Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Florence, Italy. The school is housed at Palazzo Venturi Ginori, Via della Scala 85, 50123 Florence. It is an establishment of the Mission laïque française and affiliated with the AEFE network. Languages taught include English, Italian, Chinese, German, and Spanish.
From preschool (maternelle) to terminale (final year of lycée). The school covers early childhood through high school.
French international day school. It operates within Palazzo Venturi Ginori in Florence and serves students from preschool through terminale.
Affiliated to Mission laïque française (MLF); part of the AEFE network.
Secular (laïcité).
No school bus service is offered.
Uniform is mandatory and must be clean and in accordance with the Uniform Charter. The daily uniform includes a top with the school logo; polo, shirt, and/or sweater; and a dark blue bottom; boys wear trousers or Bermuda shorts; girls wear trousers/Bermuda or skirt/dress/culotte. A complete sports uniform is mandatory: jacket, trousers, and T-shirt. The uniform can be purchased at BOUTIQUE FIRENZE, Palazzo Frescobaldi, Via Santo Spirito 11, 50125 Firenze. Tel +39 055 6282130; email firenze@school-uniforms.it.
The dining team, led by Mr. Emanuele Menchetti, prepares balanced meals from ingredients of certified origin, in strict compliance with hygiene and safety standards. A ‘nutrition committee' with students, parents, and staff oversees meal variety and themed menus. Menus are published for February 2026 and March 2026 (and a snack menu for 2026).
The school is an establishment of the Mission Laïque Française.
The Lycée Victor Hugo belongs to the Mission laïque française network and teaches French national education programs from preschool through the lycée. From kindergarten, students study French, Italian, and English, and from 4th grade a fourth language (German, Spanish, or Chinese) is added; Latin is introduced from 5th grade. Language instruction is delivered by native-speaking teachers, with students grouped by language competence and their levels certified (Cambridge English, CILS, DELE, etc.). The curriculum emphasizes French and Italian cultural traditions while fostering an international outlook, with courses taught in French according to the French education system. In secondary school, students take the DNB and the French Baccalauréat, and from seconde they may pursue EsaBac (Esame di Stato e Baccalauréat) for a bi-national diploma. Starting in seconde, students can select specialist subjects in 1ère—Humanities, Literature and Philosophy; Economics and Social Sciences; Language and Literature in a Foreign Language (English); Mathematics; Physics and Chemistry; Life Sciences and Earth—preparing for higher education at leading universities worldwide.
EsaBac is a bi-national path offering the Esame di Stato italiano and the French Baccalauréat. EsaBac at LVH began in 2013; the program has operated since September 2010. The examination includes Italian-language components that substitute for the bac's language and DNL history/geography, with 4 hours for Language and Literature and 4 hours for History and Geography (3 hours in seconde). The rate of success across sessions is 100%.
Graduates are prepared to access the best universities worldwide.
From nursery through high school, wellbeing is integrated into the school's mission. The codes center on self-respect, respect for others, academic engagement, solidarity, and community life. Student involvement in school life and in activities with cultural and charitable associations is recognized with a diploma for community service hours each year. Sanctions for disobedience are clearly explained, and rules are tailored to each age group. A dress code and safety requirements are in place and require compliance from all students. The ultimate aim is to build a harmonious life within the school community, so everyone feels comfortable, understands expectations, develops autonomy, and engages civically.
The school implements a three-language program starting in maternelle, with bilingual classes from the early years and trilingual classes from Moyenne Section. Students study primarily in French but also receive instruction in Italian and English. In the secondary, English and Italian are taught in small competency groups with four hours per week for each language. In elementary, the program includes three languages as part of the curriculum.
From nursery to high school, well-being is a focus of the educational approach. A post title signals emphasis on educational excellence and well-being to help students take ownership of the world.
Student safety is addressed with specific requirements that impose checks which all must follow. The discipline framework includes age-appropriate rules, a dress code, and safety measures to maintain a safe school environment.
