Picking a school in Italy can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Online guides rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision method—particularly for families relocating to Florence.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you start comparing options, identify your must-haves. Most choices go wrong because families compare everything at once without clear priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might think.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language setting your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and mode of communication.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Florence, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and 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 your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually 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 handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Dreads)
Choosing a school isn’t just about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
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.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: proximity, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Florence (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 347 123 4567.