Private Schools in Italy are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Private Schools in Italy, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why Families Choose a Private School in Italy?
Families in Italy are increasingly opting for private schools, drawn by their academic excellence, personalized learning experiences, and global outlook. These schools present a strong alternative to public education, particularly for expatriates or families looking for language immersion and adaptable curricula.
Academic Excellence and Global Programs
Many private institutions in Italy offer globally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels, or the American High School Diploma. Parents appreciate these qualifications for their rigor and the opportunities they provide for university admission abroad.
English and Bilingual Instruction
Private schools often feature English-speaking or bilingual instruction (like English-Italian or French-Italian), which is especially attractive to international families and Italian parents eager for their children to acquire global language skills early on.
Smaller Class Sizes and Personalized Attention
With smaller student-to-teacher ratios, educators can customize lessons and provide timely support when necessary. Families frequently mention the stronger bonds between students and teachers, along with enhanced academic assistance.
Multicultural School Communities
In cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, private schools bring together students from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. Parents value this diversity as an essential part of a comprehensive, global education.
Modern Facilities and Enrichment
Private schools in Italy typically boast well-kept campuses and a wide range of extracurricular activities—from arts and sports to coding and robotics—nurturing both intellectual and personal growth.
Educational Philosophy and Values
Parents often select schools that resonate with their values, whether they lean towards tradition, religion, or progressive educational approaches like Montessori or Reggio Emilia. This alignment helps to strengthen the relationship between families and schools.
How much does it cost to attend Private Schools in Italy?
The yearly tuition fees for Private Schools in Italy generally range from $8,150 to $29,300 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $29,300 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $8,150 | $29,300 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $680 | $2,440 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $540 | $5,450 |
Uniforms & Materials | $600 | $1,200 |
Extras & Trips | $800 | $2,500 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $10,800 | $38,450 |
Top Private Schools Italy 2026
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Smiling International School
Ferrara, Emilia Romagna •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - Italian Curriculum - OtherLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 6,980 to 19,600 EUR
Foundation: 1998Nationalities: 18 different nationalitiesNr of students: 18 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB DiplomaSmiling International School is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and it is also an International Baccalaureate® World School authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme.Smiling International School is a "Scuola Paritaria'' in Ferrara: we teach the Italian ministerial curriculum in English through modern, interdisciplinary teaching methods. Our teachers prepare students (6-18 years old) for CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) certification in English (Cambridge), Spanish (DELE) and Chinese (HSK) as an integral part of the various curricula. Smiling International School offers two Secondary School pathways: - the 4-year Linguistic High School, which combines language studies with topical subjects such as Business, Critical Thinking, Mathematics and Physics; - the 4-year High School of Technology, the new frontier for highly specialised studies in technology, computer science and STEM subjects Smiling International School also offers t...Annual tuition fees at Smiling International School range from EUR 6,980 to EUR 19,600, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: Boarding students applying for the IB Diploma Programme may be eligible for a partial scholarship covering up to 15% of the tuition fee. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of the student's motiva... -
H-FARM International School
Treviso, Veneto •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 9,500 to 21,000 EUR
Foundation: N/ANationalities: 53 different nationalitiesNr of students: 53 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaH-FARM International School is a day & boarding school offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) within a stunning and innovative 50-hectare campus, located minutes away from Venice, Italy.H-FARM International School, located just outside of Venice, Italy, empowers students to be internationally-minded citizens who are able to shape their own future in a rapidly changing global community. Through innovative learning environments and the development of relationships based on compassion and respect, we enable students to become confident, creative and collaborative. We are a community of active lifelong learners. H-FARM International School serves a diverse and growing community of students and families.Our school uses English as the language of instruction and learning and aims to promote international mindedness and global citizenship. We offer three of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s educational programmes: Primary Years Programme (nursery / elementary school...Annual tuition fees at H-FARM International School range from EUR 9,500 to EUR 21,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: Costs for Boarding students range from 15.000€ to 21.000€ (in addition to the Tuition fees). -
Acorn International School
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - Cambridge Curriculum - Italian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - English - ItalianYearly fee: from 8,500 to 14,500 EUR