Admissions Process LVH for School Year 2020/2021
1. Maternity/Nursery procedures
The school welcomes enrollments for the 2020/2021 school year. Enrollment in a French establishment homologated by the French Ministry of National Education implies full commitment by the parents as well as the pupil to the educational objectives and to the school's guiding principles and rules, which safeguard cohesion and mobilization of the educational community around LVH's values. Parents participate in LVH's consultative bodies by electing representatives; the school council and the board involve the school's partners, especially parents, in reflection on school life, and it is essential that you participate in these bodies.
2. Admission priority and general rules
Admission is granted within the limit of available places and is determined according to the following priority order and conditions:
- 1) Nationality française: French public establishment, French private under contract, or an abroad establishment homologated by the French ministry. Admission occurs within the limit of available places, and for collège/lycée the orientation decision is taken by the class council; for primaire the decision comes from the cycle council.
- 2) Other nationalities with at least two years of schooling in the French system: same parcours as above with the same limit and class council decisions.
- 3) All nationalities: private French off-contract, non-homologated French program, Francophone establishment, or a Bulgarian education system; admission after a process involving a parents' interview for nursery and for primaire/college/lycée a dossier review plus tests in French and mathematics and an interview.
3. Age/class level rules
Children are admitted to the class level corresponding to their year of birth (the 2020-2021 table): maternelle for 2017/2016/2015 births (PS/MS/GS); élémentaire for 2014–2010 births (CP/CE1/CE2/CM1/CM2); collège/lycée for 2009–2003 births (6ème/5ème/4ème/3ème/2nde/1ère/Tle).
4. Nursery/maternelle procedure
1. Pre-registration online during February 17 to May 31, 2020 via the online link. 2. Send the pre-registration form signed by both parents, a copy of the child's identity document, and copies of the identity documents of both parents. 3. Notification of admission or admission refusal by email. 4. Family responds by email to accept or refuse admission. 5. If admitted, deposit or send the complete dossiers to the establishment between March 9 and May 31, 2020 and pay the first registration rights by the June 14 deadline.
5. Documents to provide for pre-registration and final registration (nursery)
Documents for pre-registration: the admission form signed by both parents (printable during online registration), a copy of the child's identity document or birth certificate. Documents for final registration: copies of both parents' identities, family book (for children of French nationality), a certificate of withdrawal (for students from systems homologated to France), medical form, up-to-date vaccination record, two passport photos, signed registration contract, signed consent declaration, signed internal regulations, signed financial regulations, and a copy of any court order in case of divorce. To finalize registration, the dossier must be complete and the first registration rights paid.
6. Primary/Elementary, middle school, and high school procedure
1. Pre-registration online from February 17 to May 31, 2020 on the specified site. 2. Send the pre-registration form signed by both parents, plus copies of the child's and parents' IDs. 3. Entrance tests beginning from CP (French and mathematics) for pupils not coming from the French education system; a commission of admission evaluates candidates from CP onward. 4. Notification of admission or refusal by email. 5. Family confirms by email to accept or refuse admission. 6. If admitted, deposit or send the complete dossier to the establishment and pay the first registration rights by the June 14 deadline. 7. Dossiers must be complete and registration rights paid for definitive enrollment.
Documents for pre-registration: the admission form signed by both parents to print during online registration; Documents for final registration: copies of both parents' IDs; family book (French nationality); certificate of withdrawal (for non-French systems listed above); medical form; vaccination record; two passport photos; signed registration contract; signed consent declaration; signed internal regulations; signed financial regulations; and copy of divorce decree if applicable.
7. Final steps and contact
For definitive enrollment, the dossier must be complete and the first registration rights paid.
Solidarity Fund: The Solidarity Fund aims to assist families facing financial difficulties within the limits of available resources. The assistance is temporary and is not designed to be renewed within the same year. It is financed through voluntary donations from families and may be supplemented by school-organized sales, such as calendars sold in December. The assistance provided may cover school fees, school restaurant, examination fees, trips, and various other school-related expenses such as school books, clothing, or school supplies. No assistance may be provided to families receiving a scholarship from the French government. The Solidarity Fund is managed by a committee comprising representatives from the administrative board and the management team. The Fund's committee meets in January; applications must be submitted by December. Regulations and an application form are available for reference.
