Selecting a school in Italy can seem like the most anxious aspect of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families considering a move to Milan.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare schools, set your non-negotiables. The majority of decision errors happen when families assess everything at once without a clear priority order.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day is more significant than you might expect.
- Curriculum: options include British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Milan, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication approach.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust what you observe over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Key questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers reach out to parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage temperature and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices aren't only about tuition; account for the complete ongoing costs of daily routines.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is usually the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: its location, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Milan (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 02 1234 5678.