Foundation: 1999Nationalities: 28 different nationalitiesNr of students: 28 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSEInternational Bilingual School Rome. Acorn House offers an exclusive challenging dual curriculum English/Italian from Early Years through to Middle School.Acorn International School provides a stimulating dual curriculum programme of study that engages each child through study, exploration and inquiry. We pride ourselves on offering your children a challenging and nurturing educational programme that provides them with discipline, skills, and challenging learning goals, but also with flexibility, empathy and creativity. The Acorn International School currently has more than 350 students aged 3 to 18 with an offer "dual-curriculum" that combines the best of the Italian ministerial curriculum with English. As a foreign school recognized by the Ministry of Education, Acorn is home Cambridge accredited and Oxford University’s OUP Italian partner for development professional teachers, the English curriculum and online learning. Oxford University ...Annual tuition fees at Acorn International School range from EUR 8,500 to EUR 14,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
St. Stephen's School Rome
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 13
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 28,960 to 49,413 EUR
Foundation: 1964Nationalities: 57 different nationalitiesNr of students: 57 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaAn IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care.Nestling at the foot of the Aventine, the most exclusive of Rome’s seven hills, and a stone’s throw from the city’s great imperial sites, our international non-denominational high school for Boarding and Day students has built its academic program and reputation on the classical heritage of our host country, Italy, and the rigor of two prestigious educational models: the American, independent college-preparatory curriculum, and the IB Diploma.A distinctive faculty of accomplished scholars bring the highest level of instruction to a diverse student cohort. Our emphasis on the School's core values of care, independence, scholarship, integrity, and creativity guides St. Stephen's students to become architects of their futures, and engaged, motivated, global citizens.Annual tuition fees at St. Stephen’s School Rome range from EUR 28,960 to EUR 49,413, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Day Program Tuition: EUR 28,960.00 | Locally sourced lunch: EUR 1,590.00 | New students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 1,500.00 | Returning students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 500 | Spring Trip Deposit:...Boarding tuition: Boarding Tuition: EUR 20,453.00 | Total Boarding Tuition: EUR 49,413.00 | New students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 1,500.00 | Returning students Capital Assessment Fee: EUR 500 | Spring Trip Deposit: ... -
Rome International School
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB Curriculum - IB Primary Years ProgrammeLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 10,395 to 27,480 EUR
Foundation: 1988Nationalities: 60 different nationalitiesNr of students: 60 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE - SATRome International School (RIS) offers an unparalleled inclusive international education that prepares students to solve problems that have not yet been imagined and to work in jobs that may not yet exist.RIS is an International Baccalaureate World School – the only school in Rome authorised to offer both the IB Primary Years Programme for ages 3 to 11 and the IB Diploma Programme for ages 16 to 18. Our rich middle school (ages 12 to 14) curriculum leading to the Cambridge IGCSE (ages 14 to 16), provides the consistency of a true international education.Annual tuition fees at Rome International School range from EUR 10,395 to EUR 27,480, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
International School of Bologna
Bologna, Italy •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB Curriculum - IB Diploma Programme - IB Middle Years Programme - IB Primary Years ProgrammeLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 9,500 to 20,000 USD
Foundation: 2004Nationalities: 35 different nationalitiesNr of students: 35 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IB MYP - MYPWe foster academic excellence in a challenging, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel able to reach their potential while preparing for higher education and beyond.ISB provides a challenging college preparatory high school curriculum. All courses taught at ISB are based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum framework. Taking into consideration the host country context and our international student body, the IB curriculum offered at ISB has its own unique character, influenced by the particular context of Bologna which itself has a rich cultural and educational heritage. ISB students engage in a well-rounded educational journey through the successful completion of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in grades 9–10 and the rigorous IB Diploma courses in grades 11–12. ISB students can choose to pursue graduation with the full International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) or our NEASC accredited ISB High School Diploma.Annual tuition fees at International School of Bologna range from USD 9,500 to USD 20,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
International School of Como
Como, Lombardy •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: currency
Foundation: 2002Nationalities: 42 different nationalitiesNr of students: 42 studentsFounded in 2002, the International School of Como has grown to stand for excellence and has contributed to the expansion of international education in Northern Italy, as one of the almost 5,000 International Baccalaureate (IB) schools located worldwide.IB PYP, IB MYP, IB DPAnnual tuition fees at International School of Como range from currency to currency , depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Canadian School of Milan
