Bilingual European School - Municipio 9 2 vs Canadian School of Milan - Gioia Campus

	B Bilingual European School - Municipio 9 2 Milan, Italy	C Canadian School of Milan - Gioia Campus Milan, Italy
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,420 - 17,530	Fees / year €11,700 - 15,500
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Italian	Instruction language English, Italian, French
Opened	Opened 1999	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Two centrally located Milan campuses: Gioia Campus, Via M. Gioia 42, 20124 Milano (Early Years & Primary), and Vivaio Campus, Via Vivaio 7, 20122 Milano (Middle & Senior School). The campuses are in central Milan with easy walking or cycling access to safe neighbourhoods. Gioia Campus serves ages 2–11; Vivaio Campus serves Grades 6–12 (roughly ages 11–18).
Stages	Stages —	Stages Early Years and Primary; Middle School; Senior School (ages 2–11; 11–14; 14–18).
School type	School type —	School type International IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Representing over 35 nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Early Years & Primary run 8:00–15:30 with morning drop-off 8:00–8:45, circle time at 8:50, snack at 10:15, lunch at 11:45, rest/outdoor play at 13:00, learning at 14:00, end of day 15:30; Optional clubs 15:40–17:00. Middle & Senior School starts at 8:50 and finishes at 15:20; after-school activities may be available.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details A bus service is available for students aged 3 and older, with a dedicated bus assistant. City Bus stops include Piazza Piemonte (pickup 7:30, drop-off 16:40), Piazza Conciliazione (7:35/16:31), Piazza 24 Maggio (7:45/16:21), Piazza Medaglie d'Oro (7:55/16:11), Piazza Tricolore (8:00/16:06), Via G. Modena/C. Menotti (8:02/16:04), Piazza Carlo Erba (8:06/16:00), Via Melchiorre Gioia 1 (8:16/15:50), Gioia Campus (8:20/15:45). Door-to-Door service via La Bussola; Inter-Campus Shuttle between Gioia and Vivaio for Grade 6-8 with siblings; fees apply.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees For 2026/27, the one-off admission fee is EUR 1,350 for BAPS Pre-School, EUR 2,500 for BES Primary, Middle and High School, or EUR 1,000 for students transferring internally from the previous BES/BAPS stage. Annual registration is EUR 1,500 for Pre-School, EUR 1,600 for Primary, EUR 1,900 for Middle School and EUR 2,000 for High School. Tuition Fees Pre-School annual totals are EUR 12,420 for Toddlers, EUR 12,930 for Nursery and Transition, and EUR 13,040 for Reception. Primary annual totals are EUR 13,430 for Years 1–3 and EUR 13,585 for Years 4–5. Middle School annual total is EUR 15,030 for Years 6–8. High School annual total is EUR 17,530 for Years 9–10. Fees for Years 11–12 are not listed. Other Costs Other charges include meals at EUR 1,405, a refundable one-off fee of EUR 300, and a one-off building fund of EUR 600 for Pre-School or EUR 1,650 for Primary, Middle and High School. A 10% sibling discount applies to the school contribution for the second and subsequent children attending at the same time. Boarding, Refunds and Payment Boarding fees and payment methods are not stated in the fee schedule. Only the EUR 300 refundable fee is specifically identified as refundable.	Fee details Application fees - New student Admission Fee: EUR 2,600 (non‑refundable). - Admission Assessment (entry test): EUR 200 (non‑refundable; deducted from school fees if a place is offered). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term breakdown using the school's published 3‑installment schedule: 40% / 30% / 30%) - Pre‑School (Nursery – Pre‑K) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 11,700. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 4,680; 30% = EUR 3,510; 30% = EUR 3,510. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 12,700. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,080; 30% = EUR 3,810; 30% = EUR 3,810. - Primary (Kindergarten – Grade 2) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 12,900. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,160; 30% = EUR 3,870; 30% = EUR 3,870. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 13,900. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,560; 30% = EUR 4,170; 30% = EUR 4,170. - Primary (Grade 3 – 5) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 13,800. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,520; 30% = EUR 4,140; 30% = EUR 4,140. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 14,800. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,920; 30% = EUR 4,440; 30% = EUR 4,440. - Upper School (IB MYP, Grades 6 – 8) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 14,700. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 5,880; 30% = EUR 4,410; 30% = EUR 4,410. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 15,700. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 6,280; 30% = EUR 4,710; 30% = EUR 4,710. - Upper School (Grades 9 – 10) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 15,800. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 6,320; 30% = EUR 4,740; 30% = EUR 4,740. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 16,800. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 6,720; 30% = EUR 5,040; 30% = EUR 5,040. - IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 – 12) - Annual tuition (Private): EUR 17,900. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 7,160; 30% = EUR 5,370; 30% = EUR 5,370. - Annual tuition (Company): EUR 18,900. Per‑term: 40% = EUR 7,560; 30% = EUR 5,670; 30% = EUR 5,670. