doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
I

International School of Trieste

Italy, Trieste

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €5,010 - 16,430
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Opened 1964
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Indian Curriculum
Taught languages Italian, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing, Arts and Creative
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Founded in 1964, the International School of Trieste (IST) serves approximately 360 students from Kinder 2 to Grade 13. Located in the Carso hills overlooking Trieste, the campus provides a customized English-immersion curriculum developed by faculty, culminating in a diploma legally recognized by the Italian state. Students engage in core subjects alongside electives like Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and 3D Art. A standout feature of the high school program is the Senior Thesis, a required 8,000-word research project where students conduct primary data collection and analysis before graduation. The school supports daily student life with a cafeteria, university counseling, and transportation routes covering Trieste, Ronchi dei Legionari, and Udine. Extracurricular options include modern dance, mini-basketball, and volleyball, ensuring students stay active. The international faculty, representing 15 countries, guides students through a structured educational journey, preparing them for higher education across Europe and beyond.

Via di Conconello, 16, 34151 Trieste TS, Italy

The Essentials

International School of Trieste has 350 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
Trieste, Italy, in the Opicina district. Located at Via di Conconello 16, 34151 Opicina (Trieste).

Stages
The school is organized into five age-based sections: Nursery (ages 2–3); Early Childhood (ages 3–6); Elementary School (ages 6–11); Middle School (ages 11–14); High School (ages 14–19). The High School opened in 2006.

Type
Non-profit English-language international school. Diplomas are fully and legally recognized by Italian law and enable admission to Italian and foreign universities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
31 nationalities represented.

Country affiliation
Italy.

School day structure
Morning supervision is available from 7:30 am or 8:00 am; Afternoon supervision runs 3:00–3:45 pm. The Trieste bus shuttle operates daily between the city centre and IST (8:00 am from Piazza Oberdan; 4:00 pm from IST), with IST arrivals at 8:25 am and 4:25 pm; regional shuttles to Udine and Ronchi dei Legionari are available with stops along the route, subject to availability and health guidelines.

Bus service
Trieste bus shuttle: daily service to and from the city centre; morning 8:00 am departure, IST arrival 8:25 am; afternoon 4:00 pm departure, IST arrival 4:25 pm; stops can be arranged; regional shuttles to Udine and Ronchi dei Legionari with stops in Monfalcone, Duino and Sistiana; subject to seat availability and health guidelines.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
A physical education uniform is required: grey T-shirt and navy blue track suit or shorts.

Food Options
Lunch is provided daily for all students; snacks for Early Childhood; meals are prepared on site by a kitchen team; vegan/vegetarian and allergy accommodations are available; Pedevilla is the catering company for 2025–2026.

Governance and Ownership
Non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors; President is dott. Alberto Fonzar; the board includes a Vice President, an Honorary President, and other members. The school was founded in 1964 as a non-profit by the ICTP and the Italo-American Association.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Trieste ranges from EUR 5,010 to EUR 16,430 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees

- First enrollment (application) fee (per student): EUR 400.00.
- Re-enrolment fee (for subsequent years): EUR 260.00.
- Discount: the enrolment fee and the annual tuition fee for a third child enrolled at the school are reduced by 50%.

Tuition fees by year group (annual) and instalment amount (10 equal instalments)

- Kinder 2 (part-time): EUR 4,866.00 — Monthly instalment (10 equal instalments): EUR 486.60.
- Kinder 2 (full-time) and Kinder 3 & 4: EUR 8,110.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 811.00.
- Kindergarten (Kinder 5): EUR 9,120.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 912.00.
- Elementary School (Grades 1–5): EUR 10,290.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 1,029.00.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): EUR 10,740.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 1,074.00.
- High School (on-site): EUR 11,390.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 1,139.00.
- High School (distance learning with supervisor): EUR 15,950.00 — Monthly instalment: EUR 1,595.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The annual tuition fee is due in its entirety upon enrolment; families may choose one of two payment methods:
- One payment in full by 30 September, or
- Ten equal instalments to be paid by the 15th day of each month beginning in September (for example: 15.09.25, 15.10.25, etc.).
- Payments must be made by bank transfer (bank transfer only for the 2025–2026 school year).
- Late or missed payments: failure to pay two instalments (even if non-consecutive) entitles the School to pursue legal recovery of outstanding fees and to suspend the student's attendance with 30 days' notice. Both parents who have signed the enrolment agreement are jointly responsible for unpaid amounts.

