International School in Florence

International School of Florence:
With two locations, in Bagno a Ripoli, just south of Florence, and on the south side of the Arno in Florence in the Tuscany region of northern Italy, the International School of Florence is one of the oldest international schools in Europe. Originally catering to an international, Anglophone community, in the more than 57 intervening years, it has grown and changed, developing into a model international school. Among the programs offered are the International Baccalaureate Organisation's Primary Years Program, an integrated Italian equivalency program (grades 1 through 8) for our host country students who wish to prepare for and take the Italian Terza Media exam, and the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

We are accredited by ECIS and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

Mission Statement:
The International School of Florence provides a rigorous, innovative education through relevant and engaging academic and community service programs. ISF teaches responsibility and self-reliance, qualities needed to be a lifelong learner and successful citizen of the world.

Philosophy:
The International School of Florence believes in:

* providing its students with depth and breadth of knowledge, and understanding and skills in a broad range of academic subject areas;
* promoting competence both in English and at least in one other language.
* implementing approaches to learning which foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and enthusiasm for education as a lifelong pursuit;
* enabling students to become aware of and develop their highest potential;
* developing appropriate standards for personal behaviour and an understanding of individual and societal responsibility in a global society;
* developing moral and social values for personal satisfaction and for the good of the community;
* fostering understanding and respect for diverse cultures to encourage appreciation of each student's heritage;
* building of confidence, self-esteem and leadership through curricular, extracurricular, athletic and community service programmes;
* nurturing the individual's intellectual, social and physical growth while identifying and meeting each student's developmental needs;
* recognising and promoting the importance of creative expression and an appreciation of beauty.

Like the ISF student body, our teaching and administrative staffs are international in character. Many have lived and worked in different parts of the world and, along with their professional skills, bring to ISF the enrichment of their diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Others have been at the school for longer periods, ensuring continuity and consistency at the school. All are fully qualified and committed to the ISF pedagogical ethos.

- Programs for pre-kindergarten through grade 13
- Curriculum based on US Models and International Baccalaureate Program with English, Italian, math, science, social studies, technology, theater arts
- Junior School
- Middle School
- Senior School
- Italian Program for Italian Terza Media State exam
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
- College Preparation Course SAT

The International School of Florence community includes not only parents, students, faculty and staff, but also alumni, patrons, benefactors, cultural organizations, local businesses and residents of Florence who support our school with their time, energy, money and participation in various ISF events and activities.