Choosing a school in Italy can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Online sources rarely convey what everyday life is actually like, and each family has different priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process—especially for families relocating to Firenze.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Most selection mistakes come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily time spent driving usually matters more than you expect.
- Curriculum: options like British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Firenze, commuting can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- 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. Take one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely more on your own impressions than on glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a single-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the trap of “everything feels the same.”
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” talks:
- 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 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 warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily expense:
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 Takeaway
The best school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you want help thinking through priorities for Firenze (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +39 055 1234567.