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard schedule published: three instalments of 40% / 30% / 30%. The published document lists specific installment dates alongside these percentages. Families are required to pay the Admission Fee within 10 working days of accepting an offer to secure a place. Late entry after the academic year start requires payment of all fees and charges for the entire term in which the student is entering. Notice rules apply to withdrawals (see Refund & withdrawal section). Boarding fees (if applicable) - The school operates day campuses in central Milan (Gioia and Vivaio). No boarding fees are published. Other costs and optional fees - Admission Assessment: EUR 200 (non‑refundable; deducted from fees if a place is offered). - Lunches (hot meals): EUR 1,150 (published as an example cost). - IB Examination fee (Diploma Programme): EUR 1,000. - English Additional Language (EAL) support: level‑dependent; published range EUR 300 to EUR 1,500 per term. - Mandatory school trips: costed separately per trip and charged in addition to tuition. - Upper‑school textbooks and supplies: charged separately for relevant year groups. - Italian national exam fees (5° Elementare and 3° Media) where applicable: charged separately. - Co‑curricular activities and private music lessons: optional and charged separately. - Door‑to‑door transportation: optional service charged separately (route and price dependent). - School uniform: cost borne by families; uniform items are charged separately. Sibling discount - 10% reduction on the tuition fee for the second and each subsequent sibling attending the school at the same time. The discount applies to tuition only. Refund information & withdrawal / late‑entry terms - The Admission Fee (EUR 2,600) is non‑refundable. The Admission Assessment fee (EUR 200) is non‑refundable (but deducted from school fees if a place is offered). If a student enrols after the start of the school year, all fees and charges for the entire term in which they enter are payable. Withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the School Office by the first day of the previous term (example given: a child not returning in September must give notice no later than April 1). Specific refunds or pro‑rata arrangements for tuition are not detailed in the published fee document beyond these rules. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule document does not list specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, credit card) or account details; payment method information and invoicing are handled through the school's Finance/Admissions processes. Families are referred to the school's admissions/finance office for the accepted payment channels and invoicing instructions. Practical notes for budgeting - Total yearly cost for a new student equals the annual tuition for the relevant grade plus the non‑refundable Admission Fee (EUR 2,600) in the first year and any optional services selected (meals, transport, trips, EAL, music lessons, exam fees, uniform, etc.). The sibling discount (10%) applies to tuition for second and subsequent children attending simultaneously.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires students to wear a school uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Hot lunches are cooked on-site in partnership with Pellegrini, with a rotating menu featuring a first course (pasta, risotto, or soup), a second course with lean proteins or plant-based options, plus a salad/fruit bar, vegetables, bread, and a light dessert. The program accommodates special dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian and religious options, with snacks available for Nursery and Pre-K.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned; it was founded in 2004 by Antonella Salvadori del Prato and is personally overseen by the founder.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The Canadian School of Milan offers English-language instruction from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme. The Primary School operates with instruction entirely in English within a Canadian-English and international education model. The Upper School follows the IB framework, with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The Diploma Programme comprises six subjects and a core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The school operates on two Milan campuses: Gioia Campus (Early Years and Primary) and Vivaio Campus (Middle and Senior School). The school is an IB World School.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Average class size is 18 students. Teaching Assistants support teachers in the Early Years and Primary School.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In recent years, the Diploma Programme results have consistently exceeded the global average, with several students scoring above 40 and top achievers reaching 43 or 44 out of 45. IB results are released annually in July, and students can access their results by logging in with their Personal Code and PIN.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Some graduates have offers from Stanford University, University of Chicago, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, and NYU.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Health and well-being are central to student life at the Canadian School of Milan. The school offers a dedicated counselling service with confidential one-to-one sessions and group workshops focused on motivation, personal development, and emotional resilience. Counseling supports students for stress, study pressures, low mood, friendship dynamics, or family concerns. The aim is to nurture a culture of openness, care, and proactive well-being, supported by a structured Personal & Social Education (PSED) curriculum. The campuses are staffed with qualified first aiders to ensure physical safety and immediate response when needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Diversity and inclusion are central to the CSM experience. The school supports the wide range of identities and learning diversity that exist in its community. It aims to create a fair, equal, safe, and encouraging environment for all, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or learning differences. CSM faculty, students, administrators, and staff fully embrace a vision of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All students are fully supported and comfortable at school, and the school aims to prepare them as much as possible for the future.