Compare CBSE / Indian Curriculum International Schools in Italy

Via degli Scozzesi, 13, 00046 Grottaferrata (RM), Italy. Located a few kilometres south of Rome, on the Castelli Romani hills, far from the city smog and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The campus is green and multi-functional with an outdoor amphitheatre, a vegetable garden, a greenhouse, a multi-purpose court (tennis, basketball, volleyball) and two artificial turf football pitches.

Kindergarten (5 years); Primary (6-11); Lower secondary (11-14)

Private day school

Cambridge International program integrated with the Italian curriculum (UK Cambridge); Cambridge Lower and Upper Secondary; Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE exams are internal

The school day runs from 08:30 to 16:30

The school has a day-school model; no boarding is offered.

The cafeteria service is included in the annual fee.

The school is privately owned and operated as Castelli International School S.r.l.

English is the language of instruction. Kindergarten is for 5-year-olds; Primary School is for 6-11 years; Lower Secondary is for 11-14 years. The international student body is well prepared to enter local Italian high schools as well as international high schools. Our students then proceed to national and international universities leading to successful career paths. IGCSE exams are taken in Grade 8 as part of the curriculum. Learning by doing and a holistic approach underpin the curriculum.

Upon graduating Castelli International School, students gain access to prestigious secondary schools followed by excellent universities in Italy and around the world.

The school follows a hands-on, holistic approach to learning that emphasizes collaboration, independent thinking, and critical thinking, supported by the natural campus environment and multi-use facilities.

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1. Castelli International School has a rolling admissions policy, with applications accepted throughout the school year and summer. However, due to the limited number of places available, it is advisable to apply by January preceding the academic year of entrance. The school evaluates applicants on the ability to relate to the school environment academically and socially, readiness for critical analysis, and the ability to face and solve problems, to gather information and communicate it, which are integral to the experiential approach to learning.

2. For Primary School, there is an informal admissions interview held at the school. The interview assesses the child's fit for the program and their readiness to participate in classroom activities. It helps determine the child's capacity to engage academically and socially within the school environment.

3. For lower secondary (Grades 6-8), applicants undergo a written evaluation in English, math and Italian, as well as an interview.

Strada Pecetto, 34, 10023 Chieri (TO), ITALY

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP); Italian Programme

Private, independent, non-denominational day school

36 nationalities represented at IST

ELL programme; Learning Support Programme (IEPs/Action Plans); Advisory Programme with Homeroom Advisors; Counsellor; University Guidance

Non-denominational

Opening 8:30 am every school day; closing 4:45 pm Monday–Thursday; 3:45 pm Friday

Benese Bus Service

The school is a day school; no boarding facilities are provided.

The school uniform is compulsory for Nursery to Grade 10; optional for IB Diploma students in Grades 11 and 12.

A healthy nutritional programme including high-quality fresh products (organic, local, fair trade) and a variety of menus suitable for all nutritional needs with international choices; meals are freshly cooked on site daily.

The school is legally registered as a non-profit association whose membership is composed of the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School. The Board of Directors is elected by association members every three years, appoints the Head of School, and is responsible for administering the association's affairs and ensuring the school's guiding statements and accreditations are upheld.

IST is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school provides a continuum from Early Years to Grade 12 and is the oldest full continuum IB World School in Piedmont. The Italian Programme runs alongside the IB path, with Italian taught as part of the curriculum; many subjects (social studies, geography, mathematics, sciences, art, music, computers, ESL and physical education) are taught in English. The IB Primary Years Programme serves ages 3-11, followed by the Middle Years Programme (11-15) and the Diploma Programme (16-18). The Diploma Programme includes six subject groups plus core elements (Theory of Knowledge, CAS, Extended Essay) and offers around 20 in-person subjects with additional online courses via Pamoja; IST is accredited by NEASC and CIS.

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In May 2025 the Diploma Programme at IST had a highest mark of 45, an IST average of 32 and an IB World average of 30.50. The IST diploma pass rate was 84% and the IB World pass rate was 81.3%.

IST graduates gain university placements worldwide. Since 2014, acceptances include Leeds University; Goldsmiths, University of London; King's College London; University of Manchester; UC Berkeley; University of Toronto; Bocconi University; Università di Torino; Politecnico di Torino; Waseda University; and many others.

