International Schools in Italy: Top Picks for Expat Families

Relocating to Italy can be a dream—mild climate, beautiful cities, world-class food, and generous tax incentives for new residents. But for families, one concern often rises above the rest: education.

High-net-worth individuals moving to Italy with children don’t just want any school. They want continuity, quality, and a global outlook. They want an education system that will allow their children to transition smoothly between countries, qualify for top universities abroad, and develop the kind of international mindset that today’s world demands.

Italy is known for its culture, art, and academic heritage—but many foreign families are surprised to discover just how wide and varied the international school offering has become. Whether you're moving to Milan, Rome, Florence, Ticino or even smaller towns, the country offers a growing selection of private schools designed specifically for globally mobile families.

The Rise of International Education in Italy

In the last two decades, Italy has seen a boom in international education. Some schools were founded decades ago by diplomatic communities; others are more recent, born out of demand from international corporations, embassies, and expat entrepreneurs.

Today, Italy offers:

• British-style schools with IGCSEs and A-levels

• American schools with a U.S. curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) options

• International Baccalaureate (IB) programs

• Multilingual schools with strong local integration

• Faith-based institutions (especially Catholic, but also other denominations)

Many of these schools don’t just accept international students—they are built around them. English is usually the main language of instruction, though some offer bilingual tracks with Italian, French, German, or even Mandarin.

What Expats Look For

Choosing a school is a deeply personal decision, but for most families relocating under Italy’s flat tax or investor visa programs, a few factors tend to dominate:

First, there’s language. If the family doesn’t speak Italian, an English-speaking environment is essential—not just for academics, but for emotional well-being.

Then comes curriculum. Will the child return to their home country in a few years? Will they apply to American, British or European universities? Some families prefer the structure and predictability of the British system; others favor the holistic and globally recognized International Baccalaureate.

Extracurriculars and facilities are another major consideration. Families accustomed to international standards expect campuses with sports fields, arts programs, music, and tech labs. And they want pastoral care: schools that understand what it means to support a child through cultural transitions.

Key Locations and Schools to Know

If you're relocating to Milan, you’ll find a cluster of high-end schools such as the American School of Milan, The British School of Milan, and International School of Milan—all offering strong academics and full IB programs. Milan also hosts French, German, and Swiss schools for those coming from those systems.

Rome offers similar breadth, including the American Overseas School of Rome, St. Stephen’s, and The New School Rome—each with its own cultural approach and academic strengths.

Florence, despite its smaller size, is home to the International School of Florence, one of the oldest international schools in Italy, with a strong reputation and global alumni network.

Families relocating to northern Italy or the Swiss border, especially to Lugano, Como, or Varese, often consider schools just across the Swiss border in Ticino. One standout is TASIS – The American School in Switzerland, which combines U.S. academics, an IB track, and a breathtaking campus overlooking Lake Lugano. TASIS is particularly attractive to families who plan to travel frequently or maintain dual residency between Switzerland and Italy.

Admissions: What to Expect

Admissions processes vary from school to school, but most require:

• Transcripts from previous years

• Letters of recommendation

• An interview or placement test (especially for older students)

• Language assessment if the student is not fluent in the language of instruction

Waiting lists can be long in popular cities, so it’s advisable to begin the process early—even six to twelve months before the move.

Fees are on par with top-tier international schools globally, ranging from €15,000 to over €35,000 per year, depending on the grade level, school, and boarding options (if applicable).

Some schools offer boarding, which can be an excellent solution for families still in transition or for parents who travel frequently.

Integration vs. Isolation

One concern expat families often have is whether international schools become “bubbles”—cut off from the local culture. The answer? It depends on the school—and on the family.

Many international schools in Italy actively encourage cultural immersion through language classes, local history modules, exchange programs, and community service. Some offer bilingual diplomas or pathways to Italian high school certification, which can be useful for longer-term residents.

Families can also foster integration by participating in local sports clubs, volunteering, or enrolling their children in after-school Italian courses.

Long-Term Educational Strategy

Relocating to Italy with children isn’t just about finding a school for next year—it’s about building a long-term educational path that aligns with the family’s values, future plans, and tax residency.

Italy’s international schools offer stability in a new environment and continuity with global standards. Whether your child is aiming for Oxford, Harvard, Bocconi or simply a future of international opportunity, the right school can turn relocation into an advantage, not a disruption.

✉️ Need help navigating international schools as part of your move to Italy?

We work with families every day to plan their relocation holistically—from visas and housing to schools and tax strategy.

📩 Contact us at info@knotted.ch

📱 Or message us on WhatsApp: +41 76 771 30 22