Boarding fees

- The school operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees (no boarding provision/fees listed).

Other charges and optional services

- Afternoon supervision (annual): EUR 495.00.
- Transportation (bus shuttle) — annual subscriptions (may be adjusted depending on number of students using the service):
- Trieste (Piazza Oberdan): EUR 1,190.00.
- Ronchi dei Legionari: EUR 2,590.00.
- Udine: EUR 3,110.00.
- The annual fee includes daily meals and the loan use of textbooks (textbooks remain the property of the School).
- Uniforms / dress expectations: a physical education uniform is required — a grey IST T‑shirt and a navy blue tracksuit or shorts are specified for PE. (No separate uniform fee schedule is listed in the tuition document; uniform requirements are set in the Student–Parent Handbook.)

Refunds, withdrawals and reductions

- Once the annual enrolment form is submitted the annual fee becomes wholly due, but the School may apply a reduction on the annual fee if a family withdraws the student before the start of the school year or within specified windows. The reduction schedule is as follows:
- If the student does not start the year and notice of withdrawal is given by 30 April preceding the start of the school year: reduction equivalent to nine instalments of the annual fee.
- If notice of withdrawal is given by 30 June: reduction equivalent to eight instalments of the annual fee.
- If notice of withdrawal is given between 1 July and 31 August: reduction equivalent to seven instalments of the annual fee.
- If the student starts the year but is withdrawn by 30 November of that academic year: reduction equivalent to three instalments of the annual fee.
- The School may consider exceptional circumstances for other adjustments; standard policy and the Executive Committee's discretion apply.

Accepted payment methods and administrative notes

- For the 2025–2026 school year, payment is accepted by bank transfer only and may be made either as a single payment by 30 September or in ten equal monthly instalments due on the 15th of each month starting in September.
Academics

International School of Trieste teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Indian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The IST Curriculum uses a total-immersion English program across Early Childhood through High School, with Italian taught by native-speaker teachers and Italian as a core subject. Early Childhood (Kinder 2–5) covers Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with Physical Education introduced in Kinder 4 and 5. Elementary (Grades 1–5) includes Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with Italian taught by native speakers; Physical Education, Art and Music complete the program. Middle School (Grades 6–8) offers English Language and Literature, Italian Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, and World Languages (French, German or Spanish); Grade 8 may take the A2 CEFR examinations in French (DELF), Spanish (DELE) or German (ÖSD). High School (Grades 9–13) provides English Language and Literature, Italian Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and World Languages; World Language external exams at B1/B2 CEFR levels are available in Grades 12–13. Electives in Grades 9–11 include 2D Art, Mandarin Chinese I, Math Lab, Communication or Latin, with Latin introduced in Grade 7; Grades 12–13 electives include 3D Art, Mandarin Chinese II, Physics II, Study Hall, Communication or Latin. PE is taught in Grades 9–10. The final two years include Research Design to support the Senior Thesis (an 8000-word capstone). The Diploma is fully and legally recognized under Italian law designed for the school.

Student Teacher Ratio
1:7

Exam Results
IST graduates have been accepted to prestigious universities around the world. Since the first High School graduates in 2011, more than 120 students have gone on to study at universities in Italy and abroad. The majority pursue English-language programs. Recent acceptances include St Andrews (UK), Dartmouth College (USA), Bocconi University (Italy), Florida Tech (USA), Northeastern University (USA), University of Trieste (Italy), Sciences Po (France), University of Surrey (UK), UCL (UK), King's College London (UK), Cambridge (UK), Sorbonne University (France), The University of Hong Kong, Waseda University (Japan) and Yonsei University (South Korea).