Elite Athlete Programme supports high-level athletes; English Language Learner (ELL) and Learning Support Programmes provide targeted support; students identified as gifted in certain areas may be enrolled in Learning Support for accelerated programming.

Advisory Programme supports social and emotional development with Homeroom Advisors in the secondary school and class teachers in the primary school. A Counsellor works with students individually, in small groups, or with classes and collaborates with teachers and parents. IST is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all students.

IST offers a Learning Support Programme with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Student Success Plans; Learning Support teachers work with students and subject teachers to deliver targeted provision and may provide integrated or separate learning environments. The SEN Coordinator and Student Support Team oversee assessment, planning and progress reviews. The SEN Teacher may also support English Language Learners (ELL) or Gifted and Talented students, with a surcharge for Learning Support.

The English Language Learner (ELL) programme provides reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking support; ELL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers and parents to discuss student progress. Primary ELL is delivered in small groups, and Secondary ELL supports students joining the school with limited English; Home Language is offered as an additional service.

Wellbeing is a core focus; the Counsellor serves both Primary and Secondary and can work with individuals, small groups, or classes. The Advisory Programme supports students socially and emotionally and IST emphasizes the wellbeing of all students.

IST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; there is a designated Child Protection Officer and team, and staff receive annual training on Child Protection. The safeguarding policy is promoted to students and stakeholders; new employees must provide police background checks from their current and previous countries, with locally hired staff also undergoing checks.

IST is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational day school. Priority for admissions is given to international, English-speaking candidates, then to international candidates who do not speak English, and to enrolled students' siblings. Class size is limited, and a waiting list is created once all places in a given class are filled. To enter Nursery, students must be three years old during the calendar year of entry and toilet trained. To enter Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade, students must be four, five, and six years old, respectively, by December 31 of the entry year. IST reserves the right to determine appropriate grade level placements. After First Grade, students are placed according to their previous schooling, official transfer documents, birth date, and English language skills; placement examinations in English and mathematics may be used for Grades 6-12. Students may enter the school with no English-speaking skills at Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten and will be enrolled in the English Language Center (ELC) program; families pay an additional fee for this program for as long as the school deems it necessary, and the school will make the final ELC placement. In extenuating circumstances, IST may admit students with incomplete admission documents; if, after an initial six-week period, the school does not receive the necessary documents, it reserves the right to exclude the student(s). The Italian Parità Scolastica status in Early Childhood and Elementary School allows IST to offer the Italian national curriculum in Elementary School; in Middle School all students are offered Italian as the first foreign language. High School students are expected to meet the requirements for the IST American High School Diploma, and the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Candidates for admission to this Programme should discuss a possible course of study with the IB Coordinator before submitting the Registration Request.

For the school year 2019-2020, the International School of Turin will make available scholarships to students currently not studying at the School, aged seventeen by 31 December 2019, and have completed the equivalent of International School of Turin's Grade 10. The scholarship recipients shall enroll in Grade 11 and continue until they finish Grade 12 (Graduation). Learn how to apply for Scholarship.

Class size is limited; a waiting list is created once all places in any particular class are filled.

The International School of Lago Patria is located in Lago Patria, a frazione of Giugliano in Campania, near Naples, Italy. The address is Traversa I Marenola 19/A, 80014 Giugliano in Campania NA (Lago Patria), Italy.

Early School (Montessori Years 2–5); Junior School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School/Upper School (Grades 9–12).

International school; Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM) for Early Years through Upper School.

Inclusion program with individualized support and inclusive classrooms; ESL/ISL Support; Language Center offers English and Italian courses and Cambridge CELI/DELE certification.

Italy

All students wear the school uniform. Summer, winter, and sports uniforms are available to order under Get Involved > Uniform Preorder. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and earrings are discouraged during sport; clothing should be labelled with the child's name, and a complete change of clothing is required for Early Years.

A monthly menu for school meals is published.

The International School of Lago Patria is operated by International School Education srl. It is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM) and is a paritaria school.