Milan, Lombardy •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 12,500 to 20,400 EUR
Foundation: 2004Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaWelcome to the Canadian School of Milan, offering an international education from Nursery to High School with two campuses in central Milan.The school adopts a unique hybrid curriculum approach for its Primary School, with elements of the Ontario (Canadian), British, and Italian curricula. Transitioning to Middle School, students follow the International Baccalaureate MYP Programme, finally pursuing the IB Diploma programme in their final two years.A team of dedicated and highly qualified mentors provide personalised guidance to ensure students are well prepared to obtain outstanding academic results. In addition, a dedicated University counsellor supports students in their university applications. Past acceptances to some of the top university in the world include University of Toronto, Stanford University, Bocconi University, Northwestern University, UCL London, New York University, University of St. Andrew’s, Leiden Univers...Annual tuition fees at Canadian School of Milan range from EUR 12,500 to EUR 20,400, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
International School of Florence
Florence, Tuscany •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 19 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: French - Italian - SpanishYearly fee: from 13,950 to 24,040 EUR
Foundation: 1952Nationalities: 44 different nationalitiesNr of students: 44 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaISF is one of the oldest international schools in Europe. Both internationally minded and inimitably Florentine, ISF offers the very best education in one of the most treasured cities in the world.Accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Middle States Association, ISF currently enrolls approximately 540 students, representing more than 44 nationalities and over 25 languages. The school delivers the Reggio Emilia followed by the IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes. The teaching staff of 113 includes 26 Italian educators who assist with integrating overseas teaching with the local culture.Annual tuition fees at International School of Florence range from EUR 13,950 to EUR 24,040, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson
Milan, Lombardy •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 14,490 to 25,090 EUR
Foundation: 1969Nationalities: 44 different nationalitiesNr of students: 44 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEThe British School of Milan, founded in 1969, is rated among the top 5 IB schools in Europe, No.1 in Italy, and top 50 in the world. The BSM is the only school in Milan passing all the standards set by UK Government Inspectors (ISI).BSM Mission Statement: 'To inspire learning within a caring, creative, and international community, to pursue excellence and to enable students to fulfil their ambitions'The British School of Milan, founded in 1969, is rated among the top 5 IB schools in Europe, No.1 in Italy, and top 50 in the world. The BSM is the only school in Milan passing all the standards set by UK Government Inspectors (ISI). The BSM is a not-for-profit school which provides world-class education to 720 students aged 3 to 18 of over 40 different nationalities. The school values cultural diversity and offers a rich international experience while rigorously following the UK National Curriculum from Nursery to Year 11 with the IB pursued in Years 12 an 13. Academic results are outstanding and students progress to top ...Annual tuition fees at The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson range from EUR 14,490 to EUR 25,090, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
St. Louis School
Milan, Lombardy •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - ItalianYearly fee: from 12,910 to 24,430 EUR
Foundation: 1996Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSEEstablished in 1996, St. Louis School is a leading co-educational Day & Boarding International School based in of Milan for 1500 students between the ages of 2 and 18. Located across three sites, the south-east premises (Via Caviglia and Via Colonna) comprise of an Early Years, Primary and Middle School and the High School (Palazzo Archinto) is located in a prime position, a stone throw from the Duomo. The Boarding School, located in Colonna Campus, offers full time boarding places for 14-18 year olds.Italian Curriculum, British Curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB DPThe St. Louis School’s academic programme is rigorous and challenging. The Early Years programme is based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. Primary and Middle School follow the British National Curriculum with an option for students 6 years and upwards to also follow the Italian curriculum. The High School, which provides boarding facilities, comprises of IGCSE examinations for Years 10-11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 12-13 with over 150 students each year studying this unique course. The approach reinforces the importance of creative and critical thinking, with the school developing independent learners well equipped to succeed in the IB and beyond. St. Louis School achieves outs...Annual tuition fees at St. Louis School range from EUR 12,910 to EUR 24,430, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
International School of Milan
Milan, Lombardy •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 11,600 to 46,215 EUR
Foundation: 1958Nationalities: 50 different nationalitiesNr of students: 50 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaBeing the longest established international school in the city, at International school of Milan students will find the strongest academic standards supported by the most progressive educational thinking that has served the international and Italian communities in Milan for over 60 years.IB PYP, IB MYP, IB DPAnnual tuition fees at International School of Milan range from EUR 11,600 to EUR 46,215, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Castelli International School
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 5
