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The International School in Genoa

Italy, Genoa

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,840 - 13,983
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1966
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Italian, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

ISG, International School in Genoa, is a not-for-profit international school delivering the International Baccalaureate continuum from early years through high school. The campus serves students aged 2 to 18 with English instruction; EAL support and formal Italian are provided in all classes. Italian language development is supported, and additional languages—French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin—are offered in secondary school. ISG is the first IB Continuum School in Liguria and an IB World School, accredited by the Council of International Schools. The curriculum provides a complete path from Early Years to the IB Diploma (DP) for ages 2–17, with PYP in Early Years and Elementary, MYP in Grades 6–10, and DP in Grades 11–12. Facilities include science laboratories, an Innovation Lab for Computer Science and Design & Technology, a library with thousands of books in multiple languages, and a 6,000-square-metre campus at Genova-Quarto. After-school activities, field trips, and a summer program enrich student life.

Via Romana della Castagna, 8, 16148 Genova GE, Italy

The Essentials

The International School in Genoa has instruction in English.

Location

The International School in Genoa is located in Genova Quarto, Genoa's eastern district. It is about 5 km from Genoa city center and about 20 km from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo International Airport, with easy access from major highways.

Stages

ISG serves students from preschool (ages 2–5) to high school (age 17/Grade 12). It offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with English as the language of instruction. Italian language study is offered, and a third language (French, Spanish, Mandarin, or German) is available in Middle and High School.

Type

Not-for-profit international school offering IB programmes.

Additional learning support

ISG is inclusive and welcomes students with different English language proficiency and different academic needs who require additional resources.

Country affiliation

Italy

School day structure

Office hours are 8:00 am–5:00 pm. The school day runs 8:15 am–3:40 pm for Early Years through High School; after-school activities run 3:45 pm–4:45 pm and the Extended Day/Child Care Club runs to 5:20 pm.

Bus service

The school offers an external bus service operated by Cairo Car, with coastal routes from Arenzano to Santa Margherita Ligure and a Late Bus Service for after-school activities.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

ISG does not have any boarding facilities. Students must reside with at least one parent or legal guardian.

Uniform Requirement

There is no school uniform. Students must dress appropriately and respectfully at school. From Reception to Grade 10, students wear an ISG t-shirt for Physical Education.

Food Options

A catering company prepares daily hot meals in the school kitchen. All students have lunch in school and the cost is included in the tuition.

Governance and Ownership

The International School of Genoa is a not-for-profit organisation and operates as an association; families pay a one-time membership fee to become associates.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International School in Genoa ranges from EUR 7,840 to EUR 13,983 for 2026/27.

Application and one‑time entrance fees
- Early Years (at time of application): New Family Membership Fee €1,000; New Child Capital Fee €750.
- Elementary (at time of application): New Family Membership Fee €2,000; New Child Capital Fee €750.
- Middle & High School (at time of application): New Family Membership Fee €2,000; New Child Capital Fee €750; an additional Middle & High School Entrance Fee €1,000 (one‑time).

Tuition fees by year group (annual) and typical per‑instalment charging
- Early Years (ages 2–5) — annual tuition (includes registration & maintenance fees and cafeteria where noted):
- Reception (age 2): €7,840. Typical billing: advance on tuition €700 at registration; then two equal instalments of €3,570.00 (50% of the remaining balance) due in September and February.
- Preschool (age 3): €10,686. Typical instalments after €700 advance: €4,993.00 and €4,993.00.
- Pre‑Kindergarten (age 4): €10,767. Typical instalments after €700 advance: €5,033.50 and €5,033.50.
- Kindergarten (age 5): €11,135. Typical instalments after €700 advance: €5,217.50 and €5,217.50.

- Elementary School (Grades 1–5) — annual tuition (includes registration & maintenance, cafeteria costs; EAL/IFL support when stated):
- Grade 1: €12,910. Instalments after €700 advance: €6,105.00 and €6,105.00.
- Grade 2: €13,906. Instalments after €700 advance: €6,603.00 and €6,603.00.
- Grade 3: €14,686. Instalments after €700 advance: €6,993.00 and €6,993.00.
- Grade 4: €14,989. Instalments after €700 advance: €7,144.50 and €7,144.50.
- Grade 5: €15,444. Instalments after €700 advance: €7,372.00 and €7,372.00.