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Most teachers are native English speakers, supporting an English-language learning environment. Language instruction in Italian, French, and Spanish is delivered by native speakers. English is the primary language of instruction across core subjects. The curriculum places a clear emphasis on English learning, with additional languages taught as part of the programme. Language offerings accompany the main pathways, including the IB Diploma Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Student health and well-being are a central priority at the Canadian School of Milan. The school provides a dedicated counselling service offering confidential one-to-one sessions and group workshops to support motivation, personal development, and emotional resilience. Counseling addresses stress, study pressures, low mood, friendship dynamics, and family concerns, with referrals by teachers or staff as needed. A structured Personal & Social Education (PSED) curriculum complements counselling to build emotional literacy, empathy, and coping strategies. First aiders on each campus ensure physical safety and rapid response as part of the school's welfare commitment.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Canadian School of Milan is committed to a warm, caring, and safe environment for all students. Bullying and safety concerns are addressed under a formal anti-bullying policy, which states that bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The policy sets out how incidents are reported and responded to, with staff required to respond calmly and consistently and to keep the victim safe. Procedures include informing parents for serious incidents, providing support and appropriate action, and applying sanctions when necessary. The school conducts whole-school anti-bullying initiatives, PSHE lessons, and staff training, and incidents are monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy was last updated in June 2024.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The Canadian School of Milan operates on two centrally located campuses in Milan: Gioia Campus for Early Years and Primary, and Vivaio Campus for Middle and Senior School. Gioia Campus hosts Early Learning and Primary programmes in bright, child-centred spaces with a spacious playground. Vivaio Campus, opened in 2023, hosts the Middle and Senior School and offers state-of-the-art facilities tailored to the academic, social, and emotional needs of adolescents. The school serves students aged 2 to 18 and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Together, the two campuses provide an age-appropriate learning environment at every stage of a student's education.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Co-Curricular Activities include sports programs across Primary and Senior School. Primary School offers Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer as part of the clubs. Senior School includes additional sports-related activities such as Calcetto Soccer and Table Tennis. Other physical education options appear in the clubs, including Yoga and Mindfulness. These offerings demonstrate a broad commitment to physical activity and team-based participation across the school community.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Gioia Campus hosts the Early Years and Primary programmes, while Vivaio Campus hosts the Middle and Senior School. In Middle School, students follow the Cambridge International Curriculum leading to IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10, and ultimately pursue the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years, supported by a dedicated University counsellor. Vivaio Campus opened in 2023 and provides state-of-the-art facilities to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. The University counselling support complements the curriculum to help students plan for university destinations and programmes.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Programme offers a diverse and evolving list of clubs to nurture student interests and interpersonal skills. Primary School clubs include Art Club, Chess, Robotics, Judo, Mindfulness, Theatre Club, Violin and wind instruments, and various language and social activities. Senior School clubs include Debate Club, Model UN, Music Technology, Orchestra, School Musical, and Table Tennis, among others. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Student Council, and various performance and leadership opportunities are also part of the extracurricular offerings.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Founded in 2004 by Antonella Salvadori del Prato, an Italian-Canadian educator who started a small nursery in Via Plinio, Milan. Her vision reflected Canadian values of emotional awareness, social connection, creativity and respect for others and the environment. In 2014, CSM moved to the Gioia campus, expanding to include Primary and Middle School programmes. In 2023, the Vivaio campus was inaugurated to welcome Senior School students and to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Today, more than 20 years after its founding, the school remains personally overseen by its founder, with Antonella Salvadori del Prato closely involved in daily life and major decisions. The school is an IB World School.
