The International School of Florence

"The International School of Florence is a private international school located in the celebrated city of Florence, Italy, offering families a rigorous, globally minded education set against one of the world's most historically and culturally rich backdrops."

Founded in 1984, the school has built a longstanding reputation as a cornerstone of international education in Tuscany, serving the needs of expatriate families, relocating professionals, and internationally oriented local families who seek an education that transcends borders. The school is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate institution, offering all three core IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). This seamless continuum means that students can begin their educational journey at the school in the early years and follow a consistent, coherent pedagogical philosophy all the way through to university preparation. The IB framework is well regarded worldwide for its emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and academic depth, making graduates highly competitive applicants to universities across Europe, North America, and beyond. English serves as the primary language of instruction, making the school an accessible and welcoming environment for families arriving from English-speaking countries or from anywhere in the world where English is the common academic language. At the same time, being situated in Florence means that students are naturally immersed in Italian language and culture, an enriching dimension of school life that sets the experience apart from international schools in less historically significant settings. The school's location in Florence is itself one of its most distinctive qualities. Students attend school in a city that is essentially a living museum, home to Renaissance masterpieces, world-class architecture, and a vibrant contemporary culture. For families relocating to Italy, this context adds an extraordinary dimension to everyday learning that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. Field trips, cultural encounters, and the rhythms of Florentine life become natural extensions of the classroom. The community at the International School of Florence reflects the diverse, internationally mobile population that Florence attracts, drawing students from a wide range of national backgrounds and creating a genuinely multicultural environment. For expat children, this diversity can ease the transition of relocation, as many of their peers share similar experiences of moving between countries and adapting to new environments. The school's relatively small and intimate scale fosters close relationships between students, families, and staff, giving the community a collegial and supportive atmosphere. For families weighing their options in Italy or considering a move to Florence, the International School of Florence offers a compelling combination: a globally recognized curriculum, a decades-long institutional history, and a setting that is quite simply unmatched. More information about admissions and programmes is available through the school's website at www. isfitaly. org or by contacting the school directly at +39 055 200 1515.