ISLP offers bilingual education starting in the early years with a CLIL approach that uses a foreign language as a learning tool across subjects. Early School is based on Montessori methods (Years 2–5). The curriculum follows the official Italian curriculum while incorporating international perspectives and emphasizes autonomous learning and intercultural competence. The school is organized into Early Years, Junior School, Middle School, and Upper School. The core curriculum includes English, Italian, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Physical Education, and ISLP is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM).

ISLP follows inclusive education based on CRPD principles, ensuring every student has the right to inclusive, quality education. Children with and without disabilities learn together in the same classes, with additional and individualized support as needed. The classroom fosters a sense of belonging and a supportive community. The curriculum is taught to ensure comprehension and engagement for every student. The school emphasizes cooperation and support among students, with smaller class sizes to meet diverse learning needs.

A Learning Support Service is available for students who need extra assistance with English or Italian. Non-native speakers or students needing grounding in language may join an intensive language course. For learners with greater needs, a specially designed program is delivered in small groups and tailored to age and language requirements. Progress is monitored through continuous formative assessment up to the TELP II or CELI B2 certificates for adolescents. Regular communication with parents is encouraged to support the child's language development.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Italian as a Second Language (ISL) teachers provide support for learners who need extra help with their English or Italian. Experienced ESL/ISL teachers offer in-class support on a weekly basis to help learners access the curriculum. Learners with greater needs follow a specially designed program delivered in small groups. Progress is monitored through formative assessment and language benchmarks. Close communication with parents is encouraged through regular meetings, reports, emails, and diary updates.

Outdoor Education supports the psychophysical and spiritual growth of students. The program treats the natural environment as a learning context that fosters wellbeing, resilience, and creativity. It emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning and collaboration beyond the classroom. Outdoor Education complements the core curriculum to promote balanced development. The school aims to prepare students for life through a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

ISLP follows inclusive education based on CRPD principles, ensuring every student has the right to inclusive, quality education. Children with and without disabilities learn together in the same classes, with additional and individualized support as needed. The classroom fosters a sense of belonging and a safe, welcoming environment. Teachers are trained to accommodate diverse learning styles, and smaller class sizes help meet individual needs. The perspectives of children with disabilities and their families are respected and taken into consideration.

Application process comprises four steps: Inquiry; Submission of documents; Interview; and Assessment of the application. Inquiry: Families may arrange an initial inquiry by contacting the main office by email or phone to meet the Head of School and learn about the curriculum and expectations for studying in an international school. After deciding ISLP is the school of choice, contact the school again to set up an Interview Day. Submission of documents: After the initial interview, the list of required registration documents is provided and all documents must be submitted before registration can be completed. Interview: On the interview day, parents and the applicant are interviewed by the Head of School, and the applicant sits admissions tests to assess readiness for the ISLP curriculum; for Early Years and lower primary applications, a class visit replaces tests. Assessment of application: No decision on entry is made until the Application Process is completed and the Admissions Committee has met to discuss the results, usually within 24 hours of the interview day. The school aims to admit all students who can benefit from the education offered; a child with special educational and social needs will be admitted only if the school can meet their needs, which will be discussed at the initial stages of the application. Pre-enrollment form: Submit a separate pre-enrollment form for each child to apply for admission.

Geovillage complex on the outskirts of Olbia, Sardinia. The school serves the communities of Olbia, the Gallura region, and wider Sardinia. Education is taught in English.

Primary School Paritaria (Ages 6–11): Italian national curriculum with majority instruction in English; Middle School (Ages 11–14): International Curriculum with pathway toward Licenza Media; Secondary School coming in 2027/28 with IGCSE and IB Diploma.

Education pathways by country include Italy, the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, and Russia.

The school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm, with lessons from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, a lunch period, and two hours of extra-curricular activities after lunch. Morning drop-off starts at 8:00 am, and children can be collected any time up to 6:00 pm.

Tuition includes a full school uniform set.

Lunch and snacks are prepared daily on-site by our own chefs; snacks and lunch are included in tuition.

Sardinia International School Srl is a benefit company and Social Enterprise; it is a paritaria primary school (private, state-recognized) in Italy. The legal headquarters are Via Ghana, 4, Olbia, with the operational site at Geovillage, Olbia.