Community	Community —	Community CSM serves students aged 2 to 18 representing over 35 nationalities and operates across two central Milan campuses: Gioia for Early Years and Primary (Gioia Campus opened in 2014) and Vivaio for Middle and Senior School (opened in 2023). It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and emphasizes leadership, character, and global citizenship as part of its learning approach. The campus setup and diverse community support an engaging, globally minded educational experience.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association CSM Parents is the Canadian School of Milan's Parent Teacher Association. The goal is to strengthen the school community and encourage parental involvement, including Class Representatives, to improve communication and support fundraising through school events. CSM Parents meets regularly to organise activities such as liaising with Class Representatives, meeting with the Principal and school management to propose fundraising activities and community initiatives, and providing welcome at the start of the year. Events organized by the CSM Parents include the Halloween Party, Christmas Fair, Careers Fair, Canada Fest, Family breakfasts, and parent talks; funds raised have contributed to equipment and resources for the school. Class Representatives act as the liaison for a class and help coordinate communication, social events and gifts, and participate in meetings with School Management as needed.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Co-Curricular Activities provide a diverse and evolving range of clubs that balance the rigorous IB programme with broader learning experiences. Primary School clubs include Art Club, Arts & Crafts, Baby Dance, Ballet, Chess, Chinese, Choir, Cursive Writing clinic, French for Beginners, Robotics, Mindfulness, Reading Club, Theatre Club, Violin Group and Wind Instruments. Senior School clubs include Debate Club, Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, Robotics, SAT Preparation, Italian Conversation, German for Beginners, English Clinic, and Italian language support, as well as activities such as School Musical and Orchestra. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is also offered as part of student leadership and service activities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts and musical pursuits are supported through Private Music Lessons and a range of co-curricular options. Private Music Lessons offer instrument and voice instruction with performance practice workshops and student recitals; lessons run Monday to Friday for Kindergarten through Grade 12, and teachers are qualified professional musicians who can prepare students for ABRSM exams. Co-Curricular Arts activities include Choir, Theatre Club, Orchestra, Violin Group, and Wind Instruments, as well as Song and Storytime and other creative activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language and cultural opportunities include Primary School Chinese and French for Beginners; Senior School offers German for Beginners, Italian Conversation, and Spanish Conversation, along with English language clinics and language-related study support. Model United Nations conferences in Madrid and New York broaden public speaking, diplomacy and global awareness.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Co-Curricular Activities support social engagement and personal interests beyond academics, with options such as Board Games, Calcetto Soccer, Chess, Chinese for Beginners, Choir, Drama in French, DJ/Podcasting related activities, and Yoga & Mindfulness. Primary and Senior School students also participate in sports like Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer, alongside performance and creative clubs.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Student Citizenship and Leadership encourages students to take an active role in school life and the local community, developing social responsibility through meaningful community service. Leadership is woven into all grades, with opportunities to assume roles in Student Council and a School House System that promotes teamwork and school spirit. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award further supports volunteering, expeditions, and service activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership is embedded across the school from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with student leadership roles and involvement in decision-making. Each division has a Student Council to collaborate with peers and faculty, and a House System to foster leadership, cooperation and school spirit. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides structured opportunities to develop leadership, resilience and service.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student wellbeing is a central priority, with a dedicated counselling service offering confidential one-to-one sessions and group workshops focused on motivation, personal development and emotional resilience. All campuses are staffed with qualified first aiders to ensure physical safety. Mindfulness and Yoga are available through cocurriculars, and sports such as Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer support physical wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of study. French is studied as a second language starting from Kindergarten (5 years), with preparation for external DELF exams available for all ages. Italian language instruction begins in Grade 1, with programs for native Italian speakers and beginner Italian for international students. French and Italian teachers are native speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Book tour. We offer campus tours and Open Days where you can ask questions, learn about our curriculum, and see learning in action. These visits provide an opportunity to observe the school environment and discuss questions with staff. The admissions process begins with scheduling a tour. 2. Complete the online application. Please upload: past 2 years of school reports, copy of passport or ID, any document disclosing your child's Special Educational Needs diagnosis (if applicable), any relevant document regarding guardianship or custody when a parent has full custody following a separation or divorce. A Reference Form is required for senior school applicants. 3. Assessment stage. Our Admissions Team will contact you to schedule a student interview and any necessary assessments. In some cases, entry assessments may be requested prior to the interview, depending on the student's previous schooling and report cards. All applicants for grades 9-12 are required to complete an entry assessment, regardless of educational background. 4. Offer of place. Within 5 working days of the interview or entry assessment, our Admissions Team will communicate our decision regarding the offer of a place. Families are asked to confirm their decision within 10 days of the Offer of Place by paying the Admission Fee. If this payment is not received, the place will be offered to the next applicant on our waiting list.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting list. The school uses a waiting list for offers that are not immediately confirmed. If an offered place is not confirmed within 10 days by paying the Admission Fee, the place is offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.
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