LEARN
Welcome from the Junior School Principal
Welcome to the Junior School section of The International School of Florence!
As the Principal of the Junior School I am delighted to welcome you to the International School Florence website.
The Junior campus occupies an idyllic location in the rolling hills just outside of Florence in Le Tavernule, a Renaissance villa in Bagno a Ripoli set in eighteen acres in the Tuscan countryside allowing us to integrate purposeful outside learning and a high level of wellbeing into our well-established academic programs.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) has been offered at the school since 2008 so is extremely well established and authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The school is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA) to further strengthen the school’s credentials as an outstanding international school.
The PYP framework is child-centered and offers a holistic approach to developing each student’s understanding of the world around them. We utilize the PYP to not only develop each child’s academic strengths via an integrated, transdisciplinary Programme of Inquiry, but also their social and physical wellbeing through performing arts, physical exercise and education, and an ever growing partnership with organizations in and around the city of Florence.
For our host country students, we also offer the Italian Programmi Ministeriali which is an integrated Italian equivalency program which meets the requirements of the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione, which recognizes in part the wonderful diversity of our school serving both the local and the international community.
Our faculty are highly skilled and knowledgeable and are committed to ensuring that the students in their care have access to the best possible learning opportunities through skilled teaching, extensive resources and specialised support. Many of our teachers have established long term links with ISF, its community and Florence itself, which strengthens continuity and provides a deep understanding of the PYP. Professional learning is ingrained in the school and offers staff opportunities to develop their own understanding and skills in key elements of the PYP programme as well as in supporting the well-being of members of the community.
The relationships between staff and students are central to our community values, and to the success of our school. We place great value on developing and nurturing these relationships so that our students can benefit from a safe and welcoming learning environment where they can take risks, share knowledge, and explore with confidence.
I am extremely proud to be the Principal of the Junior School and would be delighted to welcome you in person to experience the vibrant learning environment first-hand. In the meantime, please enjoy browsing through our website and If you have any queries related to the school please do feel free to contact me.
Shane Nathan
Welcome from the Upper School Principal
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Upper School at the International School of Florence. Located a few minutes from the Piazzale Michelangelo and the historical center of Florence, our vibrant learning community serves approximately 350 students from across the globe in grades 6-12 and is well-situated to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and extensive learning opportunities within the region.
ISF students in grades 6 through 8 have the option of pursuing studies within the international program or the state-recognized Italian program. Both options provide strong preparation for students for future high school study and life ahead. The majority of the two programmes are the same for all students, allowing for a sense of community, while also providing the flexibility to engage in different academic pathways depending on students’ future plans. Our students in grades 9 and 10 continue to expand their knowledge and skills and prepare for the academic rigor of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in grades 11 and 12. All ISF students meeting graduation requirements receive an externally-accredited ISF American High School Diploma, and the majority of students also choose to pursue the IBDP. Students graduating from ISF find themselves well-poised to pursue university studies and future endeavors.
At ISF, our faculty of approximately 45 skilled and welcoming teachers value connecting with students and guiding their long term success. Many of our faculty members have deep connections within the ISF community and region and provide all-important continuity that is a true strength of our programs. Our teachers take pride in engaging in ongoing professional development and fostering innovation, inquiry, creativity, and excellence every year for ISF students.
Opportunities to extend student learning abound within the vibrant community of Florence with its extraordinary history and its current importance as a cultural and economic hub. From engaging in hands-on science activities to taking on the role of a guide in one of the world-renowned museums in the region to exploring the wealth of historical and cultural opportunities in the city, students thrive from the connections ISF fosters with the local community.
In addition to helping students thrive academically, ISF focuses on positive behavior and student wellbeing. Students engage in weekly lessons focused on wellbeing and are supported by a team of administrators, counselors, and learning support personnel. We seek to build positive relationships with students and to inspire a collective commitment to creating healthy communities.
I encourage you to explore our website where you will find answers to many of your questions about ISF. We welcome you to visit the Upper School of ISF and discover more about what makes ISF internationally-minded and uniquely Florentine.
‘The aim of all IB Programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.’
Early Years
ages 3-5
IB Primary Years
Programme
Junior School
ages 6-11
IB Primary Years
Programme
Middle School
ages 11-13
High School
ages 14-18
IB Diploma
Programme