British and Italian Learning in Harmony. Primary School Paritaria is a five-year course aligned to the Italian national curriculum, with majority instruction in English and a multilingual staff. There are daily activities in English, an emphasis on critical thinking, and an aim to combine Italian strengths with a global outlook. Middle School uses an international curriculum with a pathway toward Licenza Media, drawing on the National Curriculum of England and Wales and the US curricula; there are Italian mother-tongue lessons and integrated preparation for the Esame di Terza Media. Secondary School in 2027/2028 will offer IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, with Years 10–11 preparing for IGCSE and Years 12–13 for the IB Diploma. MIUR recognises the IB Diploma as equivalent to the Italian maturità, and Italian language instruction continues across the school with language support for non-native speakers.

The IB Diploma is recognised by MIUR as equivalent to the Italian maturità, enabling access to Italian universities as well as universities worldwide.

The school fosters a caring learning environment that values meaningful relationships, student wellbeing, and personal growth and character development. It provides multilingual learning with majority instruction in English and Italian language integration to connect students with the wider world. A multilingual teaching staff includes Italian teachers, English-speaking teachers, and native English-speaking teachers, enriching learning through daily activities in English and international methodologies. The school day is a full day with a no homework policy, and after lunch students participate in two hours of sports and extracurricular activities to support balanced development. Outdoor learning and dedicated spaces for Mindset, Music, and Drama contribute to wellbeing and holistic development.

Majority instruction is in English in the Primary School, with Italian language and literature taught in Italian. A multilingual teaching staff includes Italian teachers, English-speaking teachers, and native English-speaking teachers, enriching learning with daily activities in English. The curriculum blends the Italian national curriculum with international teaching methodologies to develop critical thinking and a global outlook. In Middle School, Years 7–9 integrate elements from the English and Welsh curricula and US curricula, with Italian language support and preparation for the Italian Esame di Terza Media. Secondary School is planned for 2027/2028 to offer British IGCSE examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Wellbeing is a core focus, with a caring environment and emphasis on student wellbeing and holistic development. Outdoor learning is central to wellbeing, with spaces designed for collaborative and outdoor lessons to boost engagement and wellbeing. Mindset, Music, and Drama provide spaces for collaborative and creative tasks that support emotional and personal development, including wellness activities such as mindful stretching and breathing exercises. After lunch, two hours of after-lunch extracurricular activities, including Yoga, Athletics, Drama, and Robotics, support wellbeing. Outdoor spaces and wellness-focused activities are integrated into daily life at the school.

School Policies include Admissions Policy, Attendance Policy, and Anti-Bullying Policy. The policies page was last updated on 15 January 2026. The Anti-Bullying Policy indicates safeguarding measures are in place. The site also provides a Privacy Policy. For inquiries, admissions and general contact are available via the listed contact options.

1. Complete the enquiry form. This starts the admissions process for Sardinia International School. It gathers basic information about the child and family to begin a tailored discussion. The form initiates a personal introduction to the admissions team and sets the stage for the next steps.

2. Conversation with Admissions Manager. A conversation with the Admissions Manager follows the enquiry. The discussion clarifies needs, timing, and expectations to inform the next steps. It helps plan a campus visit or further meetings as appropriate.

3. Meet a senior member of staff. A senior member of staff meets to discuss fit, program options, and transition planning, with an opportunity for a personal campus tour. Admissions are open year-round for individual applicants, and applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are welcome.

Via Adda 25, 22073 Fino Mornasco CO, Italy. The campus spans more than 10,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space with specialist facilities designed for ages 2 to 18. It includes a robotics lab, three fully equipped science laboratories, two art studios, a theatre and a drama studio, a podcast studio, a well-stocked library, an indoor gym, a football pitch, two outdoor multipurpose sports facilities, a cafeteria, and playgrounds.

From Early Years through High School, the school offers the IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme for Early Years to Grade 5; Middle Years Programme for Grades 6 to 10; Diploma Programme for Grades 12 to 13. An Italian Stream option aligns with the Italian State curriculum.

Inclusion Policy provides for students with diagnosed learning or behavioural issues, with evaluations by the school's support services and a family agreement on funding necessary individual support.

