What’s not to like about living in Tuscany except, possibly, the airline queues at Pisa airport on an August afternoon, or the shortage of international schools?
Education in Tuscany
For all those lucky enough to have been here, it is easy to conjure up endless dancing images – the sparkling kaleidoscope that is the Siena palio, the wooded valleys of Chianti, the tilting beauty of the square in Pienza, the glories of the art and architecture of Florence, the Romanesque purity of the abbey of Sant’Antimo and on and on – but if you are trying to find an English language education for your child, you’re going to have to work harder.
An alternative is Italian state schools, which - provided they are not in the south - are well-regarded by international school assessors. The system consists of five years of primary school and eight of secondary (three of middle and five of high school), ending in the esame di stato, which grants access to university. Teaching is in Italian, but a foreign language is introduced from the third year onwards and the study of a second language begins in lower secondary.
These are, however, a less popular option for families who are not intending to settle down here for a lengthy stay (unless speaking Italian is part of family life), as all schools follow a purely Italian curriculum. But smaller children tend to adapt and become integrated more easily and it is a good solution (particularly at the primary stage) if you want your child to speak fluent Italian and understand Italian culture and attitudes.
The other point to consider is that it is easier to move from state to private than vice-versa.
Choosing a school in Tuscany
Unfortunately, not a large choice of established international schools (except for the French Lycée) but the state system (particularly for younger children) offers a practical alternative and gives you and your children more chance of making Italian friends.
Best schools in Tuscany
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Canadian School of Florence
Canadian curriculum/ Ontario High School Diploma; ages 14-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 120 students
Established in 2017 as Blyth Academy, based in central Florence and now owned by the global education group, Globeducate. Teaching the academically rigorous Ontario curriculum, culminating in the Ontario High School Diploma, which is looked on favourably by top universities across the world.
International School of Florence
PYP/ adapted curriculum/ IB Diploma/ esame di stato; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 520 students
One of the oldest international schools in Europe, founded in Rome in 1952 and moving to Florence in 1963. On two campuses (seniors in the centre and juniors in a villa 10 kms outside the city). Approximately 40 per cent of the students are Italian, with the remainder from over 35 different countries.
International School of Siena
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ esame di stato; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Opened in 2010, in a villa outside the beautiful city of Siena, now relocated to a brand-new building. Part of a group that also manages international schools in Milan, Modena and Monza.
Lycée Francais Victor Hugo Florence
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac/ EsaBac; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
Located in the Palazzo Venturi Genori, built in 1498. Teaching three languages (French, Italian, English) from kindergarten and offering the choice of either the French Baccalaureate or the EsaBac, which allows students to combine two national diplomas (the Italian State Exam and the French Baccalaureate) in one qualification.
Westminster International School
PYP; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
A pre-school and primary in Pisa, a small city on the sea, west of Florence. Founded in 2000 and authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme since 2012. Mainly British teachers, no after-school activities and uniform is required. Approximately 70 per cent of the students are Italian citizens.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.