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Taught languages English, Italian, French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction
The Canadian School of Milan’s Gioia Campus serves students from age 2 to 11 in a central urban setting. The curriculum integrates the Cambridge Primary framework for English and Mathematics with the Ontario (Canadian) framework for broader inquiry. Students utilize a dedicated STEAM Lab, which is equipped for robotics, engineering, and biological studies involving live reptiles and plants. Physical education is central to the daily routine, with the Primary curriculum including specialized swimming and ice-skating lessons at local professional facilities.
Instruction is delivered in English by native-speaking educators, while Italian language lessons are mandatory to ensure local cultural integration. A distinctive feature of the school is its "Junior School" model at the Gioia site, which separates the younger learners from the adolescent population to provide age-specific playgrounds and bright, low-rise classrooms. The school operates as a day-only institution, offering private door-to-door transportation for families living across Milan’s diverse residential zones.
Canadian School of Milan - Gioia Campus
has instruction in English, Italian, French.
Location
Two centrally located Milan campuses: Gioia Campus, Via M. Gioia 42, 20124 Milano (Early Years & Primary), and Vivaio Campus, Via Vivaio 7, 20122 Milano (Middle & Senior School). The campuses are in central Milan with easy walking or cycling access to safe neighbourhoods. Gioia Campus serves ages 2–11; Vivaio Campus serves Grades 6–12 (roughly ages 11–18).
Stages
Early Years and Primary; Middle School; Senior School (ages 2–11; 11–14; 14–18).
Type
International IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Representing over 35 nationalities.
School day structure
Early Years & Primary run 8:00–15:30 with morning drop-off 8:00–8:45, circle time at 8:50, snack at 10:15, lunch at 11:45, rest/outdoor play at 13:00, learning at 14:00, end of day 15:30; Optional clubs 15:40–17:00. Middle & Senior School starts at 8:50 and finishes at 15:20; after-school activities may be available.
Bus service
A bus service is available for students aged 3 and older, with a dedicated bus assistant. City Bus stops include Piazza Piemonte (pickup 7:30, drop-off 16:40), Piazza Conciliazione (7:35/16:31), Piazza 24 Maggio (7:45/16:21), Piazza Medaglie d'Oro (7:55/16:11), Piazza Tricolore (8:00/16:06), Via G. Modena/C. Menotti (8:02/16:04), Piazza Carlo Erba (8:06/16:00), Via Melchiorre Gioia 1 (8:16/15:50), Gioia Campus (8:20/15:45). Door-to-Door service via La Bussola; Inter-Campus Shuttle between Gioia and Vivaio for Grade 6-8 with siblings; fees apply.
Fees
Annual tuition at Canadian School of Milan - Gioia Campus
ranges from EUR 11,700 to EUR 15,500 for 2026/27.
Application fees
- New student Admission Fee: EUR 2,600 (non‑refundable). - Admission Assessment (entry test): EUR 200 (non‑refundable; deducted from school fees if a place is offered).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term breakdown using the school's published 3‑installment schedule: 40% / 30% / 30%)
- Standard schedule published: three instalments of 40% / 30% / 30%. The published document lists specific installment dates alongside these percentages. Families are required to pay the Admission Fee within 10 working days of accepting an offer to secure a place. Late entry after the academic year start requires payment of all fees and charges for the entire term in which the student is entering. Notice rules apply to withdrawals (see Refund & withdrawal section).
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- The school operates day campuses in central Milan (Gioia and Vivaio). No boarding fees are published.
Other costs and optional fees
- Admission Assessment: EUR 200 (non‑refundable; deducted from fees if a place is offered). - Lunches (hot meals): EUR 1,150 (published as an example cost). - IB Examination fee (Diploma Programme): EUR 1,000. - English Additional Language (EAL) support: level‑dependent; published range EUR 300 to EUR 1,500 per term. - Mandatory school trips: costed separately per trip and charged in addition to tuition. - Upper‑school textbooks and supplies: charged separately for relevant year groups. - Italian national exam fees (5° Elementare and 3° Media) where applicable: charged separately. - Co‑curricular activities and private music lessons: optional and charged separately. - Door‑to‑door transportation: optional service charged separately (route and price dependent). - School uniform: cost borne by families; uniform items are charged separately.
Sibling discount
- 10% reduction on the tuition fee for the second and each subsequent sibling attending the school at the same time. The discount applies to tuition only.
Refund information & withdrawal / late‑entry terms
- The Admission Fee (EUR 2,600) is non‑refundable. The Admission Assessment fee (EUR 200) is non‑refundable (but deducted from school fees if a place is offered). If a student enrols after the start of the school year, all fees and charges for the entire term in which they enter are payable. Withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the School Office by the first day of the previous term (example given: a child not returning in September must give notice no later than April 1). Specific refunds or pro‑rata arrangements for tuition are not detailed in the published fee document beyond these rules.
Fee payment options
- The published fee schedule document does not list specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, credit card) or account details; payment method information and invoicing are handled through the school's Finance/Admissions processes. Families are referred to the school's admissions/finance office for the accepted payment channels and invoicing instructions.
Practical notes for budgeting
- Total yearly cost for a new student equals the annual tuition for the relevant grade plus the non‑refundable Admission Fee (EUR 2,600) in the first year and any optional services selected (meals, transport, trips, EAL, music lessons, exam fees, uniform, etc.). The sibling discount (10%) applies to tuition for second and subsequent children attending simultaneously.
Academics
Canadian School of Milan - Gioia Campus
teaches Canadian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 11.