- Middle & High School (Grades 6–12) — annual tuition (includes registration & maintenance, cafeteria, and listed inclusions):
- Grade 6: €15,618. Instalments after €700 advance: €7,459.00 and €7,459.00.
- Grade 7: €15,766. Instalments after €700 advance: €7,533.00 and €7,533.00.
- Grade 8: €15,980. Instalments after €700 advance: €7,640.00 and €7,640.00.
- Grade 9: €18,196. Instalments after €700 advance: €8,748.00 and €8,748.00.
- Grade 10: €18,196. Instalments after €700 advance: €8,748.00 and €8,748.00.
- Grade 11: €19,346. Instalments after €700 advance: €9,323.00 and €9,323.00. Note: IB Diploma (Grades 11–12) students must pay additional IB exam/registration fees set annually by the IB office (not included).
- Grade 12: €19,346. Instalments after €700 advance: €9,323.00 and €9,323.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- At registration the family pays any applicable one‑time membership and capital fees, the annual enrolment/maintenance fee, and an advance on tuition of €700. The €700 advance is deducted from the total tuition.
- The remainder of the tuition (annual tuition minus €700) is billed in two equal instalments: 50% due in September and 50% due in February.
- A 30% discount is applied to the annual tuition for the third child in the same family.

Boarding
- The school does not offer boarding facilities; all provision is for day students.

Other costs and recurring additional charges
- After‑school activities / extracurriculars: standard activities cost between €160 and €200 per activity per trimester (price quoted per trimester for activities offered once a week). Some extra‑curricular programmes (e.g., Musical Production, Athletics, MUN, Yearbook) are listed as free of charge while other after‑school activities carry the per‑trimester fee. Books, specific course materials, and IB examination fees are not included in the stated tuition.
- Child Care Club / Extended Day Care (per school year): Early Years rates up to €1,800 per year (5 days/week). Elementary rates shown (per school year) up to €1,500 with scaled prices by days attended: for example, 5 days €1,500; 4 days €1,340; 3 days €1,190; 2 days €890; 1 day €490 (where listed). Exact offering depends on year group.
- School bus / transport: bus service is provided by an external company (Cairocar); bus costs are not included in the tuition and must be arranged with that provider directly.
- Uniforms and P.E. clothing: P.E. uniform is required; the school's dress code describes uniform expectations but specific uniform purchase costs are not listed.

Refunds and cancellations
- No refund or withdrawal policy details are published on the school's fees page; families should note that specific refund/cancellation terms are not listed with the fee schedule.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer is accepted and the school provides full bank details (multiple IBANs and SWIFT codes for different banks) for payments: BPER BANCA (IBAN IT32 K 05387 01412 0000 4706 2235; SWIFT BPMOIT22), BANCA PASSADORE (IBAN IT42 Z 03332 01400 0000 0096 2550; SWIFT PASBITGG), and CREDIT AGRICOLE (IBAN IT32 R 06230 01482 0000 3055 1949; SWIFT CRPPIT2P). Other payment methods (for example credit/debit card) are not listed on the fees page.

Notes on discounts and inclusions
- The ECE Fidelity Policy applies to new students entering Reception/Pre‑School/Pre‑Kindergarten/Kindergarten: an extra 10% discount is applied to ECE new students' total tuition fees; a 15% discount is applied for Grade 1 under this policy (as described).

(For clarifications about any specific line item such as annual registration fee amounts where not shown, exact refund terms, or accepted non‑bank payment methods, consult the school's admissions contact.)
Academics

The International School in Genoa teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

The ISG curriculum provides a complete path from Early Years to the IB Diploma for ages 2–17. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered in Early Years and Elementary, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6–10, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. ISG is the first IB Continuum School in Liguria and an IB World School. English is the language of instruction with English as an Additional Language support; formal Italian instruction is included in all classes; Italian language development is supported; French, Spanish, German and Mandarin are offered as additional languages in the Secondary School.

Exam Results

IB results published by ISG show an overall IB diploma average of 33.9 points (out of 45) over the last five years. The school's IB programme offers courses across groups and pathways, and graduates have gone on to universities in 14 countries, including institutions in the United States such as American University, Boston University, Columbia University, Fordham University, George Mason University and New York University. ISG graduates have earned admission offers from numerous universities worldwide.

