Complete comparison of Milan's international schools, including curricula, tuition fees, admission processes, and practical tips for HNWI families relocating with children.
For HNWI families relocating to Milan, choosing the right school is often the most emotionally complex decision. It determines your children's social circle, language development, university pathway, and daily happiness. Milan offers six major international schools, each with distinct cultures, curricula, and strengths. This guide provides the comprehensive comparison you need.
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Annual Tuition | Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American School of Milan (ASM) | American / AP + IB Diploma | 3-18 | €22,000 - €30,000 | English |
| International School of Milan (ISM) | IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | 3-18 | €18,000 - €28,000 | English |
| Sir James Henderson (BJHS) | British / IGCSE + A-Levels | 3-18 | €15,000 - €25,000 | English |
| St. Louis School | British / IB | 6-18 | €16,000 - €27,000 | English |
| Scuola Americana d'Italia | American + Italian | 3-14 | €14,000 - €20,000 | English / Italian |
| Liceo Classico/Scientifico Intl | Italian + bilingual tracks | 14-19 | €2,000 - €5,000 | Italian / English |
If your children will likely attend university in the US, the American School of Milan (ASM) provides the strongest pipeline with AP courses and SAT preparation. For UK universities, Sir James Henderson offers A-Levels. The IB Diploma, offered by ISM and St. Louis, is universally accepted and particularly strong for European universities including Bocconi.
ASM has the most American feel: large campus, sports culture, school spirit. ISM is the most internationally diverse with over 60 nationalities. Sir James Henderson has a traditional British atmosphere. St. Louis combines Italian and British cultures. Each school's parent community reflects its culture — visit during drop-off and events to sense where your family fits.
Most schools accept applications year-round but the primary intake is September. For September 2026 entry, applications should ideally be submitted by January-March 2026. Popular schools (ASM, ISM) often have waiting lists for certain year groups. The process typically involves: application form and transcripts, entrance assessment (academic and sometimes language), family interview, and offer.
If you are relocating mid-year, most schools can accommodate late entries subject to availability. Having a professional facilitate the introduction can expedite the process, particularly for waitlisted year groups where a recommendation carries weight.
Bocconi University is among Europe's top business schools and offers English-taught bachelor's and master's programs. Politecnico di Milano ranks #1 in Italy for engineering and architecture. Both attract international students and accept IB, A-Level, and AP qualifications. Several international school graduates stay in Milan for university, maintaining their social connections.
Yes. All listed international schools teach primarily in English. Italian is taught as a subject (usually mandatory). Children typically become conversational in Italian within 6-12 months through school and immersion. Schools offer EAL (English as Additional Language) support for non-native English speakers.
In Milan itself, no. However, Switzerland (Lugano is 1 hour from Milan) has world-renowned boarding schools: TASIS, Aiglon College (further), and Franklin University Switzerland. Some families choose Milan as their base with children at Swiss boarding schools for the senior years.
ISM and ASM have the most developed learning support departments. Italian law also provides strong protections for students with DSA (disturbi specifici dell'apprendimento). Discuss your child's specific needs with the school's learning support coordinator during the application process.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of March 2026. Tuition fees and admission policies change annually. Contact schools directly for current information. The Italian Gateway manages the school selection and application process for relocating families.