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International School of Florence


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The International School of Florence (ISF) is one of the oldest international schools in Europe, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the surest path to accessing the broadest choice of colleges and universities throughout the world. As a non-profit educational institution, ISF embodies the values of the Renaissance. How? By striving for academic excellence while developing our students’ creativity, intellectual curiosity, innovative spirit, and appreciation for beauty. Why? Because developing the whole person is at the heart of our mission. ISF offers challenging and internationally recognized academic programs alongside a rich extracurricular offering. At ISF – in our Renaissance villas and Tuscan setting – students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow through a focus on their potential today.

Capturing 65 years of tradition in Florence, the International School of Florence (ISF) is one of the oldest international schools in Europe. ISF is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in grades PS-12, with innovative academic programs, the arts, athletics, and a community that celebrates the dignity and worth of each individual. The school, with a current enrollment of approximately 480 students on two campuses, is comprised of families from over thirty countries, including about 40% of Italian Citizens. Paul Burk-Mahony and Horace Gibson co-founded the school in Rome, in 1952. Eleven years later, the school transferred to a farmhouse on Via del Guarlone just outside of Florence. In 1968, the school moved again to Torre Bellosguardo and remained there until 1980 when it transferred to the present Junior School location at Via del Carota in Bagno a Ripoli.

The IB Diploma Programme was introduced in 1983. 20 years later, in 2003, the school was renamed the International School of Florence. Emerging student growth, and consequent space restrictions, caused The Board to create a Middle and High School at Villa Torri di Gattaia, a 13th-century villa immersed in the countryside just outside of Florence. These facilities incorporate classroom space, science labs, a library, art studio, computer labs. In the 65 intervening years, it has grown and changed dramatically, developing into a model international school with programs offered such as the International Baccalaureate Organization’s Primary Years Programme (grades Pre-School through 5), an integrated Italian equivalency program (grades 1 through 😎 for our host country students who wish to prepare for and take the Italian Terza Media exam, and the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for high schools students. The IB Diploma Program is recognized for admission to universities in Italy, the U.S., the U.K, and countries around the world. ISF is fully accredited both by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

ISF aims to provide a caring learning environment that promotes personal, social, and academic growth through challenging and engaging programs, to develop respectful, responsible students who strive to have a positive impact on others and the world around them. The International School of Florence is committed to:

  • Providing a safe and healthy school environment.
  • Encouraging intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for learning as a lifelong pursuit.
  • Enabling students to realize their highest potential.
  • Providing students with depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding, and skills in a broad range of academic subjects.
  • Building confidence, self-esteem, and leadership through curricular and extracurricular activities, including athletics, the arts, and community service programs.
  • Upholding appropriate standards for personal behavior.
  • Nurturing intellectual, social and physical growth while identifying and meeting each student’s developmental needs.
  • Recognizing creative expression and promoting an appreciation of beauty.
  • Developing positive moral and social values for personal fulfillment and the good of the community.
  • Fostering understanding and respect for diverse cultures and the differences between them.
  • Encouraging appreciation of each student’s heritage.
  • Promoting competence in English and at least one other language.
  • Continuing to attract and retain exceptional staff.
  • Ensuring financial sustainability into the future.

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