Selecting a school in Italy often ranks as the most stressful aspect of moving with children. Online information rarely reflects daily life, and each family has its own set of priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing a move to Rome.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, identify your non-negotiables. Most missteps happen when families weigh everything at once without a clear priority order.
- Course of study: the amount of daily driving time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline approach, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A pragmatic approach that suits international families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Rome, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily challenge.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/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/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
School choices aren't only about tuition. Consider the full ongoing costs of daily life:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily 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.
Key Takeaway
The right school for your family is typically the one that aligns with your actual daily rhythm: where it is, the support you get, and everyday ease for your child — not the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Rome (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +39 06 1234 5678.