Selecting a school in Italy may seem like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is actually like, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to Florence.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your nonnegotiables. Common mistakes come from comparing too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language surroundings your child is immersed in all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, communication approach.
How to Make Selections Without Overloading Yourself
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Begin with a location-based shortlist. In Florence, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily ordeal.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your own observations than on glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the sense that everything is identical.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition; consider the complete daily cost of attendance:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school usually aligns with your family's actual routine: where it is, the support offered, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the most dazzling advertising.
If you'd like help sorting out priorities for Florence (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 055 1234567.