Admission is granted within the limit of available places.
The International School of Florence operates on two campuses in the Florence area. The Junior School is at Villa le Tavernule, Via del Carota 23/25, Bagno a Ripoli, 50012 FI, Italy, about a 20‑minute drive from central Florence. The Upper School is at Villa Torri di Gattaia, Viuzzo di Gattaia 9, 50125 Florence, FI, Italy, a five‑minute walk from Piazzale Michelangelo and close to the historic center. (ISF Our Campuses) (ISF Home)
The school serves Early Years (ages 3–5), Junior School (ages 6–11), Middle School (ages 11–13), and High School (ages 14–18). The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Early Years and Junior School, the IB Middle Years Programme for Middle School, and the IB Diploma Programme for High School. (ISF Home) (ISF Home)
The school is an international IB World School offering PYP, MYP and DP. The two campuses are located in Florence, Italy, and the school is accredited by multiple international bodies including the Middle States Association, CIS, WIDA, and IB, reflecting its international accreditation profile. (Accreditations and Affiliations) (ISF Home)
38+ countries represented.
The Early Years program provides a teacher‑to‑child ratio of 1:8 with a lead teacher and bilingual assistant in each class, supporting language development and learning. (Early Years)
The school has a Boarding House. The weekday boarding program runs from Monday to Friday, so students can spend Friday night and weekends with their families.
The school requires uniforms for EY1 to Grade 10. Grades 11 and 12 may not wear the uniform, but must dress respectfully and appropriately for a learning environment.
Lunch is provided at the Junior School based on the local school's set menu with additions, including two first courses and vegetables; dietary accommodations are available, and EY1 and EY2 eat lunch in their own lunchroom. Students may also bring their own lunch. Upper School has a lunch service; registration is via the ISF CAFÉ app, and meals can be charged to a credit account with printed or digital cards; weekly menus are posted.
The school is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the United States as American Schools Abroad, Inc. (ASA). The Board governs the school, focusing on financial health and excellence of its educational programs and facilities; board members are volunteers and serve on five committees: Executive, Finance, Facilities, Marketing, and Strategic Planning.
ISF uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years through Grade 5 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, with an optional Italian Programme for host-country students. In High School, ISF offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and an American High School Diploma. English is the language of instruction; Italian is taught as part of the integrated Italian Programme. ISF has been an IB World School since 1983 and is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association.
There are 518 students and 100 full-time faculty, giving an approximate student–teacher ratio of 5.2 to 1.
IBDP results show a top score of 41 (out of 45) and an average score of 33 (out of 45) for the Class of 2025. From 2022–2025, DP pass rates ranged from 85% to 95%, with bilingual diplomas ranging from 33% to 50%. The number of students sitting the full DP was 41 (2022), 61 (2023), 42 (2024), and 51 (2025).
The College and Careers Counseling Program provides university preparation workshops, personal visits by university representatives to ISF, and organized trips to university fairs in Italy.
The school emphasizes an internationally minded environment with a Florentine identity, supported by a community that engages in school-wide activities and programs.
The school provides support for learning within its IB framework and resources, including language development through WIDA for linguistically diverse students.
ISF teaches in English as the primary language of instruction and also offers Italian to all students as part of its internationally minded program.
The school provides wellbeing and student support services as part of its holistic education, with programs integrated into the IB framework.
The school maintains safeguarding and child protection policies to ensure student safety and well-being.
1. The application process usually begins in October and runs through February, in conjunction with the re-enrollment process. Applications received thereafter will be considered based on projected enrollment numbers. 2. To complete an application, families submit a series of supporting documents, sit a student interview and admissions test, and secure the Application Fee. 3. Applicants are required to complete their application within two weeks of registration in order to be part of the evaluation process. 4. ISF receives applications from around the world and from a variety of educational systems. Refer to the chart to determine which ISF grade aligns with your child's current grade level. 5. Important dates and deadlines: Application submission for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available starting Monday 6 October 2025; the application deadline is 7 January 2026; re-enrollment for current families typically begins in December and ends in February; final responses for yearly applicants are typically provided by early March; final responses for semester applicants are typically provided during the summer.
