International Schools in Lombardy

If you’re an expat family moving to Italy, probably one of your main priorities is to find the right school for your children. This region offers a wide selection of international schools, particularly in Milan and surrounding areas. In this guide we’ll explore the most reputable international schools in Lombardy, covering their academic programs, admissions, costs, and unique offerings.

If you’re unfamiliar with Italy’s overall education system, you can also check out our previous article, Understanding Italy’s Education System: Public vs. Private Schools for Expat Families.

The American School of Milan (ASM)

The American School of Milan (ASM) is a well-known non-profit institution offering an American-style curriculum from preschool to high school. This means that all revenue is reinvested into the school, improving technology, resources and facilities.

The school not only prepares students for the High School Diploma, but also equips them for their future. In fact, high school students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, earning college credit and gaining an early advantage in their academic journey.

Admission requires an online application, transcripts, English proficiency, and possibly an interview or entrance exam. The school operates on a waitlist system, especially in certain grades, so early application is recommended.

Tuition ranges from €12,300 to €25,600 annually, with additional costs for uniforms and extracurricular activities. It also offers sibling discounts, reducing tuition by €500 for the second child and €1000 for the third child.

ASM also offers a variety of after-school programs, including sports, music, drama, and academic clubs. An interesting initiative they offer is the Counseling Department, which helps support students’ social and emotional well-being through individual and group counseling, classroom lessons and other activities.

The British School of Milan (BSM)

The British School of Milan (BSM) is another prominent non-profit institution in Milan, offering a British-style curriculum. It provides education from early years through to secondary school, culminating in GCSEs and A-Levels. The school is known for its strong academic results, with many students going on to study at top universities in the UK and around the world.

The admission process involves submitting an online application, providing previous school transcripts, and potentially attending an interview. Due to high demand, it’s recommended to apply early. 

Tuition fees range from €14,490 to €22,890 per year, depending on the student’s grade level. It offers a 12% discount for the third child and a 65% discount for the fourth or subsequent children, applicable only if they attend the school simultaneously with their siblings. Additionally, three scholarships are awarded annually to the most deserving students entering Year 12 (ages 16+), the first year of the two-year IB Diploma course.

BSM provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, from sports (including football, volleyball, canoeing etc.) to drama and music. For busy parents, there’s also the option to buy a school lunch for their children for just over €6.

Lycée Stendhal de Milan

The Lycée Stendhal de Milan offers a French curriculum that prepares students for the Baccalauréat (the French equivalent of the high school diploma). This school is ideal for families who wish to maintain a strong connection to the French education system. It focuses on academic excellence and bilingualism, in fact in addition to French, the curriculum includes Italian and English.

Enrollment requires an online application and previous school records, with a possible interview or language test depending on the student’s age and proficiency in French.

Tuition fees are generally between €5040 and €7130 per year, with additional costs for school materials and extracurricular activities. It offers a sliding scale discount starting from the third child: 6% for the third, 13% for the fourth, 18% for the fifth, and 20% for additional children.

LFM offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including language classes, sports, and cultural programs. The school also provides personalized meal options for students with food intolerances, ensuring dietary needs are met in collaboration with families.

The International School of Monza

The International School of Monza follows the British curriculum, offering education from kindergarten to high school.

The application process requires submitting an online form, providing school records, and attending an interview. The school admits students year-round, though secondary students must take entrance tests in English and mathematics.

Annual tuition fees range from  €9530 to €23110, but for students who excel academically, there are full scholarship opportunities through The Nsouli Scholars Programme. This initiative offers 50 students, aged 13 to 18, the chance to attend any of Inspired’s prestigious schools, providing access to a top-tier education.

The school also offers a bus service, with routes updated annually based on family demand, covering much of Brianza and Monza.

The International School of Como

The International School of Como follows an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Also, it offers the IB curriculum from the age of 3, which makes it recognized worldwide.

Admission to the International School of Como requires completing an application form, submitting past school records, and possibly attending an interview or language proficiency test.

Tuition fees range from €12,110 to €22,750 per year, and like the previous school, it also offers the Nsouli Scholars Programme.

Students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities to nurture their talents beyond the classroom, with a particular emphasis on technology and robotics. Middle School students have excelled in competitions like the First Lego League, winning regional and national titles.

The International School of Bergamo

The International School of Bergamo offers an international curriculum, integrating the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with elements from other global education systems. While the primary focus is on English, the schools ensures that Italian is also a key part of students’ education. In fact, Italian language classes start in Grade 1, helping students build their proficiency in both languages.

The admission process requires submitting an application and prior academic records. Depending on the student’s age and background, an interview may also be part of the process. Also, from Grade 7 onwards, applicants must take assessments in Maths, English, and, for native speakers, Italian. Assessments may also be required from Grade 3.

Tuition fees range from €9,480 to €19,200 annually and discounts are available for multiple siblings: a 5% discount for the second child and a 10% discount for the third.

The International School of Brescia

The International School of Brescia offers an international curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education at universities worldwide. With small class sizes, the school ensures personalized support for each student, fostering both academic and personal growth. To further assist them, it provides a dedicated counselor who offers guidance to help them navigate university and career decisions after the Diploma Programme.

The application process requires submitting an online form and previous academic records, with interviews conducted for older students. Tuition fees range from  €10,900 to €18,950, with sibling discounts available: 10% for the second child and 15% for the third or subsequent children.

Finally, the school offers a door-to-door shuttle service with routes from Lake Garda and the city of Brescia, making it convenient for families in the region.