International schools in Italy 2026: fees & curricula
Free public schools plus international schools in the big cities.
Italy has free public schools (in Italian) and a range of international schools in Rome, Milan, Florence and other cities offering British, American and IB curricula. International tuition typically runs €7,000–20,000 a year. Resident children can attend public school free; homeschooling (istruzione parentale) is legal with notification.
International schools in Italy
International schools cluster in Rome, Milan, Florence and other major cities, offering British, American and IB programmes; fees commonly run €7,000–20,000 a year. Milan in particular has a deep international-school market tied to its business community.
Public schools and homeschooling
Resident children can attend Italian public schools free; younger children integrate and become bilingual, though the curriculum is entirely in Italian. Homeschooling (istruzione parentale) is legal in Italy provided you notify the authorities and the child is assessed.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| International schools | Good in big cities (Milan/Rome) |
| Curricula | British / American / IB |
| Typical tuition | ~€7k–20k / year |
| Public school access | Free (Italian) |
| Homeschooling | Legal (with notification) |
Where it fits in a borderless plan
See our Italy tax-residency guide for the residency and flat-tax side. Schools are often the deciding factor in a family move. Weigh them with healthcare, banking and where you are tax-resident. Compare options in our international-schools guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much are international schools in Italy?
Typical tuition: ~€7k–20k / year. Curricula include British / American / IB. Fees change yearly and vary widely by school and age — request current fee schedules.
Can expat children attend public school in Italy?
Public school access: Free (Italian). Language of instruction and enrolment rules matter — check with the local education authority for your area.
Is homeschooling legal in Italy?
Homeschooling: Legal (with notification). Rules and recognition differ by country and change, so take local legal advice before relying on it.
Directories & official sources
Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:
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