Compare International Schools in Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy. The elementary and middle school site is Kinder College International School, housed in an ancient convent dating from the 15th century.

Kinder Haus (18 months–3 years; asilo nido / sezione primavera), Kinder Haus (3–5 years; scuola dell'infanzia), Kinder College (5–6 years; preschool), Kinder College (6–11 years; primary school).

International private school; paritaria status; elementary and middle school.

Italy

The school emphasizes student self-esteem and emotional development. The relationship between students and teachers is built on mutual trust. Students are involved in managing some school activities, becoming active participants in their education. The approach encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, teamwork, and responsible collaboration. Specialized staff support students to develop social and emotional skills.

Over half of the teaching hours are in English and are taught by native English speakers. The language of instruction is English and Italian. An introduction to Mandarin Chinese is part of the curriculum. In Preschool, the program gradually immerses children in the English language and school didactics. In Middle Years, Italian is complemented by 50% English and the option of other languages among French, German, Spanish and Chinese.

The school places a strong emphasis on students' self-esteem. Specialized staff support the development of social and emotional skills. A climate of trust between students and staff supports well-being. The school fosters curiosity, openness, and collaborative activities as part of well-being. Students are engaged in activities that promote personal growth and confidence.

Book a visit to tour Kinder College. The school is the first international school in Bologna, established in 1967.

Via della Libertà 2, 40123 Bologna, Italy. IS Bologna is in Bologna, northern Italy. Bologna is easily reached by train, with Florence less than an hour away and Venice about 1 hour 30 minutes by train.

Early Years; Elementary; Middle School; Diploma.

The school is an international IB Continuum school in Bologna.

Learning Support Services include English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Learning Support Specialists. ISB provides inclusive education with small class sizes and collaboration with external agencies when needed.

Italy.

Daily schedule includes early drop-off 8:15–8:50, staggered entry 8:50–9:00, circle time 9:00–9:15, lunch 11:45–12:15, outdoor activities, and pick-up 4:45–5:00 PM (Extended Day options may apply).

Uniform exists and is listed as an optional extra in the tuition schedule. It is not included in base tuition.

Lunch is provided on site. A Lunch Fee is charged. The full lunch service is mandatory up to Grade 5; Grades 6-12 can choose between 2, 3, or 5 days per week: €675, €1,005, and €1,590 respectively.

The school is International School of Bologna S.r.l., an Italian private limited company (S.r.l.).

ISB provides the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-6 (Early Years) and 6-11 (Elementary), Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16 (Middle School), and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19 (High School). Instruction is in English with a full-immersion English language context.

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Student Well-being is a priority at ISB. Social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing are addressed as part of teaching and learning. The PSE programme supports personal and social development across the curriculum. The School Counselor plays a central role in supporting student well-being.

ISB provides Learning Support as part of an inclusive education. Learning Support Services remove barriers and enable equal access to the curriculum. A Learning Support Specialist team supports students, including Maria Girasoli – Student Support Services & EAL Coordinator, Anna Weitzler – Learning Support Specialist, and Rita Kosmidou – Learning Support Specialist. Support for mild to moderate needs may be provided in class or outside the classroom, as defined in the Learning Support Policy.

The English as an Additional Language Department provides support for learners who need extra help with English and for their teachers. EAL staff facilitate language acquisition and collaborate with class teachers to plan. For the students with greatest need, an in-small group EAL programme is provided, with progress monitored using the Maculaitis Assessment of Competencies Test of English Language Proficiency II, and regular parent communication is maintained.

The well-being of students is integral to teaching and learning. The School Counselor supports students' psychological and social-emotional needs; counselling is short-term and solution-focused with confidentiality a key feature. The Personal and Social Education (PSE) curriculum supports personal growth and well-being as part of a holistic approach.

The ISB Child Protection Policy guides health, safety, and care of students and forms the foundation for safeguarding. The policy is aligned with international frameworks including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The ISB Child Protection Team safeguards all children in the ISB community; staff receive annual training on Child Protection.

Step 1: Start your inquiry. Begin by clicking Apply Now to initiate enrollment discussions. ISB provides information and support to help families through the process.

Step 2: Start the application. To formally begin the application process, click Start Now to initiate your inquiry in the ISB OpenApply system (isbologna.openapply.com). The page also presents an Apply Now option for enrollment. The Admissions Director will assist with next steps and guide you through the process.

Step 3: Final steps and policies. ISB does not accept requests to anticipare (move a student up a grade outside standard promotion). The school is located at Via della Libertà 2, Bologna, Italy. You can enroll by selecting 'Enroll Now' on the Admissions page.