Family Relocation

Florence is a city founded on history, architecture and art. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, it is often referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance and art can be found around every corner, providing an enriching educational experience for your children.

Florence promotes independence in children, providing pedestrian-friendly streets, bike paths and short distances to most areas of interest.

The Upper School campus is located in the beautiful area of Piazzale Michelangiolo about 15 minutes away from the Center of Florence and easily reachable by foot, by public bus or by bike (a bike path is available from the center to the entrance of the school).

The Junior School campus is located in Bagno a Ripoli (15 minute drive from the Upper School campus) a small town in the hills of Florence. Bagno a Ripoli is characterized by vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees, depicting the typical Tuscan landscape. The small historic center is home to a Medici Villa and the town also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with scenic trails winding through the countryside and along the riverbanks.

How to prepare your child
What you can do as a parent

How to prepare your child

Talk positively and openly about the change
Involve them in planning the transition, what they would like to happen and how they would like to be supported
Ask them to talk about, draw or make a list of the things they are looking forward to and things that they are worried about. Try to find answers for any concerns they raise
Closure is important. Talk openly about leaving the current setting and how this might feel and make sure they can say a proper “goodbye”. You could make a book of memories of the setting they are leaving. If possible, explain that they can keep in touch with their friends/peers that they are leaving behind
Work out what the new routine will be and talk about it in advance. If helpful, create a visual timetable or similar. This might include preparing them for the journey to and from school. You could practice the journeys
Prepare all the equipment and uniform needed and if appropriate get them to try new things on and make sure there are no issues
Talk to them about any specific school rules you know about that might be new and what the school day looks like
Use visual supports such as social stories to explain what will happen step by step
Consider taking photos of your child in the new setting, as well as photos of the different areas within the school or college, including key staff. This may help your child feel reassured and familiar with their new setting, as well as give them an idea who they can go to when they need extra help or guidance

What you can do as a parent

Read books about moving to a new school with your child, this may encourage them to ask questions or talk about their feelings
Join local social networks and support groups
If you have sensitive issues or questions that you don’t want to discuss in front of your child, ask the setting to contact you at a time you know how to speak freely or arrange to have a meeting on your own
Fill out our Student Profile survey, which can be found in the “New Family Guide” shared by the Admissions Team before the beginning of the school year. The information will be shared with staff at the new setting to ensure they know your child.