Italy

A convenient and reliable school bus service with comprehensive morning and afternoon routes in and around Como, five days a week. Routes include Como (Cernobbio & Centre), Chiasso Shuttle Bus, Malgrate, and Lower Varese; service is offered at an additional cost and routes can be adjusted to meet families' needs. The transport team includes professional drivers and supervisors who are regularly vetted.

The uniform is compulsory for all students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 13. Items can be purchased from the official uniform list via OVS, the official uniform supplier.

Lunches are prepared in-house by a dedicated chef using fresh, organic, locally sourced products. Meals are tailored to each age group and can accommodate dietary requirements. Meals are provided at an additional cost, and students must not bring food from home.

The International School of Como is part of the International Schools of Europe Group and the Inspired Education Group.

The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme as part of the IB Continuum. An Italian Stream option integrates with the Italian State curriculum, enabling ISC learners to sit Italian system examinations if they wish.

ISC students consistently achieve exceptional outcomes in their IBDP and Italian Primary and Middle School exams. In 2023, ISC achieved a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and the Global IB pass rate was 79%. In 2020–2022, ISC pass rates ranged from 90% to 100% with Global pass rates around 85–86%, and in 2021 there were COVID-related adjustments.

Graduates attend prestigious universities worldwide, including the London School of Economics, King's College London, University of Bath, Bocconi University, Politecnico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, IE University, Boston College, University of Southern California, and Sciences Po.

1. Submit an Enquiry. Families submit an enquiry form to begin the admissions process. After submission, the admissions team contacts you to provide more information about the school and discuss the application process for your child's age group. Places are available for admission throughout the academic year. Diploma Years (Grades 12 and 13) require careful consideration; please reach out to the Admissions Team for guidance.

2. Book a Virtual Meeting. The virtual meeting is held on Teams and introduces the IB programmes, educational approaches, and extracurricular activities offered at the school. The aim is for both sides to understand fit and next steps.

3. Visit the Campus. Experience a personalised campus tour with the Admissions Team in our modern facilities. At this stage, present your child's reports for the previous 2 years and the ISC Teacher Recommendation Form to formalise the application. The campus visit provides an opportunity to see the learning environment firsthand.

4. Student Interview. Applicants bring the last two years of school reports together with the ISC Teacher Recommendation Form to attend a meeting with a member of the leadership team for the student interview. This is when parents meet the Principal or Head of Primary/Secondary. Grade 12 applicants must also complete a CAT4 cognitive assessment before the interview.

5. Offer & Acceptance. The Leadership Team makes the final decision on acceptance and placement, and you will receive an offer to complete enrolment. The decision is based on reports and records from previous schools, the applicant's potential to benefit from the programmes, and the school's capacity to meet their needs.

6. Registration & Admission. Once the school receives the requested documentation and the first instalment has been paid, your child will be fully enrolled at the International School of Como. Welcome!

Nsouli Scholars Programme. The Nsouli Scholars Programme is an exciting global initiative that promises to transform lives by enabling 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend any Inspired school on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. This endowment honours Nadim Nsouli and his Lebanese heritage, and several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.

Admission is possible at any time during the school year, except for Grades 12 and 13, if places are available. The school reserves the right to deny or postpone admission if it cannot meet the applicant's needs or if a class is full, in which case the applicant will be placed on a waiting list.

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

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.

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

31 nationalities represented.

Italy.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Smiling International School of Ferrara is located in Ferrara, Italy, with two campuses: Campus Porta Mare at Corso Porta Mare, 117, 44121 Ferrara, and Campus Roversella at Via Roversella, 2, 44121 Ferrara. It offers Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, a 4-Year Linguistic High School, and the 4-Year International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School; 4-Year Linguistic High School; 4-Year International Baccalaureate Diploma

International school with a boarding program for high school students

Italy

Smiling Boarding provides boarding for high school students aged 14 and above. The boarding residence is on the top floor of Palazzo Gulinelli in Ferrara, with bright rooms each featuring a private bathroom and a study area; common areas include a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, a laundry, and a panoramic terrace. The access to the building, rooms and shared spaces is controlled by a personal key or magnetic card, and the monthly rate includes utilities, weekly cleaning of common spaces, and weekly bed linen changes.