Higher Education Progression
Graduates enroll in universities in Italy and abroad, with many pursuing English-language programs. Since 2011 IST has produced High School graduates who attend universities worldwide; the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and Italy are among the most popular destinations. Recent acceptances include St Andrews, Dartmouth, Bocconi, Florida Tech, Northeastern, Trieste, Sciences Po, Surrey, UCL, King's College London, Cambridge, Sorbonne, HKU, Waseda and Yonsei.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The International School of Trieste emphasizes social-emotional development and character education as part of a well-rounded program. In Early Childhood, the environment fosters caring behavior and the development of essential character traits, with students encouraged to be a “Caring Student.” The school describes its mission as providing a well-rounded education with a focus on character and preparing students as global citizens for diverse opportunities and studies. The school's culture centers on relationships, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding as core to learning. These elements support students' social-emotional growth across all grades.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Education is delivered in English through total immersion; all subjects are taught in English. For middle school, an assessment may determine the need for English or Italian language support (EAL or IAL).

Mental Wellbeing
The University Counseling Center offers guidance and support during the orientation and application process for Italian and foreign universities, and a detailed University Handbook is given to all Grade 11 students. Counseling programs are aligned with standards of the American School Counseling Association.

Safeguarding
The school states that safeguarding students is taken very seriously; prospective staff are required to present background checks and follow related school procedures upon hiring.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Trieste was founded in 1964 as a non-profit organization by the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the Italo-American Association (then a United States Consulate). The High School opened in 2006, building on forty years of experience in Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School. IST graduates have enrolled in world-class universities around the globe. IST is the only international school in Italy to issue diplomas fully and legally recognized by Italian law.

Community
IST is a community-focused school with students from Kinder 2 to Grade 13. It prepares students to be global citizens with the skills to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. A vibrant alumni network features stories of graduates and their achievements. The school's Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run body that welcomes new families, organizes social and fundraising events, and supports teachers with extra-curricular activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The IST PTC (Parent-Teacher Committee) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization. The Statute provides two parent representatives on the Board (one Italian and one non-Italian) elected for two years by popular vote. The PTC promotes collaboration within the IST community, welcomes new families, and organizes social and fundraising events for parents and students. It also helps teachers organize extra-curricular activities and collects family proposals for new projects in line with school policy. The Committee is made up of Class Representatives (up to two per class) and IST Teachers (up to three); Class Representatives communicate between parents and the school, attend meetings, and oversee activities such as bake sales, the Welcome Event and Family Day, and fundraising. The PTC funds come from donations and a yearly voluntary contribution from IST families, and are used exclusively for the Committee's objectives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IST has new sports facilities that can be rented to outside groups. The gymnasium includes an indoor basketball court, a volleyball court, and lines for soccer, plus external basketball and volleyball courts and a five-a-side outdoor soccer pitch with lighting. The gym is a modern wooden structure with a double PVC layered dome and an elastic-coated floor. It contains regulation-height basketball hoops (adjustable) and four wall-mounted hoops, along with a regulation-size volleyball court. Outdoor facilities comprise a 40x20 m synthetic grass soccer pitch with lighting, an outdoor volleyball court, and an outdoor mini-basketball court.

Sports Facilities
The gym houses an indoor basketball court, a volleyball court, and lines for soccer. The structure is a modern wooden frame with a double PVC layered dome and colored, elastic flooring. It includes regulation basketball hoops (adjustable in height) and four wall-mounted hoops, plus a volleyball court of regulation size for international play. Outdoor facilities include a five-a-side outdoor soccer pitch with lighting (40x20 m), an outdoor volleyball court, and an outdoor mini-basketball court.

