We finally found a place for Antonia at a private, Catholic Scuola Materna here in Firenze. The Headmistress was a really lovely person who wants to learn to speak English, which after some of the experiences I have had here with schools was refreshing!

Her name is down and she starts in September. It was a great relief to find a local school as I don't want her to go to the International school here yet. I think it is part of the experience of living in a foreign country to assimilate as much as possible, especially if, like us, you are hoping to do it long term!

Anyway as both kids will be at school September I better find something to do!!

Alyson, I figure from what you have said that you will not be putting your kids into regular Italian school. Just want to say that it has been a very positive experience for Casey even though he knew virtually no Italian when he started in September. I had misgivings about immersing him but am so glad that we did.I had looked at, even visited, the International School in Bagno Ripoli and was impressed with what I saw and so the decision was difficult. I am convinced though that we made the right one.

It's not a state school as they are all full and don't have great reputations on my side of Florence unfortunately but it is an Italian school. I looked at the Int. School but as I found a place at a local school decided not to go with it for now. As she gets older I may have to send her there as I want her to do some schooling in the UK when she is about 12/13, that is the plan at the moment and what her brother, who is already 12, will be doing in September.

I think if Alexander were to school over here, the age he is and the schooling he is used to the Int. School would definitely be a better fit for him. Like you I was very impressed with what I saw, but at the prices they are charging at Materna level they should be! For Alexander's age the cost is more acceptable as it is roughly half what I will pay in the UK!

I'm glad Casey has had/having a good experience. I'm hoping Antonia will! She is very sociable and already trying some words in Italian so I think she will be okay!

Auguri1 That's great news! I'm sure that everything will work out perfectly for her.