FAQ Hub

At the International School of Florence, students do not choose between different classroom curricula, as everyone follows the same rigorous, high-level Upper Secondary coursework side-by-side. Instead, the decision involves selecting the final assessment track that best aligns with their future university destinations. The full IB Diploma track requires external examinations across six subjects along with the IB Core, making it ideal for students targeting UK, European, or global universities. The American Diploma track allows students to graduate based on internal course assessments, providing excellent flexibility for those focusing on US holistic admissions. Our counseling team guides families through this milestone during Grade 10 to ensure a smooth transition into the final two years.

No, SAT and ACT exams are not required to earn an International School of Florence High School Diploma or an IB Diploma. However, they are highly recommended for any student planning to apply to competitive universities in the United States or specific international programs in Europe that utilize these tests for placement. International School of Florence serves as an official on-campus SAT test center for student convenience.

The International School of Florence consistently maintains an outstanding IB Diploma pass rate between 85% and 98%, sitting comfortably above the global average of approximately 79%. Our students achieve a strong average score of 33 to 35 points (compared to the worldwide average of 30), with top achievers regularly reaching scores of 40+ and up to the maximum 45 points. Additionally, over 60% of our graduates successfully earn a Bilingual Diploma, reflecting our deep commitment to multilingualism. You can review our fully verified, multi-year statistical performance breakdowns on our official results page.

Yes, transfers into Grade 11 are possible, provided there is space available and the student’s academic background aligns with diploma prerequisites. Entering at Grade 11 requires a comprehensive transcript review by our academic team to ensure smooth credit mapping, especially for those wishing to embark on the two-year IB Diploma cycle. Transfers directly into Grade 12 are rare and evaluated strictly on a case-by-case basis.

We pair every incoming student with a peer buddy during their first week. Additionally, our daily homeroom advisory periods provide a structured space where students develop organizational skills, discuss social dynamics, and receive direct personal guidance from their designated class advisor.

All students take Language and Literature in English or Italian. For Language Acquisition, students choose from a variety of streams including French, Spanish, or Italian, accommodating everyone from absolute beginners to near-native speakers across six learning phases.

Yes. Statistical research indicates that students who complete the Middle Years framework achieve consistently greater success in their final IB Diploma examinations. The criterion-related assessment model directly builds the critical thinking, research, and essay-writing skills required for high school success.

Progress is measured using explicit IB criterion-related standards, evaluating students on levels from 0 to 8 across four distinct criteria per subject. These criteria totals translate into a final overall grade from 1 to 7 based on externally validated IB boundaries. Parents monitor all tasks, feedback, and report cards in real-time through the ManageBac platform.

Our admissions team and academic coordinators are experts in mid-year orientation. We structure immediate peer socialization, deploy language support resources right away, and coordinate with previous international schools to ensure smooth credit mapping and transfer transitions during any of our three academic Terms.

Our average class size ranges between 15 and 18 students. This small group structure allows our lead teachers and specialist instructors to provide individual attention, track personal learning data, and support every child’s unique pace of development.

Non-native speakers join tailored Italian language and culture classes. We focus heavily on communication skills, functional vocabulary, and local traditions, allowing international students to integrate confidently into Florentine community life within their first year.

Yes. The skills and concepts taught within our framework map directly onto major national systems. If your family relocates, your child can transition smoothly into American, British, or international school systems worldwide. You can view our detailed system breakdown on our school system comparison page.

No. Our teachers are experts in supporting English Language Learners. Through immersion and visual cues, children typically begin communicating in English within their first few months.

We believe in a balanced approach to learning. Homework increases gradually from Grade 1 to Grade 5. Assignments focus on reinforcing reading habits, practicing foundational mathematics, and encouraging independent inquiry, without overwhelming family time in the evenings.

Yes. International School of Florence offers a complimentary Junior Campus extracurricular activities (ECA) program running directly after standard school hours. Students rotate through a diverse array of professional-led pursuits, including drama clubs, visual arts, and martial arts routines to discover new passions.

It is a transdisciplinary curriculum framework that focuses on the development of the whole child – academic, social, and emotional – through an inquiry-based approach.

Positions for the 3-year-old entry point fill up quickly. We encourage early applications to secure a place in our Kindergarten cohorts.

Tuition covers all academic resources, local field trips, and insurance. For the most up-to-date figures, please visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The standard day is 08:30–15:30. We offer flexible drop-off from 08:15 and after-school care until 17:30 for an additional fee.

Our dedicated college counseling team has extensive expertise in the US holistic admissions process. Starting in the upper grades, we guide students through transcript optimization, letters of recommendation, crafting distinct personal essays, and standardized test scheduling—with the added advantage of International School of Florence serving as an official on-campus testing center for the SAT. We sync directly with electronic application systems to streamline the submission of official school profiles to US institutions, as detailed on our university admissions page.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an academically challenging, balanced two-year educational framework designed for students aged 16 to 19. It encompasses six subject groups alongside the mandatory IB Core, producing globally minded graduates prepared for university success.

Each of the six academic subjects is graded on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). An additional 3 points are available from the combination of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay, creating a maximum possible score of 45 points. A total of 24 points is required to pass.

While A-Levels allow narrow specialization in 3 or 4 subjects early on, the IB Diploma focuses on breadth and holistic development by requiring six subjects across multiple disciplines. It is considered highly rigorous because it develops comprehensive critical thinking and research skills through the IB Core.

A child finishing 5th Grade in the United States (typically 10-11 years old) will enter Grade 5 at the International School of Florence, which corresponds to the final year of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). In the local Italian system, this aligns with Quinta Elementare.

Yes, American universities widely recognize the IB Diploma as a premier secondary qualification. Top scores in Higher Level (HL) subjects are regularly accepted for advanced placement credits, allowing students to skip introductory college courses.

Absolutely. The primary language of instruction and examination at the International School of Florence is English. Students who do not speak Italian can take Italian as a language acquisition subject at a beginner level (Ab Initio) or focus on other language options.

The cost of the IB program is integrated into the standard Upper Secondary tuition fees at International School of Florence. Additional specific fees apply for official external exam registration with the International Baccalaureate organization during Grade 12. Detailed financial breakdowns are available via our admissions office.

Homeschooling (Istruzione Parentale) is technically legal under the Italian constitution, but it is subject to strict annual administrative checks and mandatory oversight exams conducted by local state school authorities to verify that the student is meeting strict national curricular standards.

The International School of Florence periodically reviews and offers merit-based or need-based financial assistance options for qualified High School candidates. Families interested in scholarship criteria and application timelines are encouraged to contact our admissions department directly.

While students cannot attend two schools at once, International School of Florence offers an Italian Equivalency Programme. This unique track integrates core elements of the Italian national curriculum—such as Italian Literature, History, and Geography—directly into our international day, preparing students for official Italian state exams.

While basic conversational fluency typically develops within 6 to 12 months through daily social interaction, acquiring the advanced academic language proficiency required for complex writing and analysis generally takes between 3 to 5 years of structured language support.

Not within an IB framework. Because our curriculum prioritizes universal, conceptual learning skills over rigid memorization lists, students develop the academic adaptability needed to transition smoothly into any domestic or international system without missing key developmental milestones.