Selecting a school for Italy can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Online sources rarely reveal what everyday life is truly like, and every family has distinct priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families preparing to relocate to Firenze.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Most mistakes in choosing come from comparing everything at once without a clear ranking of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of daily driving time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Start with location on your shortlist. In Firenze, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your own observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (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 your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
Choosing a school isn’t just about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing expenses.
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.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Firenze (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +39 055 1234567.