International Schools in Milan [and where to live]

The British School of Milan (Sir James Henderson)^[1]

Founded in 1969, BSM is often considered one of the best international schools in Italy and Europe. It offers the British curriculum (IGCSE) and the IB Diploma, achieving a 2024 IB average of 37.3—the highest in Italy among large schools.

It's non-profit, globally accredited, and features UK-qualified teachers. With 40+ nationalities represented and students heading to top UK and US universities (hello, Oxbridge and Ivy League), BSM is a gold standard.

Moving to Milan with kids? Let’s find you the perfect home near the best international schools—fast, stress-free, and stylish. Contact us today!

St. Louis School of Milan^[2]

Founded in 1996, St. Louis is a British-Italian hybrid with three campuses (Carroccio/Colonna, Caviglia, liceo Archinto) and a strong academic edge. Their IB results average 36-37, often topping the charts in continental Europe.

It's an IB World School, a COBIS member, and recently launched a boarding option for ages 14-18. International families love the university outcomes and rave about the school's reputation and community vibe.

American School of Milan (ASM)^[3]

The only school in Milan offering a full US curriculum alongside the IB Diploma. ASM is known for its strong college counseling, stellar facilities, and 2024 IB average of 34.9.

Students come from 50+ countries, and alumni head to Ivy League and top UK universities. Parents praise the balance between academic rigor and a supportive, “American-style” learning environment.

International School of Milan (ISM)^[4]

The oldest international school in the city (since 1958), ISM is a pure IB school with all three programmes (PYP, MYP, DP). It's now part of the Inspired Education Group and based in a modern campus in Baranzate.

With 1000+ students and a strong multilingual, multicultural focus, ISM is highly popular among local and expat families.

Honourable Mentions

These may be smaller or newer, but they're gaining traction fast:

• Canadian School of Milan - Ontario curriculum + IB. Growing in popularity, with a multilingual edge.
• Andersen International School - Bilingual and independent, now offering the IB Diploma.
• SIS Swiss International School - Swiss-style discipline + bilingualism in Milan-Basiglio.
• ICS International School - Innovative, STEAM-focused, expanding into high school with the IB.
• National Schools with International Spirit - Like Lycée Stendhal, Deutsche Schule Mailand, and Scuola Svizzera, offering rigorous national diplomas in an international setting.

Just landed in Milan? I’ll help you choose the right school and neighborhood before your cappuccino even gets cold. Contact us now!

Top Neighborhoods for Families Near International Schools

Here I propose the best luxurious neighborhood for each international school location:

Palestro / Porta Venezia

If your children are headed to The British School of Milan (Via Pisani Dossi), this is your dream location. Palestro and Porta Venezia are Milan at its most elegant: think historic mansions, spacious apartments, and the leafy beauty of Giardini Indro Montanelli right at your doorstep.

You're also just a few steps from the fashion heart of Milan, but without the noise. Nearby Piazza Duse and Via Vivaio offer an even more exclusive, discreet charm—ideal for families who value both refinement and privacy.

And if you're craving a villa surrounded by greenery, head slightly north to the Monza area for a serene escape with space to spare.

CityLife, Magenta, Pagano, San Siro

Perfect if your children attend St. Louis School (Via Colonna) or ISM in Baranzate.

• CityLife is futuristic Milan: green parks, luxury towers by Hadid and Libeskind, and world-class amenities. Add M5 and M1 metro access and you've got a sleek, family-friendly neighborhood just minutes from St. Louis.
• Magenta and Pagano are the epitome of Milanese charm—historic buildings, tree-lined avenues, and an old-world ambiance that blends perfectly with high-end modern living. Excellent for families seeking peace, elegance, and close access to top schools.
• San Siro is the unexpected gem: villas, green spaces, and more square meters for your money. It's ideal if you want privacy, big homes, and quick access to both ISM and central Milan—without the central Milan price tag.

Porta Romana

Porta Romana has quickly become one of Milan's most sought-after residential districts, thanks to a wave of investment and urban regeneration tied to the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the upcoming Olympic Village, the area will soon boast new parks, bike lanes, and enhanced transport links, adding even more value to this already vibrant neighborhood.

For expat families, Porta Romana offers something even more practical: close proximity to the St. Louis School of Milan (Via Caviglia). You can reach it in just a few minutes—by car or public transport. And thanks to the M3 metro line, it's also one of the most strategic spots for commuting to the American School of Milan (ASM) in Noverasco—around 20 minutes by car.

It's a perfect blend of upscale living and family-friendly practicality.

Brera, Centro Storico

Brera is Milan's answer to Paris's Marais or London's Marylebone—charming, cultured, and effortlessly chic. Nestled in the historic center, Brera is famous for its pedestrian streets, art galleries, fine dining, and boutique shopping. It's where Milanese elegance meets international flair.

And for families? It's incredibly well located for the St. Louis School of Milan's Via Olmetto campus. Whether you're walking (a scenic 15-minute stroll past the Duomo) or hopping in the car (5-7 minutes tops), the school run has never looked so good.

Living in Brera means giving your family the best of Milan—beauty, culture, and convenience, all rolled into one.

Looking for a family-friendly home in Milan? I’ve got exclusive listings near top international schools. Let’s talk!

Buying vs. Renting Near Milan's Top Schools

So, you're a high-profile expat moving to Milan with the whole crew, wondering: "Should we rent or buy?". Well, as always—it depends. But don't worry, I've got you covered with some straight-talking, real-world advice (with just a sprinkle of irony).

