The International School of Florence is an independent, non-profit, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from preschool through grade 12. The school was founded in 1952. The 2022-2023 school year comprises 3 terms, extending from 1 September 2022 with each reporting period lasting approximately twelve weeks and concluding on June 16, 2023.
Organization: The school is incorporated in the United States as American Schools Abroad Inc., a non-profit educational organization. The school is governed by an 11-member board of directors.
Curriculum: The program is based on an international curriculum with consideration for students entering from or leaving for other educational systems. In addition to the international curriculum, in the junior and upper schools, students can enroll in a program that prepares students for the Italian national exams which take place at the end of grades 5 & 8. The high school includes grades 9 through 12. The curriculum stresses preparation for university entrance and meets all requirements for entrance to U.S. universities. The IB Diploma Program is offered to the highly motivated student. Students are given counseling in planning for university entrance. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, ISF has 108 total staff including 87 teachers, 22 of whom are U.S. citizens, 26 host-country nationals, and 39 third-country nationals. Applicants for teaching positions should normally have a first degree, qualified teacher status from a recognized awarding body, and have two years teaching experience. International school teaching experience is also desirable. Our faculty and staff represent 17 number of nationalities, including UK, French, Spanish, Saudi Arabian, Australian, Canadian, Honduran, Irish, Mexican, Dutch, Slovenian, Swedish, Venezuelan, Peruvian, Greek
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, total enrollment was 567 (early years 1–grade 12). The student body is comprised of a total of a number of nationalities, of whom 127 are U.S. citizens, 170 are host-country nationals, and 270 third-country nationals.
Facilities: The junior school is housed in Villa Tavernule, a Renaissance villa in the Tuscan countryside. The property includes 3 large play areas, formal Italian gardens, olive orchards, and vineyards. It is a 20-minute drive from the center of Florence. Facilities include classrooms for students in early years 1-grade 5, a library, an art studio, a music room, 2 lunchrooms and a PE field. The upper school campus is housed in Villa Torri di Gattaia, a Tuscan villa located in the heart of Florence, off the viale Michelangelo. The property includes a formal Italian garden and green space for outdoor activities, 25 classrooms, a library, 3 science laboratories, a music studio, an art studio and the “ISF Café” (school cafeteria).
Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, the school’s income derives almost completely from regular day school tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: early years 1 & 2 – standard fees: €13,350; corporate fees: €15,600, foundation-grade 5 – standard fees: €17,280; corporate fees: €19,900, grades 6-8 – standard fees: €19,160; corporate fees: €22,000, grades 9-10-standard fees: €20,190; corporate fees €23,100 and grades 11-12 – standard fees: €23,160; corporate fees €26,900. The school also charges a one-time new student entrance fee of €7,500, an application fee of €300 and an annual re-enrollment fee of €300. Optional services: monthly transportation fee of approximately €270, and a catered lunch service of approximately €7 per meal.
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Italy, Florence) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and are provided by the school.