Three-Year Scholarship Opportunity for a Local Student. International School of Florence is offering a three-year scholarship opportunity for a motivated and academically capable student from the local Florentine community who is not currently enrolled at ISF. The student will enter Grade 6 in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship will support the selected student from Grade 6 through Grade 8, concluding with the Terza Media examination, and is designed to provide access to a high-quality international education within a supportive, globally minded learning environment. It will combine an international English-language education with continued connection to the Italian system.
Via Jacopo Nardi 18, 50132 Firenze, Italy
Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School, Senior School (ages 3–18)
International school offering the Canadian Ontario curriculum with Italian Scuola Paritaria recognition
English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses are offered; 4 days/week for Elementary and Middle School at Via delle Fontanelle 2/4, Fiesole; 5 days/week for Senior School at Via Jacopo Nardi 18, Florence.
Canada (Ontario curriculum)
CSF has access to Globeducate's Study Abroad programme, which includes staying at partner boarding schools in the UK, Andorra, Spain or Cyprus.
The Senior School has a dedicated lunch area; the Upper Junior/Middle School has a lunch room, and the Lower Junior School also has a lunch room.
The school has a house system and spirit days.
The school is a Globeducate member. The Junior School is recognised as a scuola paritaria by the Italian Ministry of Instruction, and high school students can graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through Blyth Academy Online (BAO), a Globeducate partner school.
The Ontario Canadian Curriculum is taught from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The curriculum is globally recognized and has helped us obtain Italian Paritaria accreditation from the Italian Ministry of Education at the Junior and Middle School campuses, with Senior School accreditation anticipated. The Kindergarten program serves children aged 3 to 5 years and uses the same student-centred curriculum across all campuses. Total-immersion English language teaching helps students develop 21st century skills, including creative and critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem solving and self-regulation, while contributing to cognitive, emotional, physical and social wellbeing. Assessment follows the Growing Success framework to focus on improving student learning and developing the whole child.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is awarded after completing four years of Senior School study. A Complete University Acceptances List (2017-2025) shows graduates' acceptances to universities around the world, including University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Georgetown University, Bocconi University and many others.
For Senior School students, Ontario Canadian Curriculum studies culminate after four years of university preparation, yielding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and access to universities worldwide, including in Italy. A dedicated Guidance Counselor supports students throughout the four-year path, using the MyBlueprint platform to help them understand themselves, their preferences and options. The Guidance Counselor also organises university fairs and supports the university application process, including potential scholarships.
The school provides student emotional, social and wellbeing support and fosters a multicultural, inclusive community with a house system and spirit days.
Full-immersion English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses are offered: 4 days/week for elementary and middle school (16:00–17:00 at Via delle Fontanelle 2/4, Fiesole) and 5 days/week for senior school (15:00–16:00 at Via Jacopo Nardi 18, Florence).
The school provides student emotional, social and wellbeing support.
The Canadian School of Florence hosts Open Days (Inside CSF events) to help families learn about the school and curriculum. Inside CSF events allow families to tour each campus while classes are in session, meet teachers and students, and learn about CSF's approach. Locations are: Kindergarten/Primary campus in Fiesole at Via delle Fontanelle 2/4 (ages 3–9); Upper Junior/Middle campus in Fiesole at Piazza San Domenico 15 (ages 10–13); High School campus in Florence at Via Jacopo Nardi 18 (ages 14–18). The next Inside CSF event is March 26, starting at 9:00 AM and lasting about 1.5 hours. Private tours can be booked at a convenient time; online meetings can be scheduled year‑round; private school visits with the Admissions Manager are also available. To inquire about applying, families can use the inquiries form on the Contact page. The school is English‑based, with 80% of subjects taught in English; French and Italian are taught as second languages. The Canadian curriculum is followed, with a Senior School graduate in four years, and the school holds Scuola Paritaria recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education. Outdoor learning is part of the program.