Team Renting: For the Cautiously Curious

Why? Because it lets you move in fast, enjoy that luxury lifestyle, and, most importantly, change your mind without tears or lawyers. Didn't fall in love with the neighborhood? Need to be closer to your kids' school? Just pack and pivot.

And let's not forget the market—Milan is hot, and buying during a price peak only to sell a year later is a strategy best avoided. Many HNWIs follow the same playbook: rent first, buy later, once they're sure of the school, the neighborhood, and the bar with the best aperitivo.

Team Buying: For the Committed & Strategic

Owning a luxury property means no more worrying about lease renewals, plus you get to customize your home just the way you like it. And historically? Prime real estate in Milan holds or increases in value, especially in international-demand areas.

Oh, and did we mention Italy's sweet flat tax deal for new residents? Yes, there's a way to own a luxury property without being crushed by taxes. That's what we call la dolce vita, strategically planned.

Topic	Renting	Buying
Flexibility	Extremely high	Limited - long-term commitment
Investiment	Low capital exposure	Tangible asset, customizable & transferable
Taxes & Fees	Predictable and minimal	Initial purchase taxes + ongoing IMU & maintenance costs
Legal Requirements for Foreigners	Requires Italian tax code; landlords often ask for references or guarantees	Fairly straightforward: EU/EEA and non-EU residents can buy freely; non-EU non-residents must meet reciprocity rules
Resale Potential	n.a.	Strong: average resale time ~5–6 months
Inheritance Tax	n.a.	Very low in Italy – a big plus!
Rental Yield	n.a.	High demand; low yield (~3–4%) but stable long-term asset

Market Trends & Rental Yields

When it comes to choosing between buying and renting in Milan, crunching the numbers matters—especially for HNWIs who like their decisions served with a side of logic.

Let's talk returns. In the luxury segment, gross rental yields hover around 3-4% per year. That's based on an average purchase price of ~€12,600/sqm and annual rental income of about €485/sqm. Not exactly a cash cow compared to more modest investments, right?

But there's a reason for that. Luxury real estate isn't about monthly returns—it's about long-term capital appreciation. Most investors buying high-end properties in Milan aren't in it for rental income—they're betting on rising value. And in recent years, that bet has paid off handsomely.

Ironically, this is also why renting a luxury home can make a lot of financial sense, even for someone who could easily buy it outright. Why tie up millions in bricks and stucco when you can enjoy the villa, stay mobile, and invest your capital elsewhere?

This trend is gaining traction, especially as Milan's luxury market has surged, supported by global demand and limited supply.

• Buying is a smart move if you're playing the long game and want a solid asset that holds value.
• Renting gives you flexibility, a lower financial commitment, and access to the good life—without the baggage of ownership.

In Milan, luxury real estate is less about ROI spreadsheets and more about strategic lifestyle choices. Just the way we like it.

How We Can Help You Find the Perfect Home

Tailored Property Search for Expat Families

We understand your priorities—schools, safety, style. We'll help you find a home that fits your family and your lifestyle.

Luxury Rentals & Premium Homes Near Top Schools

Whether you're here short-term or planning to stay, we offer high-end rentals and exclusive properties just minutes from the best international schools.

Exclusive Listings in the Right Neighborhoods

We know Milan inside out. From CityLife to Porta Romana, we offer properties you won't find online, located exactly where you need them.

VIP Relocation Services

We go beyond real estate: help with school applications, legal matters, contracts, utilities—everything. You move in, we handle the rest.

From top schools to dream homes, I handle everything for expat families moving to Milan. Let’s make this easy. Contact us now!

FAQ

How many international schools are there in Milan?

In Milan and its immediate metropolitan area, there are currently around 24 international schools—a remarkable number for a European city of its size. Nearly all of these institutions are officially recognized, either as "scuole paritarie" or foreign sections by Italy's Ministry of Education (MIUR), or accredited by leading international educational bodies.

• ~12 schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)—ideal for globally mobile families seeking a consistent, high-standard education recognized worldwide.
• ~10 schools follow British-style curricula, including Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, providing a clear path to UK and Commonwealth universities.
• Only one school—the American School of Milan—offers a full US curriculum, culminating in a U.S. High School Diploma.
• Additionally, four schools cater to specific national systems, such as the French, German, or Swiss curricula, maintaining cultural and linguistic continuity for expat families.

Is Milan good for international students?

Yes, Milan is excellent for international students. As a cosmopolitan city and Italy's financial hub, it offers vibrant cultural life, renowned universities (like Bocconi, Politecnico, and Università degli Studi di Milano), and numerous fully accredited international schools.

Students enjoy diverse academic opportunities with IB, British, American, and other global curricula, facilitating smooth integration. Overall, Milan is highly recommended for international student life.

Are international schools in Italy free?

No, international schools in Italy aren't free. Most charge tuition fees, which can vary significantly depending on the school's reputation, curriculum (such as IB, British, or American), and location. Typically, annual fees range from around €5,000 to over €25,000 per student.

Public schools, in contrast, offer education free of charge or at minimal cost but teach mainly in Italian, not English. Therefore, families seeking international education should plan for substantial educational expenses when enrolling their children in private international institutions in Italy.

Elena Manzhos: Mother of two beautiful children, wife, and real estate agent for over 15 years. More than 20 years ago,  I moved to Italy from Eastern Europe. I have always had a deep-seated passion for houses; as a child for the Barbie house, and now as a real estate professional, my love for luxurious properties is unwavering.
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