There are several international schools in Milan teaching a range of programmes, including the International Baccalaureate as well as American, British, French and German curricula. Fees can be pricey, but international schools are a good way to get around language differences. For expats moving with older children, they provide an opportunity to continue with a similar curriculum, avoiding any setbacks from having to change to an unfamiliar one.
Here is a list of the most prominent international schools in Milan.
International schools in Milan
American School of Milan
Founded in 1962, the American School of Milan is a prominent independent, co-educational day school offering a comprehensive American and International Baccalaureate curriculum to students from more than 70 countries. Located south of Milan, the school boasts a state-of-the-art campus, providing a modern, rigorous education designed to prepare international students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Emphasising a student-centred approach, ASM integrates technology across all grades, with initiatives like iPad integration in elementary and a 1:1 laptop programme from Grade 6, and offers advanced courses in 3D design, robotics, digital art, photography and film in a modern film studio.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.asmilan.org
Andersen International School
Andersen International School, located within easy reach of central Milan, offers a nurturing environment for over 600 students from diverse nationalities, ranging from Nursery to High School Paritaria. The school follows a high standard of education, blending the English National Curriculum with the Italian curriculum, and provides individual attention to help students reach their academic potential.
Andersen International School fosters a space where students of all nationalities learn to interact and live together, using English as a medium. The school's focus is on creating an environment that encourages interaction and the exploration of diverse cultures, helping students to understand and appreciate both the uniqueness and similarities of various cultures.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum), International Baccalaureate and Italian
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.andersenschool.it
The British School of Milan
The British School of Milan was established in 1969, and is ranked among the top 10 British schools worldwide. The school offers an exceptional education for students aged 3 to 18 and is recognised as the only school in Milan rated 'Excellent' by UK Government inspectors. It delivers an academically rigorous and well-rounded curriculum.
In the Primary School, students follow the English National Curriculum, progressing to Cambridge IGCSEs, and ultimately, the esteemed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the Sixth Form, providing excellent preparation for university and future careers.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.britishschoolmilan.com
Deutsche Schule Mailand
Deutsche Schule Mailand is a distinguished bilingual international school offering education in German and Italian for students aged 3 to 18. As one of only three German schools in Italy, it provides educational programmes from preschool to secondary school, enabling students to graduate with both the German Abitur and the Italian Maturità Scientifica qualifications.
Initially established for children of German businessmen in northern Italy, the school has been delivering dual German-Italian diploma programmes since the 1970s, making it a unique educational institution in Milan.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: German and Italian
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.dsmailand.it
Lycée Stendhal de Milan
Lycée Stendhal de Milan is a renowned institution offering a French curriculum for children aged 3 to 18. Home to over 1,100 students from nearly 40 nationalities, it is part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) network and adheres to the programmes of the French Ministry of National Education. The school places a strong emphasis on bilingual education, with Italian being the second most taught language.
From Year 11, advanced students can enrol in the EsaBac programme, a prestigious three-year course leading to a dual French and Italian diploma. Additionally, the study of English is compulsory, with the option for students to increase their English class hours in the higher grades, reflecting the school's international and multilingual focus.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: French
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.lsmi.it
What do expats think of Milan's international schools?
"In Milan there are plenty of international schools. Many expat children go to the American School or a private institute that offers courses in English (Leone XIII is the most prestigious)." Alice offers some insights on education in Milan in her interview.
"Many expats prefer to put their children through an international, fee-paying school like The British School of Milan, that use a British curriculum." Tim talks about international schools in his expat interview. Read more to find out about his experiences living in Milan.
Further reading
►For an overview of education in the country, read Education and Schools in Italy
►Read Accommodation in Milan to learn about finding a home in the city
Are you an expat living in Milan?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Milan. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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