Compare 6 international schools in Florence, Italy. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 13,304), location, and more to find the right international school now.
International School of Florence - Junior School Campus
Oldest
International School of Florence - Junior School Campus (1952)
With boarding
2
About international schools in Florence, Italy
Florence has a small but well-established group of international and bilingual schools that serve expatriate and local families, with provision from early years up to age 18. You will commonly find English-medium schools offering the International Baccalaureate and American-style programmes alongside bilingual Italian - English schools and a French curriculum option; some institutions operate as scuole paritarie (state-recognised private schools) while others are fully independent. Annual tuition varies substantially by school and age, typically from the low thousands into the mid-five figures euros once extras such as entrance fees, transport and trips are included. Admissions are usually planned for the next September intake, so families often apply several months in advance and should expect re-enrolment and deposit deadlines in the winter/spring for continuing pupils.
Which curricula are offered by international schools in Florence?
Florence schools commonly offer the International Baccalaureate alongside American-style programmes and Cambridge/IGCSE pathways, and there is at least one French-curriculum school; some bilingual schools blend the Italian national curriculum with international syllabuses. The exact mix depends on the school - check each school’s published pathway for details and which years they cover.
How much should we budget for international school fees in Florence?
Annual tuition varies by school and by age: published fees in Florence range from roughly mid-thousands of euros at some bilingual or paritaria schools up to around twenty thousand euros or more at fully private international schools, with separate charges for enrolment, entrance fees, meals, transport and optional activities. Always read the fee schedule carefully and ask for a full cost breakdown (exam fees, uniforms and school trips are commonly charged extra).
When is the right time to apply and how do admissions work?
Most schools run a September-to-June academic year and plan places for the next September intake, so families normally apply several months in advance with peak enquiries in the late winter and spring; continuing families are usually asked to re-enrol and pay deposits on a published timetable. Admissions often include an application form, supply of records, and an assessment or interview; spaces can be limited in particular year groups, so early contact is advisable.
What languages will my child learn and what if we want Italian included?
Instruction is typically in English at English-medium schools, but several Florence schools offer true bilingual programmes where substantial parts of the day are taught in both Italian and English, and a French programme is available at the French school. Many international schools place emphasis on rapid Italian acquisition for newcomers and integrate Italian language and culture into the curriculum, especially where the school holds paritaria recognition.
What should we look for when visiting an international school in Florence?
On a visit, check which curriculum and final qualifications the school awards, how university or university-equivalence guidance is delivered, the school’s approach to learning-support and language acquisition, and practical matters such as transport links and wrap-around care. Also request a sample fee schedule and the school’s published calendar so you can compare total costs and key deadlines before deciding.
