The International School of Florence

The school’s mission, "Learning for our Shared Future," emphasizes education as a collective purpose focused on contribution, compassion, and integrity. Its vision, "Engaging together to explore and grow in our complex world," is supported by four core values: Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, and Resilience. The school promotes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and the development of the IB Learner Profile to prepare students for a globalized world.

The school offers a continuous International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway, including the Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), the Middle Years Programme (ages 11–16), and the IB Diploma or American High School Diploma (ages 16–18). A comprehensive University Success Program (USP) begins in Grade 9, providing one-to-one college counseling to assist students with university applications in Italy, the UK, the US, and across Europe. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the development of IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, such as thinking, communication, research, self-management, and social skills.

Graduates consistently achieve strong results, with a recent IB Diploma pass rate between 85% and 98% and an average score of 33–35 points. Over 60% of graduates earn a Bilingual Diploma. Alumni attend prestigious universities worldwide, including institutions in the US (e.g., Yale, MIT, Stanford), the UK (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, LSE), Italy (e.g., Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano), and other global locations.

The school provides English language support for students who are not native speakers, utilizing immersion and visual cues to help them meet academic expectations. Teachers are experienced in supporting English Language Learners and provide guidance to ensure students can access the curriculum. The school emphasizes a holistic approach, nurturing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.

The admissions process begins with an inquiry, followed by the opportunity to book a tour of the relevant campus. Prospective families must submit an application, which includes a non-refundable application fee covering two consecutive years. Upon acceptance, an entrance fee is required within 15 days to secure enrollment. The school provides personalized guidance throughout the process and offers support for families moving to Italy.

The academic year includes specific payment deadlines for tuition installments, with the first installment due by July 15th and the second by September 30th. Re-enrollment fees for the 2026-2027 academic year are due by January 7th, 2026. The school hosts open days and provides opportunities for prospective families to visit throughout the year.

The school operates across two historic Tuscan campuses. The Junior School, located at Villa le Tavernule in Bagno a Ripoli, serves students from Early Years through Grade 5 and features gardens and olive groves. The Upper School, situated in a 13th-century villa at Villa Torri di Gattaia near Florence’s historic center, serves students in Grades 6–12. Transportation options include a private bus service, public transport, and dedicated drop-off zones or bike paths.

The school offers a range of student life activities, including creative and performing arts, sports teams, and physical education. Students participate in service learning, the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme, Model United Nations (MUN), and the Cantabile Choir. These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and foster student engagement beyond the classroom.