Selecting a school in Italy can feel like one of the most daunting tasks when moving with children. Online resources rarely capture what daily life is actually like, and every family has its own set of priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning to relocate to Rome.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choice mistakes happen because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: what your child hears throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the overall structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A simple process
- Narrow down by location first. In Rome, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Value your own observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise 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 tend to reveal more than general “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-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 kids who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat/indoor/outdoor time in warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
Choosing a school isn’t about tuition alone. Include the full daily cost of routines:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule 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 right school typically aligns with your family's actual daily schedule: its proximity, the support you receive, and the everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Rome (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 1234 5678.