Parent's Review of International School of Modena in Modena, Italy

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

International School of Modena

In what town or city is this school located?

Modena

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Kindergarten to Grade 13 (ages 3 - 18)

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

There is the option to take the school bus. Many parents drive to school and some live locally so walk/cycle.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The school is a modern purpose built facility with lovely bright classrooms. There are two science labs, an art lab, music room, library and a computer suite. There is a well equipped gymnasium and a large playground with football pitch and beach volleyball court. There are a variety of lunch time and after school clubs which give students the opportunity to further their interests and develop their skills in music, arts, sports and drama. Residential trips run every year from Grades 3/4 and there is also a summer camp programme.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

Our children joined the school aged 3 and 7. The transition was virtually seamless. The academic level was on par with the independent school and nursery they had attended in the UK. Just as important for us, they joined a friendly, caring and inspiring community. The school now takes students to 18, but as this did not use to be the case it was neccessary for our eldest to move to a UK boarding school in Grade 9. Staff and teachers were very supportive and shared their knowledge and experience of teaching in the UK to help us facilitate the transition. Our experience is that the Middle Years Programme gives excellent preparation for studying GCSEs.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is an active PTA comprised of a newly elected chair and representatives from each class. There are a variety of social events organised throughout the school year. Some of these are annual events such as the Welcome Lunch and Winter Fair, others are less formal such as coffee mornings, lunches and day trips.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

IS Modena is an IB world school offering the IB programme of education. I would encourage parents who are considering enrolling their children to research these programmes in order to develop an understanding of what they offer and how they work. The Primary Years Programme takes a holistic approach and focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer both in the classroom and the world outside. As a parent you can see your child developing their skills and confidence. The Middle Years Programme is an engaging curriculum organised around the study of eight traditional subject areas. Here you see your children becoming expert at learning; they develop their ability to locate, process, critically evaluate and communicate information. The Diploma Programme is a challenging programme, academically rigorous and excellent preparation for university. Overall, I would say that our ten years here have given us a great international experience.

Tripiamo
Learn More

Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.

Tripiamo

Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.
Learn More