environment.
Overall, Discovery Day offers families a comprehensive view of what it means to be part of MILE School: a nurturing, academically rigorous, and globally minded learning community. It’s a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the warmth, energy, and collaborative spirit that define the school.
Find out more about MILE Bilingual School and how its unique approach can support your child’s learning journey.
FAQ – MILE Bilingual School, Milan
What ages does MILE School cater to?
MILE Bilingual School welcomes children aged 1 to 14 years, offering a continuous bilingual education from the early years through middle school. This allows students to grow within a nurturing, consistent, and multilingual learning environment.
What curricula are offered at MILE?
MILE combines two complementary programmes: the Italian national curriculum, officially recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR), and the Cambridge International Curriculum. This dual framework ensures academic excellence, global recognition, and smooth progression within both Italian and international education systems.
How does the bilingual approach benefit students academically and socially?
At MILE, Italian and English are not treated as separate subjects but as living languages used daily across all learning activities. This integrated bilingual model strengthens cognitive development, enhances communication skills, and promotes intercultural understanding. Students gain confidence expressing themselves in both languages and develop the adaptability and global mindset needed for future success.
How can expat families get support during enrolment?
MILE provides dedicated guidance for international families through its admissions office. From the first inquiry to the first day of school, the team ensures a smooth transition, offering personalised assistance with registration, orientation, and integration into the school community. Families receive ongoing support and practical information to help them feel at home in both Milan and the MILE community.
Looking for more insights into education, family life, and resources for families living abroad? Explore more articles on the MumAbroad blog.
Leave a Reply