Our story
The International School of Florence (ISF) traces its roots back to 1952, when it was founded in Rome as a pioneering institution for multicultural education. In 1963, the school relocated to Florence to meet the growing demand for English-language education in Tuscany. Over the decades, ISF has evolved from a small community into a leading international institution, becoming an IB World School in 1983. Today, we operate across two historic campuses, blending over 70 years of tradition with innovative, future-ready learning.
Explore our full interactive timelineISF AT-A-GLANCE
540+
Students
38+
Nationalities
2
Historic Campuses
90+
Dedicated
Faculty Members
1952
Founded in
Accreditations and Affiliations
- CIS (Council of International Schools): A global mark of quality ensuring we meet rigorous international standards for student protection and academic excellence.
- MSA (Middle States Association): A premier American accreditation that validates our school’s performance and commitment to continuous improvement.
- IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization): As an authorized IB World School, we provide a world-class curriculum recognized by the best universities globally.
Why Florence matters
At ISF, the city of Florence is not just our location — it is our another teacher. We believe that learning should be “Uniquely Florentine,” using the city’s Renaissance heritage as a living laboratory.
Our Junior School Campus, set in the rolling Tuscan countryside, allows students to engage with nature in our olive groves and gardens. Meanwhile, our Upper School Campus is housed in a 13th-century villa just steps from the historical center. By integrating the local culture, arts, and history into our curriculum, we encourage students to become “Renaissance thinkers.” Whether acting as museum guides or studying science in the local landscape, our students develop a deep appreciation for beauty and innovation that only Florence can provide.
