Picking a school in Italy often ranks as one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Site content seldom describes everyday life accurately, and families have unique priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Milan.
First: Clarify what “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most missteps come from comparing too much at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent commuting matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the linguistic setting your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and mode of communication.
How to Decide Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Milan, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students in the middle of the year?
- How 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 adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
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.
The Bottom Line
The right school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual routine: its location, available support, and everyday ease for your child—not the school that relies on the most flashy marketing.
If you would like help sorting out priorities for Milan (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 02 1234 5678.