Selecting a school in Italy may seem like the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources often miss what everyday life looks like, and each family has its own set of priorities. This guide concentrates on practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Rome.
First: Clarify what “Good” means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your non-negotiables. Many decision mistakes occur because families try to compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: options include British, American, IB, or local offerings.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Create a shortlist by location first. In Rome, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust what you observe more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a school day look like in practice (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 handle heat and indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unpopular Side)
Choosing a school involves more than tuition alone; consider the complete routine expenses:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Prevent Them)
- Picking a school based on reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family dynamics.
- Assuming international programs are the same everywhere: they aren’t.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual routine: its location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the institution with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Rome (commute, daily rhythms, what to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 6982 0605.