Higher Education Progression

ISG graduates go on to study at universities worldwide, including many in the United States and Europe. Examples of US institutions that have offered admission to ISG graduates include American University, Boston University, Columbia University, Fordham University, George Mason University, and New York University.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a school psychologist available for guidance, offering consultations and support to students, parents, and teachers throughout the year. The psychologist also provides thematic workshops for all grade levels. In secondary school, advisory periods have dedicated times for the development of social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has a Learning Support Programme to meet students' academic needs. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports non-native English speakers. Italian as an Additional Language (Italian B) supports international students during school hours. Learning Support Specialists work with families and faculty to monitor progress. For students with documented educational needs, an IEP is designed and accommodations are provided, with up to three support periods per week.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for non-native English speakers. Students in Grades 1-8 are assessed to determine English proficiency and may be enrolled in EAL support in an immersive and inclusive environment. By Grade 9, students are expected to demonstrate at least an intermediate level of English (B1/B2) and, for Grade 10 or above, at least an advanced level (C1/C2); additional English support is provided as needed to reach the required level.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported by the school psychologist, who provides consultations and thematic workshops for all grade levels. In secondary school, advisory periods allocate time for the development of social, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding

The school maintains safeguarding policies including a Child Protection policy and an Anti-Bullying policy.
Parent Experience

History

ISG began in 1966 when three American families founded The American School of Genoa to provide an American-style education in Genoa. In 1981 the Italian Ministry authorized an English-language school named The American International School, which opened in Genova Quarto with fewer than 50 students. In the 1990s the school moved to Priaruggia near Garibaldi's historic site, expanding from early years through middle school and adopting the international name as the community grew. In 2002 ISG was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme, with the first graduating class in 2004. A 2007 move to a new campus near the sea and the 2009 opening of the Via Romana della Castagna campus marked a new era; today the school offers a complete English-language program leading to the IB Diploma and is accredited by the Council of International Schools.

Community

ISG is a diverse, inclusive, family-oriented international school community, and all families are welcome to become part of it. The community includes teachers, students, alumni and families, with involvement opportunities through groups such as the Parent Association (PTA) and the Parent Advisory Group (PAG).

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Association (PTA) coordinates a wide range of school and social events and is central to building the ISG community spirit. All families are welcomed and encouraged to participate; all nationalities are celebrated. The PTA organizes events for students, including a Halloween festival, a Carnival parade, a Spring fair, an International Day barbeque, and more; it also supports welcoming new families and arranging social events for ISG parents inside and outside the school, such as Thanksgiving dinner, city tours, nature walks and city-centre aperitivos. These activities are made possible by parent volunteers, creating friendships, lifelong memories for students, and a positive atmosphere across ISG.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The International School in Genoa (ISG) is a not-for-profit school providing international education for students in Genoa's metropolitan area. The school serves students from early years through high school, with programmes designed for ages 2 to 17. ISG offers an IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) from preschool to grade 12.

Sports Facilities

The historic campus sits on a 6000 square meter site in Genova-Quarto, featuring spaces such as science labs, an auditorium, an art room, a library, a cafeteria, outdoor sports fields, and cross-country paths for outdoor learning.

Academic Facilities

ISG provides well-equipped science laboratories and an Innovation lab dedicated to Computer Science and Design & Technology. The library hosts thousands of books in multiple languages (including Italian and other languages).

Extra Curricular Facilities

Student life includes a range of after-school activities, field trips, and a summer school program, with facilities and spaces designed to support learning beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ISG offers after-school activities tailored to each year group, run by qualified teachers and instructors. The program includes Junior MUN and MUN Club, a Newspaper Club, and Math Club to develop debate, research, and mathematical skills. Language options include Spanish, French, German, and Chinese, and there are coding activities and an Innovation Lab; Italian language support is available through an Italian B Class.

Arts & Creative

Arts and Crafts activities foster creativity and manual skills. Pottery Club offers ceramics; Baking Club and Cooking Club develop kitchen skills and teamwork; Dance classes provide movement and artistic expression.

Cultural & Language

One-on-one or small-group lessons can be set up upon request for Spanish, French, German, or Chinese. Italian language programming is strong, including Italian B Class for non-native speakers.

Social & Hobbies

ISG offers a range of clubs and activities for social and hobbies, including Newspaper Club, Chess, Cooking Club, Baking Club, and Arts & Crafts. Sports and movement options include Multisport, Swimming, Tennis, Football, Dance, and Yoga.

Community & Service

The Parent Association (PTA) coordinates events such as Halloween festival, Carnival parade, Spring fair, and International Day barbeque, and supports welcoming new families to the ISG community.

Leadership & Professional

The ISG Student Council is elected to represent the student body, acts as a bridge between students, staff, and parents, and organizes activities, some of which are charitable.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

ISG runs an Extended Day Service (Child Care Club) for ages 2–7 from 3:20 pm to 5:20 pm five days a week. The after-school program also includes Multisport, Swimming, Tennis, Football, Dance, and Yoga to support physical well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction. Italian is the host country language and is taught as a language A in the curriculum; Italian B is offered as a language acquisition course for non-native speakers; in Early Years, Italian instruction is integrated with weekly Italian language exposure.

