Selecting a school in Italy may seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources often miss what everyday life is truly like, and each family's priorities vary. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Florence.
First: Clarify what “Good” looks like for your family
Before evaluating options, set your non‑negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day is more important than people assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the linguistic setting your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Florence, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Confirm availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust what you observe more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you welcome new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time in hot months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing costs:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine 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.
Bottom Line Summary
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: its location, the support it offers, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you'd like help sorting out priorities for Florence (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 055 123 4567.