The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
All schools in the Smiling International School group
Caterina Azzini
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Indian Curriculum
Taught languages English, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 15
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Located in Ferrara, Smiling International School offers bilingual education in English and Italian for students aged 2 to 18. Campus Porta Mare, housed in a renovated former monastery, features two spacious gardens overlooking the city's historic walls. The school utilizes the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme alongside the Italian national curriculum.
A distinctive feature is the four-year Linguistic High School track, enabling students to earn the Italian Maturità diploma one year earlier than standard Italian state schools. Students also study Chinese and Spanish, preparing for HSK and DELE language certifications. Extracurricular activities span from digital painting to sports dance. Smiling additionally employs a House Point System to foster teamwork across different grades, while an integrated Continuity Project ensures smooth transitions between all educational stages.
This campus is part ofSmiling International School
Corso Porta Mare, 117, 44121 Ferrara FE, Italy
The Essentials
Smiling International School - Campus Porta Mare has 450 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin.
Location
Smiling International School of Ferrara is located in Ferrara, Italy, with two campuses: Campus Porta Mare at Corso Porta Mare, 117, 44121 Ferrara, and Campus Roversella at Via Roversella, 2, 44121 Ferrara. It offers Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, a 4-Year Linguistic High School, and the 4-Year International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Stages
Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School; 4-Year Linguistic High School; 4-Year International Baccalaureate Diploma
Type
International school with a boarding program for high school students
Country affiliation
Italy
Fees
Application fees
- An Admission & Enrolment Fee is required and must be paid to complete the enrolment process once an application has been accepted.
Tuition fees by school year (overview)
- The school charges an annual attendance tuition (referred to as a retta di frequenza) for each school level: Early Years, Primary School, Lower Secondary (Scuola Secondaria di I grado), Upper Secondary / Liceo and IB programmes. - Specific monetary amounts for tuition by year group and per term are not published in the public planning documents; tuition amounts and the full fee schedule are provided to families through the school's admissions/enrolment process.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Enrolment is considered completed on receipt of the Admission & Enrolment Fee. - The annual tuition obligation is established in the enrolment contract; the contract specifies the payment schedule and the modalities for payment (for example whether fees are payable in full or by instalments). - For boarding (where applicable) the boarding contract and the school's administrative provisions specify the timing of boarding fee payments and any required deposit.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is offered under a separate residence/boarding arrangement. The boarding fee grants access to accommodation (single or double rooms as available), shared study spaces and the on-site lunch service Monday–Friday during the school term. Bedding/linen is provided as part of the accommodation service. - A refundable security deposit (cauzione) is required for residents; the deposit amount is established in the boarding contract and is refundable at the end of the stay provided no damage or other outstanding charges remain. - Any additional boarding-related charges (laundry beyond basic provision, damage repairs, replacement keys, penalties for late departures, etc.) are handled according to the residence regulations and the signed contract.
Other costs and fees
- Uniforms: Secondary-school students are required to wear a school uniform; the cost of uniforms is borne by families and uniform items are listed in the school's published uniform/divise documents. - Stationery and course materials: Required stationery and material lists exist for each year group; these supplies are normally purchased by families. - Extracurricular activities, special educational trips, exam/certification fees (language certifications and external examinations), summer camp participation and some optional services carry additional fees that are charged separately. - Any security, administrative or other small one-off charges linked to enrolment, school trips or specific services are set out in the enrolment/contractual documentation for the relevant programme or activity.
Refund information
- For boarding, the security deposit is refundable at the end of the contractual relationship provided there is no damage; the contract and residence regulations set the terms for any deductions. - Tuition- and enrolment-related refund and withdrawal conditions (including any penalties or non-refundable items) are determined by the enrolment contract and the administrative terms in the school's regulations; the enrolment contract specifies any applicable refund rules.
Fee payment options
- The enrolment and boarding contracts define the permitted payment methods and the billing process; payment timing and modalities are specified in those contractual documents. - Families should follow the billing instructions included in the enrolment paperwork for payment methods (bank transfer, card or other methods where available) and for the deadlines that apply to each instalment or invoice.
Academics
Smiling International School - Campus Porta Mare teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Indian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
Smiling International School Ferrara provides education from Early Years through High School. English is the primary language of instruction across all levels, with Chinese and Spanish available for study. The High School offers a four-year Linguistic High School culminating in the diploma di Maturità and a four-year pathway that includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year Diploma Programme, following a two-year Middle Years Programme that is in accreditation. The school is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM) and its Early Years, Primary, Middle, and High School programs are state-recognized. Language certifications are available in Cambridge English, DELE for Spanish, and HSK for Chinese.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 15 students.
Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma graduates have access to universities in Italy and abroad; the Diploma is internationally recognized by prestigious universities. The Diploma Programme prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. The school supports university pathways with guidance through conferences, open days, and dedicated counseling to help students choose their higher education routes.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school uses a House Point System with four houses—Quicksilvers, Acrobats, Druids and Brave Hearts—dividing students across all year levels. Belonging to a house binds and unites students as they work to earn points for their house. Positive reinforcement is used, with monthly General Assembly merit certificates recognizing attitude, effort or achievements. Sports Day celebrates house competition and strengthens community spirit.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Inclusion is an ongoing commitment to creating a school environment where every student feels welcomed, heard, and free to express their individuality—fostering real opportunities for participation and success for all.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the primary language of instruction across Early Years to High School. Students have the opportunity to study Chinese and Spanish, expanding their linguistic and cultural horizons. Language proficiency is officially certified.
Mental Wellbeing
The Three-Year Educational Offer Plan (PTOF) includes the promotion of students' well-being. The House Point System and associated recognition contribute to positive wellbeing by reinforcing belonging and achievement.
Safeguarding
Whistleblowing Regulation is in place, with Annex 1 Reporting Model and Annex 2 Privacy Policy.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Express your Interest. Families interested in receiving more information can fill out the ENQUIRY FORM. The Enquiry Form initiates the admissions process and enables the Admissions Department to provide the requested information. The form submission starts the next steps in the journey toward enrollment. 2. School Tour and Interview. A member of the Admission Department will contact the family to provide the requested information and arrange a meeting at school. If needed, the meeting can be held online. The tour provides an opportunity to explore spaces and gain a first-hand understanding of Smiling's educational approach, while the interview helps the school understand the family's needs. 3. Application Form. Following the meeting and school tour, an enrolment form will be sent to the family by email. The school staff will be available for any additional questions. 4. Entry Acceptance. The School Office and Direction reserves the right to accept or reject the application based on the availability of places in the relevant class and the correct and complete reception of all required documents. Once the application has been accepted and validated by SIS, enrolment is considered completed on receipt of the Admission & Enrolment Fee. The process is finalized once the fee is received.
FAQs
What curriculum does Smiling International School follow?
Smiling International School Ferrara provides education from Early Years through High School. English is the primary language of instruction across all levels, with Chinese and Spanish available for study.
What are the tuition fees?
**Application fees**
- An Admission & Enrolment Fee is required and must be paid to complete the enrolment process once an application has been accepted.
Where is Smiling International School located?
Smiling International School of Ferrara is located in Ferrara, Italy, with two campuses: Campus Porta Mare at Corso Porta Mare, 117, 44121 Ferrara, and Campus Roversella at Via Roversella, 2, 44121 Ferrara.
What age groups does the school serve?
Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School; 4-Year Linguistic High School; 4-Year International Baccalaureate Diploma
Does the school support students with SEN?
Inclusion is an ongoing commitment to creating a school environment where every student feels welcomed, heard, and free to express their individuality—fostering real opportunities for participation and success for all.
How does admissions work?
1. Express your Interest. Families interested in receiving more information can fill out the ENQUIRY FORM. The Enquiry Form initiates the admissions process and enables the Admissions Department to provide the requested information.
What accreditations does the school hold?
The school is officially accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIM). Early Years, Primary, Middle, and High School programs are state-recognized, with oversight beyond that of many international schools.
What languages are taught?
The school uses English as the primary language of instruction across Early Years to High School, with Italian also taught and used in the curriculum (including the 4-year Linguistic High School that awards the Italian diploma di maturità).
What wellbeing support is available?
The school uses a House Point System with four houses—Quicksilvers, Acrobats, Druids and Brave Hearts—dividing students across all year levels. Belonging to a house binds and unites students as they work to earn points for their house.
What facilities does the school have?
The school operates on two Ferrara campuses: Palazzo Gulinelli on Corso d'Este I and the Corso Porta Mare Campus.
When was Smiling International School founded?
The Smiling International School of Ferrara was established in 1998. The school operates across two campuses, Campus Porta Mare and Campus Roversella, in Ferrara.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Extra Activities include Basketball and Mini Basketball, Sports Dance, Digital Painting and Watercolor. These activities are offered after school at both Porta Mare and Roversella campuses.