Bilingual Teaching

Each class has a native English-speaking, certified homeroom teacher supported by a bilingual assistant.

Immersion Programs

English language acquisition is used to immerse children who do not speak English or are beginning to speak English.
Reputation

Awards

The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and has been re-accredited; CIS notes high standards of international education and ongoing improvement.

Accreditations

The International School in Genoa is a not-for-profit association founded in 1966. The school is located at Via Romana della Castagna 11a, 16148 Genova, Italy. The school offers three IB programmes—the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP)—for students from Early Years to Grade 12. The International School in Genoa is the first IB Continuum School in Liguria. The school is an IB World School officially authorized to offer PYP, MYP, and the Diploma Programme.
Admissions

Admissions

Enquire: The Admissions Team welcomes your questions and will learn more about your family. Fill out the online Apply form as a first step. You may also contact ISG by email or by phone. Visit: The ideal time to visit the campus is between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. You can book your visit on the website or by contacting us by phone. If you are not in Genoa, a virtual call can be arranged at your earliest convenience. Apply: The application process starts with online registration and is differentiated by the age of the child. ISG enrols children from age 3 to 18 (Pre-School through Grade 12). Enrolment and grade placement depend on the assessment of academic performance and a screening for English language. Admission is based on available space and the school's ability to offer a program suitable for the applicant's educational needs. The Language support and Special Needs departments are involved to guarantee support and integration in class. When to apply: Children are welcome to join us at any time during the school year and into any year group, space permitting. The enrolment period for the current school year remains open throughout the year. The enrolment period for the following school year typically opens in October. EARLY YEARS: AGES 2-5: 1. APPLY ONLINE. The first step in the admissions process is the online Apply form. Students applying to Early Years are admitted according to space availability. 2. VISIT THE SCHOOL. The visit is preferred between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you are not in Genoa, a virtual call can be arranged. 3. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION ONLINE. Our Admissions Officer will send you a detailed pro forma and the instructions to complete the registration. 4. PLAYGROUP OPPORTUNITY. The Playgroup is a great opportunity for prospective Early Years students to start familiarising with the learning environment, supervised by our Pre-School teachers. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: AGES 6-10: 1. APPLY ONLINE. Complete the online form and create a login password. Upload documents: school records for the previous 2 school years (not compulsory for Grade 1), standardized test results (MAP, IOWA, WrAP, ERB, etc. 2. ENGLISH ASSESSMENT. ISG will conduct an English proficiency assessment and accept previously submitted test results; ESL support is available if needed. 3. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION ONLINE. Our Admissions Officer will send you a detailed pro forma and instructions to complete the registration online. MIDDLE SCHOOL: AGES 11-13: 1. APPLY ONLINE. Complete the online form and upload transcripts for the previous 2 school years; standardized test results (WIDA, MAP, IOWA, WrAP, ERB, etc.); documentation of learning needs including IEPs; request online references from current English and Maths teachers. 2. ENGLISH ASSESSMENT. ISG conducts an English assessment; ESL support is available if needed. 3. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION ONLINE. Admissions Officer will send you detailed pro forma and instructions to complete the registration online. HIGH SCHOOL: AGES 14-17: 1. APPLY ONLINE. Complete the online application and upload transcripts for the previous 3 school years; a Language Proficiency Certificate is required for all non-native English speakers; documentation of learning needs including IEPs; current English and Maths teachers to fill online references. 2. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS. Grade 9 requires at least CEFR B1/B2; Grade 10+ requires at least CEFR C1/C2; students below may be admitted with intensive ESL at additional cost. A Language Proficiency Certificate is required; Duolingo is accepted and results can be sent directly to ISG within 48 hours. 3. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION ONLINE. The Admissions Officer will send a detailed pro forma and instructions to complete the registration online. Language of instruction and Italian/third languages: The language of instruction is English. Italian language and culture are integrated across the curriculum; Italian A is for native speakers and Italian B is for non-native speakers. In Middle and High School a third language is studied, with options including French, Spanish, Mandarin and German. Italian programme: Italian is part of every classroom learning, with Italian A and Italian B courses; ISG received official recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education starting with the first grade of primary in 2023; Italian language instruction is emphasized from Early Years onward; The Italian language and literature are taught through Primary to High School, with CEFR-level distinctions and language development aligned to the IB program.
School Events
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