Pupils attending Secondary School (up to 8th grade) must wear a school uniform.

The school has a kitchen with a canteen on site to provide meals; menus are available (Menù Mensa).

Students are divided into four houses — Quicksilvers, Acrobats, Druids or Brave Hearts — and earn points for their house throughout the year; the House Cup is awarded to the winning team.

Smiling International School is a private institution accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) and is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme.

Smiling International School Ferrara provides education from Early Years through High School. English is the primary language of instruction across all levels, with Chinese and Spanish available for study. The High School offers a four-year Linguistic High School culminating in the diploma di Maturità and a four-year pathway that includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year Diploma Programme, following a two-year Middle Years Programme that is in accreditation. The school is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM) and its Early Years, Primary, Middle, and High School programs are state-recognized. Language certifications are available in Cambridge English, DELE for Spanish, and HSK for Chinese.

Average class size is 15 students.

IB Diploma graduates have access to universities in Italy and abroad; the Diploma is internationally recognized by prestigious universities. The Diploma Programme prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. The school supports university pathways with guidance through conferences, open days, and dedicated counseling to help students choose their higher education routes.

The school uses a House Point System with four houses—Quicksilvers, Acrobats, Druids and Brave Hearts—dividing students across all year levels. Belonging to a house binds and unites students as they work to earn points for their house. Positive reinforcement is used, with monthly General Assembly merit certificates recognizing attitude, effort or achievements. Sports Day celebrates house competition and strengthens community spirit.

Inclusion is an ongoing commitment to creating a school environment where every student feels welcomed, heard, and free to express their individuality—fostering real opportunities for participation and success for all.

English is the primary language of instruction across Early Years to High School. Students have the opportunity to study Chinese and Spanish, expanding their linguistic and cultural horizons. Language proficiency is officially certified.

The Three-Year Educational Offer Plan (PTOF) includes the promotion of students' well-being. The House Point System and associated recognition contribute to positive wellbeing by reinforcing belonging and achievement.

Whistleblowing Regulation is in place, with Annex 1 Reporting Model and Annex 2 Privacy Policy.

1. Express your Interest. Families interested in receiving more information can fill out the ENQUIRY FORM. The Enquiry Form initiates the admissions process and enables the Admissions Department to provide the requested information. The form submission starts the next steps in the journey toward enrollment. 2. School Tour and Interview. A member of the Admission Department will contact the family to provide the requested information and arrange a meeting at school. If needed, the meeting can be held online. The tour provides an opportunity to explore spaces and gain a first-hand understanding of Smiling's educational approach, while the interview helps the school understand the family's needs. 3. Application Form. Following the meeting and school tour, an enrolment form will be sent to the family by email. The school staff will be available for any additional questions. 4. Entry Acceptance. The School Office and Direction reserves the right to accept or reject the application based on the availability of places in the relevant class and the correct and complete reception of all required documents. Once the application has been accepted and validated by SIS, enrolment is considered completed on receipt of the Admission & Enrolment Fee. The process is finalized once the fee is received.

The Udine International School is located on the Monsignor F. Tomadini campus on the outskirts of Udine, set in green surroundings and minutes from the city center. It has access to campus facilities including a lunch room, auditorium, gym and swimming facilities, with convenient access by car or public transportation. Address: Via Martignacco, 187, 33100 Udine, Italy.

Early Childhood; Elementary School; Middle School; High School

The Udine International School is an international school.

EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes are available for students with no prior English; the EAL teacher meets students weekly, individually or in small groups; the first year of EAL is provided at the school's expense; ongoing EAL support is available at parents' expense.

SEK Partnership

School doors open at 07:50; classes begin at 08:30; each grade has two 30‑minute recesses and a 30‑minute lunch; classes end at 15:50; Extended Time Activities run 16:00–18:00.

UIS has a formal uniform policy. ECC wears a white polo shirt with charcoal trousers in Spring/Summer or a white long-sleeve polo with trousers in Autumn/Winter, with an optional IES piquet dress. Primary through to High School wear a white polo (short-sleeve in summer, long-sleeve in winter) with charcoal trousers or tartan skirt for girls, plus a blue IES sweater or blazer and a UIS cap; PE kit is required and non-uniform days have specific rules.