Florence Bilingual School is located near the historic center of Florence and is well-connected by public transport. The Lavagnini campus (Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 11) serves Nursery, Pre-school and Primary (years 1–3); the Pedestrian Entrance (Via S. Gallo, 105) provides access to other levels; the Lupi campus (Via Bonifacio Lupi, 8) houses Pre-school; and the Matteotti campus (Viale Giacomo Matteotti, 52) serves Primary years 4–5 and Middle School years 6–8.
Nursery – 1-3 years; Pre-school – 3-6 years; Primary – 6-11 years; Middle school – 11-14 years.
Private international school; part of the Cognita Family of Schools.
Paritaria with the Italian National Education System; officially recognised as a paritaria school.
Nursery and pre-school 9:00–16:00; Primary 8:30–16:15; Middle school 8:20–16:05. Before- and after-school care 07:30–18:00.
Shuttle service between school buildings during school hours.
The school has a uniform that is worn every day from Pre-school to Middle School; the uniform expresses belonging to the educational community and promotes equality, creating a shared identity.
The school provides a canteen service; lunch is prepared in the Conservatorio delle Mantellate's internal kitchen (Menarini Baby branch uses CIR Food - Eudania Division). The menu runs on an annual four-week cycle and is monitored for temperature, hygiene, quality and quantity under a HACCP plan. Special meal requests are available for allergies or dietary needs, including lacto-ovo/vegetarian options; home-prepared food is not allowed in the canteen; classroom celebrations require foods that are packaged and labeled.
The Florence Bilingual School is part of the Cognita Group, an international education group with over 100 schools. It is managed by a Senior Leadership Team including the Director (Principal), the Education Coordinator – Head Teacher, the Administrative Director - Business Manager, and the Cluster Business Manager who reports to Cognita. The school is also part of the Aninsei network (Association of Non-State Schools) and the FAN federation, collaborating with local associations in Florence and supporting immersion programmes, international exchanges and trips abroad.
Florence Bilingual School offers a bilingual Italian-English curriculum from nursery to high school. The Italian curriculum is enhanced by the Cambridge International Pathway, with many subjects taught in English (CLIL) from the third grade of primary onward. A third language (French or Spanish) is offered with native-speaking teachers, with DELF/DELE exams available in L3. From pre-school through high school, Cambridge exams are taken annually: progression tests and end-of-cycle Checkpoints in English and Science in primary and lower secondary, and IGCSE in English and Science in upper secondary. English-language proficiency targets follow CEFR: B2 by the end of lower secondary and C1/C2 by the end of high school. The program also includes Immersion Stay in the UK, Socio-Emotional Learning in English, and after-school activities via the FBS Club.
Cambridge Checkpoint examinations are taken in Year 5 (primary) and Year 8 (lower secondary). The 2023-2024 results report Cambridge Checkpoint outcomes for lower secondary and indicate English proficiency at CEFR level B2 for bilingual students.
The school provides a Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) program in English to support each student's personal growth and wellbeing. The program runs alongside other academic and co-curricular activities.
The SEL program supports mental wellbeing and personal development throughout the student journey.
Admissions are open throughout the year, subject to available places, with the main enrollment window in January for all school cycles. Open Days are held from October through December to present the school's offerings. The Admission Officer contacts families to understand their needs, provide information, and arrange meetings with the Head of School or coordinators to help families understand the school's learning approach and curriculum. You can request a private visit or register for an Open Day. To secure a place, you may join the waiting list, as places are limited and demand is high; because some families transfer with short notice, applications are accepted year‑round. The Admission Officer will keep you informed about availability and guide you through the enrollment process. Entry requirements: as a private school, there are no entrance tests; admission is based on places available. For Nursery and Preschool, no prior English knowledge is required. For Primary and Lower Secondary, students entering from the third grade may be evaluated for English language proficiency; if English is not sufficient, the school provides language‑support lessons during the school day and after‑school enrichment within extracurricular offerings. The Admission Officer can provide enrollment forms along with any prior reports when a place is available.
Join the waiting list to reserve a place for a quality education. The school enrolls a large number of students each year and places are limited. By joining the waiting list you gain priority for future enrollments and place availability. Because some families transfer with short notice, applications are accepted year‑round. The Admission Officer will keep you updated on available places and guide you through the enrollment process.
