Hi
We (husband 42 Son 13 + me 40) have decided to move to Italy. We have narrowed our search down to Florence due to the international school there. It seems like a crazy idea to put him into a state school as he doesnt speak a word of Italian yet. Does anyone have any information or recommendations for the International school in Florence? It at first glance looks like a great option - please let me know what you think.

We would very much like to renovate a property with some land and provide 'green' holidays (organic food, cycling & walking tours and sleeping under the stars type accommodation). Can anyone suggest which area within school run proximity would be best for this type of business?

Many thanks!

I haven’t got anything useful to add, I’m afraid, but just wanted to tell you what a great business idea I think this is! I’ve been watching with interest how Italy (with varying degrees in different corners, but nonetheless) has turned greener over the last 10/15 years or so and I always try to buy local or at least Italian organic food if available (apart from a few fancy cravings I get my partner to bring back from the UK, obviously) I know of a few organic farms in Tuscany and they produce great stuff. I hope your little business venture won’t take too long as I already fancy popping down there for a weekend break! All the best!

Bagno Ripoli, Galuzzo, Pontassieve, anywhere around Firenze Certosa and that part of the autostrada would be ideal as the school he would go to is right near Piazzale Michelangelo. Bear in mind the school runs buses as well if you don't mind paying - about €250/month just for the bus, but it operates like a taxi service.

I really like the school. My daughter will almost certainly go there in a few years, either at 7 or 11, not sure which yet and if my son doesn't get into Winchester College in May he will be going there in September!!

It is IB from Kindergarten to 18. The school is on two sites. There are no private facilities for sport for the senior dept. but there is a big sports complex for Tennis etc. at the bottom of the hill which they use.

One gripe I hear a lot is that although the school is International and English speaking alot of wealthy Florentines send their children there. BECAUSE of this many classes which should be all in English routinely switch to Italian. However, if you are planning on staying here I really would see this as a benefit not a problem! Your son will learn Italian and will make, hopefully, Italian friends who are going to be around for a while, rather than friends with foreign nationals whose parents may be constantly on the move and may be gone in a terms time.

A word of caution - don't just assume they will give him a place. They will check with his former school and ask to have an academic report. I know someone who was refused a place at the last minute, why I don't entirely know. I think as you are planning to stay permanently in the area this will go in his favour - it was intimated that not planning to stay at the school long term was one of the reasons a place wasn't given, but I thought that this was the type of child the school was there for. So, just make sure he looks good !

Anything else just ask!