Picking a school in Italy can feel like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and every family's priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a simple decision process — especially for families planning a move to Rome.
First: Pin down what “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Many decision mistakes happen when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: travel time each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Rome, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about actual classroom conditions. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. This helps avoid the “everything feels alike” issue.
Questions Worth Posing to Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What’s the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and logistics (The part no one enjoys)
School choices aren't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Relying on reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Putting it off too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
In Short
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family's real schedule: where it is, the support you receive, and everyday ease for your child—not the one that boasts the loudest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Rome (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 1234 5678.