Selecting a school in Italy can seem like the most challenging aspect of moving with children. Websites seldom describe daily life, and each family has its own priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Rome.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiables. Most bad decisions happen when families compare everything at once without a clear list of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
Choosing Without Feeling Overwhelmed: A Practical Guide
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Start by narrowing down by location first. In Rome, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the day-to-day classroom situation. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how communication works.
- Inquire about available support. ESL / learning assistance / transition help for new arrivals.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on what you observe than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What’s the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you support new students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with families (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is your ESL policy if language support is required?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Everyone Hates)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the total daily/ongoing costs:
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
The ideal school usually matches your family’s actual everyday schedule: where it is, the support you receive, and your child’s daily ease—not the one with the most flashy advertisements.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Rome (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 6988 1234.