The school has a modern kitchen where a hot and nutritious lunch is prepared daily.

The Houses are Lynx (Blue), Hawks (Yellow) and Bears (Red). Pupils are allocated to a House on admission; Houses have Leaders, Captains and a points system that leads to an annual House Cup.

The Udine International School is part of the SEK International Institution and operates within the SEK/IES network. The school was acquired by SEK in 2017 and runs as UIS under the SEK partnership.

The Udine International School offers a bilingual/multilingual curriculum across Early Childhood through High School with English-language instruction in the Early Childhood Center and a multilingual environment throughout the school. The Early Childhood Center (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten) is taught entirely in English and provides four classes with differentiated programs, focusing on Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development, with Literacy, Mathematics, Expressive Arts and Understanding of the World introduced as children grow. The Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows a national and international curriculum with Core Subjects (Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Italian, Social Studies, Science) and Additional Subjects (Art, Music, Handwriting, Physical Education, Computer Studies); the Italian Program follows MIUR guidelines and reports are issued twice yearly; Singapore Mathematics is used in Mathematics. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) includes Core Subjects (Language Arts, Literature, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Italian, Foreign Language (French/German/Spanish), Latin from Grade 7) and Additional Subjects (Art, Physical Education); At the end of Grade 8, students can take Cambridge ESOL B2 First Certificate; Foreign Languages are Spanish and German. The High School program (launched in 2022) is a five-year, English-taught program preparing students for access to universities in Italy or abroad; the diploma is recognized by Italian law; core subjects include English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Italian and Modern Foreign Language, with Latin, Design and Art as complements. An Italian as a Second Language (ISL) program is available for students with limited Italian, with initial ISL funded by the school and ongoing support at the parents' expense; ISL targets pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, reading and conversation.

The five-year High School program is designed to prepare students for admission to universities in Italy or abroad; the diploma is recognized by Italian law; the program is taught in English and includes a range of core and elective subjects to support tertiary study.

The Udine International School develops international mindedness to prepare students as compassionate, active global citizens. The professional and dedicated faculty use a variety of pedagogical approaches, focusing on each student as an individual. They support achievement in every aspect of learning and help students reach high academic standards. The school fosters creativity and growing independence so students have the courage to act on their beliefs. The multilingual environment fosters communication, appreciation of diversity, and global citizenship within a respectful, safe and inspiring community.

The Udine International School is multilingual from Kindergarten and fosters an international perspective through embracing diversity. The library offers reading materials in English, Italian, Spanish and German. The school prepares students for Cambridge ESOL B2 First Certificate (English), DELE A2 (Spanish) and German A2 certificates. Multilingualism provides educational, cognitive and sociocultural benefits for students who become fluent in more than one language. Enrollment is not dependent on prior knowledge of English for Early Childhood, and ECC lessons are taught entirely in English.

The Udine International School provides a safe and inspiring environment for students. The community emphasizes respect as a core value, with caring for others described as natural. The student-centered approach supports personal development, collaboration and independence. The school fosters empathy, open-mindedness and resilience as part of character development. The multilingual context supports inclusion and intercultural understanding, contributing to social-emotional wellbeing.

The school maintains safeguarding and child protection commitments, including a Whistleblowing Policy. The governance page links to a Whistleblowing Policy and the school's information pages reference safeguarding as part of responsible governance. The school holds Council of International Schools (CIS) international accreditation, reflecting adherence to high standards of safety, wellbeing and global citizenship. The CIS framework signals ongoing self-review and external peer verification of safeguarding and student protection practices.

Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. Along with the admission/enrolment documents to be completed, applications to the school must be accompanied by previous school reports and records (when it applies), any appropriate medical records, and a valid identity document. Knowledge of the English language is not a determining factor for admission, but the student's level will be assessed (only for entry to the Elementary or Middle School) in order to determine whether ESL (English as a Second Language) is required. ESL is offered to new students for one year to help them acquire the English language through a personalised program, to enable them to integrate into the learning curriculum.