- to 14 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - Italian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - ItalianYearly fee: from 8,000 to 12,500 EUR
Foundation: 1977Nationalities: 18 different nationalitiesNr of students: 18 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IGCSECastelli International School is exceptional in many ways.Our international curriculum is a comprehensive, transdisciplinary and integrated curriculum in which the English and Italian programs complement each other.Annual tuition fees at Castelli International School range from EUR 8,000 to EUR 12,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: The school fees include all curricular lessons and school mealsBoarding tuition: -
St George's British International School, Rome
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 10,700 to 19,900 EUR
Foundation: 1958Nationalities: 84 different nationalitiesNr of students: 84 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSESt George’s British International School is a leading not-for-profit school founded in 1958 to serve Rome’s expatriate community. Our core values are inclusivity, internationalism and excellence.St George’s British International School is an inclusive, not-for-profit school and one of the leading schools of its kind in continental Europe. We offer an ambitious academic programme, a plethora of co-curricular activities and a strong pastoral system that develops all facets of each pupil’s personality so that they can take their place in the world as confident, successful individuals. The main campus is a 14 acre site in the north of the city, with a further Junior School campus located close to the Vatican in central Rome.The pupils at St George’s represent nearly 100 different nationalities. This celebration of cultural diversity as at the heart of the school’s ethos and admission policies. Whilst an expansive range of core and optional subjects are taught at various stages of the ...Annual tuition fees at St George’s British International School, Rome range from EUR 10,700 to EUR 19,900, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
American Overseas School of Rome
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - ItalianYearly fee: from 10,800 to 25,700 EUR
Foundation: 1947Nationalities: 52 different nationalitiesNr of students: 52 studentsExaminations: AP - IB Diploma - SATAOSR is home to an international student body of 575 students with approximately one-third from the United States, one-third from Italy, and the remaining third from 50 different countries.AOSR is a fully accredited, American international, independent day school. AOSR offers an American-International curriculum for Pre-K to Grade 12 (3-18 years of age). At AOSR, all students are challenged and supported to achieve academic success by offering small class sizes, experienced global educators, and by offering students a future-ready, active, and personalized learning program. The American Overseas School of Rome is a vibrant, open-minded, and caring community from the United States, Italy, and more than fifty countries across the globe. AOSR is proud of its rich Italian heritage and many languages and cultures. We understand the needs of our international community and educate our students in all grades to continue their studies wherever their travels lead them. Our students a...Annual tuition fees at American Overseas School of Rome range from EUR 10,800 to EUR 25,700, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
WINS – World International School of Torino
Turin, Piedmont •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 9,900 to 14,900 EUR
Foundation: 2017Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsWorld International School of Torino is an International Baccalaureate® World School for the PYP (Primary Years Programme), the MYP (Middle Years Programme) and the DP (Diploma Programme). In WINS learning is an amazing adventure, where the student is always put at the center.IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma ProgrammeAnnual tuition fees at WINS – World International School of Torino range from EUR 9,900 to EUR 14,900, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Ambrit International School
Rome, Lazio •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 14 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 10,812 to 20,355 EUR
Foundation: 1996Nationalities: 57 different nationalitiesNr of students: 57 studentsAmbrit International School: a leading International Baccalaureate School in Rome, Italy.International BaccalaureateAnnual tuition fees at Ambrit International School range from EUR 10,812 to EUR 20,355, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
International School of Modena
Modena, Emilia Romagna •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: currency
Foundation: 1998Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsInaugurated in 1998 as a joint venture with Tetra Pak, whose global research and development unit is located in Modena, the school is now a proud member of Inspired which is the fastest growing premium international schools’ group operating on 5 continents and educating over 50,000 students globally.IB PYP, IB MYP, IB DPAnnual tuition fees at International School of Modena range from currency to currency , depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition:
Summary
Private schools in Italy offer families an exceptional educational experience that emphasizes academic excellence, global awareness, and tailored support. With programs like the International Baccalaureate, British A-Levels, and bilingual education, these schools are particularly appealing to both local and international families who are looking for strong academic results and language skills. Parents often value the small class sizes, diverse environments, and access to modern facilities that enhance extracurricular activities. Whether they align with religious beliefs or embrace progressive teaching methods, private schools in Italy create a structured yet flexible foundation that enables students to flourish—both in their studies and personal growth—within an interconnected world.