Selecting a school in Italy can be among the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources often miss what everyday life is truly like, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning to move to Rome.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many missteps come from weighing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the level of structure, discipline, and the way they communicate.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A sensible method that suits families living abroad:
A straightforward method
- Begin by narrowing options based on location. In Rome, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about actual classroom conditions. Class sizes, turnover among teachers, and how communication is handled.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely on your own observations rather than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a compact one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
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 accommodate new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (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 are the rules on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the full ongoing costs:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Picking by reputation alone: the day-to-day 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 kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key takeaway
The ideal school usually aligns with your family’s real schedule: where it’s located, the level of support, and everyday ease for your child—not the institution that has the flashiest ads.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Rome (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 688 12345.