Picking a school in Italy can seem like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and families have different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Rome.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Many missteps happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Rome, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/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 heat and indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part No One Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost of 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.
Bottom Line Summary
The ideal school is generally the one that fits your family’s actual daily routine: its location, the support it provides, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help thinking through priorities for Rome (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 1234 5678.