International School of Florence - Junior School Campus

The Junior School Campus is located at Villa le Tavernule, Via del Carota 23/25, 50012 Bagno a Ripoli (FI), Italy. It sits in the rolling countryside just outside Florence, on eighteen acres of Tuscan grounds with garden views. The villa-side campus includes facilities such as the Eli Emery Computer Room, the Horace W. Gibson Aula Magna and the Paul Burke-Mahoney Library. The campus is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Florence and sits in a rural setting with easy access to nature studies.

Preschool through Grade 5 (Early Years ages 3-5; Junior School ages 6-11)

independent, co-educational day school

Specialist learning support is available.

School starts at 8:30 am; arrival is between 8:00 and 8:25 am; campus opens at 8:00 am; bus student dismissal occurs at 3:20 pm.

ISF is an authorized Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum school. The PYP uses structured, purposeful inquiry as the main approach to teaching and learning across school ages and curricular areas. The Primary Years Programme is structured around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organize ourselves; Sharing the planet. English is the primary language of instruction and inclusion, and Italian is taught to all students, with mother-tongue development valued. Italian language development and cultural awareness are integral, supported through units of inquiry and stand-alone Italian language teaching. Junior School serves ages 6-11.

The Junior School at ISF uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), a child-centered framework that develops academic understanding while promoting social and physical wellbeing. The PYP is designed to support holistic development through an integrated Programme of Inquiry and connections to performing arts, physical education, and education beyond the classroom. The school emphasizes strong relationships between staff and students to create a safe, welcoming environment where learners can take risks and explore with confidence. ISF integrates wellbeing into its programs through the PYP framework and partnerships with organizations in and around Florence. The Upper School Principal notes that ISF focuses on positive behavior and student wellbeing, with weekly wellbeing lessons and a team of administrators, counselors, and learning support personnel to support students.

ISF aims to be an inclusive learning environment. Students with diagnosed learning needs are supported in their learning by Learning Services Facilitators, with options for one-on-one settings, small groups, or guided accommodations. The goal of the Learning Services Program is to provide students with the tools and strategies they need to find success in ISF's programs. The program is supported by skilled staff and resources as part of ISF's inclusive approach.

English is the primary language of instruction and inclusion at ISF. The English as an Additional Language program supports young English language learners by aiding their understanding of classroom activities and participation in day-to-day class work, using a pull-out or push-in model. In this model, students receive instruction focused on core vocabulary, listening skills, differentiated reading comprehension, and communication. The emphasis is on integrating English language development with curriculum learning.

ISF focuses on positive behavior and student wellbeing. Students engage in weekly wellbeing lessons and are supported by a team of administrators, counselors, and learning support personnel. The wellbeing approach is embedded in ISF's holistic program, aligning with the school's mission to support students socially and emotionally alongside academics.

All staff are responsible for safeguarding and protection of all students at all times. The school maintains Designated Safeguard Leads (DSLs) for Junior School and Upper School to oversee safeguarding and coordinate responses. Incidents or concerns should be reported within the next school day, or within 48 hours, to the DSL. The Incident Response Team, led by the DSL, may include the School Social and Emotional Counselors, the School Nurse, and the Principal. The school's Code of Conduct (available in Italian and English) reinforces safeguarding responsibilities, and recruitment includes background checks to ensure suitability for working with children.

1. Application window and timelines. The application period begins in October of the year prior to the academic year and closes in January of the application year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, applications are available October 6, 2025 and close January 7, 2026. Re-enrollment for current families usually begins in December and concludes toward the end of February. Final responses for yearly applicants are typically provided by early March, while for semester applicants, final responses are typically provided during the summer. Start your application through isfitaly.openapply.com.

2. Documentation, interview, tests and fee. To complete an application, families submit supporting documents, sit a student interview, undertake an admissions test, and secure the application fee. Applicants must complete their application within two weeks of registration to be evaluated. The admissions review is holistic and considers grade level and program alignment.

3. Grade placement and alignment. ISF uses a chart to determine the appropriate ISF grade corresponding to the student's current grade level, reflecting differences in schooling systems. Junior School placement follows a September 1 cut-off and places students according to age, current grade level, and schooling system. The Admissions Committee may place a student one year above or one year below if needed based on evidence of need.

4. Testing and screening. Junior School applicants undergo development screening appropriate to their age group; Grades 1-5 take a Star assessment in English and math, and non-English mother-tongue applicants complete the WIDA screener. Upper School applicants attend a student interview and screening, with MAP or WIDA assessments as appropriate. Some grades may offer Italian program screening if parents express interest.

5. Admissions criteria and outcomes. The Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant holistically and applies priority levels to placement. If spaces are not available or needs cannot be met, entry may be refused; conditional acceptance may be granted in certain cases. The policy emphasizes that English is the language of instruction and inclusion, while valuing linguistic diversity.

6. Enrollment and next steps. After acceptance, families must meet all requirements and adhere to fee deadlines (e.g., application, entrance, and re-enrollment payments). Documentation for learning needs, if applicable, should be provided; the school reserves the right to adjust or deny enrollment if information is not disclosed. The Admissions Team can be contacted for questions, and Start your application via the online portal isfitaly.openapply.com.

Three-Year Local Scholarship Opportunity for a Local Student
The International School of Florence offers a three-year scholarship for a motivated and academically capable student from the local Florentine community who is not currently enrolled at ISF. The student will enter Grade 6 in the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship will support the student from Grade 6 through Grade 8, ending with the Terza Media examination, and is designed to provide access to a high-quality international education within a supportive, globally minded learning environment. It will combine an international English-language education with continued connection to the Italian system.
How to Apply: Families interested in applying or learning more about eligibility and the application process are invited to contact p.lauria@isfitaly.org for further information. Application deadline: March 20, 2026.
What are we looking for in the student: Strong academic potential; Motivation and commitment to learning; Sufficient English language skills; Financial need that would otherwise make attending the school difficult.
What the school offers: Globally recognised IB education; Community service and leadership opportunities; A supportive, international learning environment.