Academic Facilities
Science labs exist on campus for science instruction. The campus supports immersive language classes as part of IST's instructional program. IST serves students from Kinder 2 to Grade 13. The Director's Welcome notes that the campus features science labs and immersive language classes across the school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
IST offers after-school activities including Mini Basketball, Volleyball, and Modern Dance, all held in the gym. Mini Basketball is run in collaboration with Azzurra Team Trieste and features hundreds of enrollees across related clubs and youth sectors. Volleyball is offered in collaboration with Asd Eurovolley School for Grades 3–9. Modern Dance is run with EleDance by Eleonora Violin for Grades Kinder 5–8, with an option to involve a family member. All courses activate with a minimum of 10 enrolled participants and include two weeks of free trial lessons; enrollment details are provided by the program coordinators.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
After-school Activities include Mini Basketball, Volleyball, and Modern Dance, held in the IST gym. Mini Basketball is run with Azzurra Team Trieste for children from K5 to Grade 5, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., from September 23, 2025 to May 28, 2026, with two weeks of free trials and a minimum of 10 participants. Volleyball is organized with Asd Eurovolley School for Grades 3–9, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., from September 15, 2025 to May 27, 2026, with two weeks of free trials. Modern Dance is offered with EleDance by Eleonora Violin for Kinder 5 to Grade 8, on Fridays after lessons until 5:15 p.m., from October 3, 2025 to May 29, 2026, with the option to involve a family member; the course ends with an open-house class and EleDance show.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for most subjects; Italian is taught by native-speaking teachers as a separate language course. World Languages offered are French, German, and Spanish; Latin is introduced in Grade 7, and Mandarin Chinese I and II are elective options in higher grades. Grade 8 students may take the A2 level external examinations in French (DELF), Spanish (DELE), and German (ÖSD). In Grades 12 and 13, students may take B1 or B2 CEFR level external examinations in French, Spanish, and German; Latin and Mandarin Chinese II are offered as electives in high school.

Immersion Programs
English language acquisition is delivered through a total immersion model; all subject areas are taught in English except Italian, Latin, and World Languages. Italian is taught by native-speaking teachers in Elementary. World Languages offered are French, German, and Spanish; Latin is introduced in Grade 7, and Mandarin Chinese I and II are elective options in higher grades. Grade 8 students may take the A2 level external examinations in French (DELF), Spanish (DELE), and German (ÖSD). In Grades 12 and 13, students may take B1 or B2 CEFR level external examinations in French, Spanish, and German; Latin and Mandarin Chinese II are offered as electives in high school.
Reputation

Accreditations
MSA accreditation since 1990; last accreditation May 2019
ECIS and CIS member organizations
Admissions

Admissions
1. Parents wishing to enroll their children should arrange an initial appointment through the Front Office via phone or email, which takes place between 8:35am and 3:45pm. A member of the Welcome Committee will greet the family, provide a tour of the school, and answer questions concerning the taught program and school life. The visit introduces families to the school environment and daily life to support the enrollment decision. The Front Office coordinates the appointment and guides families through the next steps.

2. For students seeking admission to the Middle School or High School sections, an admission test and/or an interview with the Director and/or teachers is required to determine the scholastic level of the candidate and placement for the class for which they have applied. This process also determines whether English as an Additional Language (EAL) support may be necessary. Applicants must provide their two most recent report cards upon application.

3. With some exceptions, enrollment is possible at any time during the school year provided there is space in the appropriate class. Early applications are encouraged to check space in the preferred grade. The admissions process considers test results and interviews to determine placement and EAL needs. Registration and placement decisions are managed through the Front Office and the Director.

4. For inquiries about the school or to apply now, contact the Front Office via email or telephone. The online application form is accessible through the admissions link to begin the process. The Front Office provides guidance on next steps and required documents for admission.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Italy View all schools in Trieste View all schools in Italy Open days & tours in Trieste View all schools Search all schools