Curriculum
The Canadian School of Milan offers English-language instruction from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme. The Primary School operates with instruction entirely in English within a Canadian-English and international education model. The Upper School follows the IB framework, with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The Diploma Programme comprises six subjects and a core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The school operates on two Milan campuses: Gioia Campus (Early Years and Primary) and Vivaio Campus (Middle and Senior School). The school is an IB World School.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 18 students. Teaching Assistants support teachers in the Early Years and Primary School.
Exam Results
In recent years, the Diploma Programme results have consistently exceeded the global average, with several students scoring above 40 and top achievers reaching 43 or 44 out of 45. IB results are released annually in July, and students can access their results by logging in with their Personal Code and PIN.
Higher Education Progression
Some graduates have offers from Stanford University, University of Chicago, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, and NYU.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Health and well-being are central to student life at the Canadian School of Milan. The school offers a dedicated counselling service with confidential one-to-one sessions and group workshops focused on motivation, personal development, and emotional resilience. Counseling supports students for stress, study pressures, low mood, friendship dynamics, or family concerns. The aim is to nurture a culture of openness, care, and proactive well-being, supported by a structured Personal & Social Education (PSED) curriculum. The campuses are staffed with qualified first aiders to ensure physical safety and immediate response when needed.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Diversity and inclusion are central to the CSM experience. The school supports the wide range of identities and learning diversity that exist in its community. It aims to create a fair, equal, safe, and encouraging environment for all, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or learning differences. CSM faculty, students, administrators, and staff fully embrace a vision of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All students are fully supported and comfortable at school, and the school aims to prepare them as much as possible for the future.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Most teachers are native English speakers, supporting an English-language learning environment. Language instruction in Italian, French, and Spanish is delivered by native speakers. English is the primary language of instruction across core subjects. The curriculum places a clear emphasis on English learning, with additional languages taught as part of the programme. Language offerings accompany the main pathways, including the IB Diploma Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Mental Wellbeing
Student health and well-being are a central priority at the Canadian School of Milan. The school provides a dedicated counselling service offering confidential one-to-one sessions and group workshops to support motivation, personal development, and emotional resilience. Counseling addresses stress, study pressures, low mood, friendship dynamics, and family concerns, with referrals by teachers or staff as needed. A structured Personal & Social Education (PSED) curriculum complements counselling to build emotional literacy, empathy, and coping strategies. First aiders on each campus ensure physical safety and rapid response as part of the school's welfare commitment.
Safeguarding
Canadian School of Milan is committed to a warm, caring, and safe environment for all students. Bullying and safety concerns are addressed under a formal anti-bullying policy, which states that bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The policy sets out how incidents are reported and responded to, with staff required to respond calmly and consistently and to keep the victim safe. Procedures include informing parents for serious incidents, providing support and appropriate action, and applying sanctions when necessary. The school conducts whole-school anti-bullying initiatives, PSHE lessons, and staff training, and incidents are monitored and reviewed regularly. The policy was last updated in June 2024.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Book tour. We offer campus tours and Open Days where you can ask questions, learn about our curriculum, and see learning in action. These visits provide an opportunity to observe the school environment and discuss questions with staff. The admissions process begins with scheduling a tour.
2. Complete the online application. Please upload: past 2 years of school reports, copy of passport or ID, any document disclosing your child's Special Educational Needs diagnosis (if applicable), any relevant document regarding guardianship or custody when a parent has full custody following a separation or divorce. A Reference Form is required for senior school applicants.
3. Assessment stage. Our Admissions Team will contact you to schedule a student interview and any necessary assessments. In some cases, entry assessments may be requested prior to the interview, depending on the student's previous schooling and report cards. All applicants for grades 9-12 are required to complete an entry assessment, regardless of educational background.
4. Offer of place. Within 5 working days of the interview or entry assessment, our Admissions Team will communicate our decision regarding the offer of a place. Families are asked to confirm their decision within 10 days of the Offer of Place by paying the Admission Fee. If this payment is not received, the place will be offered to the next applicant on our waiting list.
Waitlist
Waiting list. The school uses a waiting list for offers that are not immediately confirmed. If an offered place is not confirmed within 10 days by paying the Admission Fee, the place is offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.
FAQs
What curriculum does Canadian School of Milan follow?
The Canadian School of Milan offers English-language instruction from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme. The Primary School operates with instruction entirely in English within a Canadian-English and international education model.
What are the tuition fees?
**Application fees**
- New student Admission Fee: EUR 2,600 (non‑refundable).
- Admission Assessment (entry test): EUR 200 (non‑refundable; deducted from school fees if a place is offered).
Where is Canadian School of Milan located?
Two centrally located Milan campuses: Gioia Campus, Via M. Gioia 42, 20124 Milano (Early Years & Primary), and Vivaio Campus, Via Vivaio 7, 20122 Milano (Middle & Senior School).
What age groups does the school serve?
Early Years and Primary; Middle School; Senior School (ages 2–11; 11–14; 14–18).
Does the school support students with SEN?
Diversity and inclusion are central to the CSM experience. The school supports the wide range of identities and learning diversity that exist in its community.
Is there a school bus service?
A bus service is available for students aged 3 and older, with a dedicated bus assistant.
What are the school hours?
Early Years & Primary run 8:00–15:30 with morning drop-off 8:00–8:45, circle time at 8:50, snack at 10:15, lunch at 11:45, rest/outdoor play at 13:00, learning at 14:00, end of day 15:30; Optional clu
How does admissions work?
1. Book tour. We offer campus tours and Open Days where you can ask questions, learn about our curriculum, and see learning in action. These visits provide an opportunity to observe the school environment and discuss questions with staff.
What languages are taught?
English is the language of study. French is studied as a second language starting from Kindergarten (5 years), with preparation for external DELF exams available for all ages.
What wellbeing support is available?
Health and well-being are central to student life at the Canadian School of Milan.
What facilities does the school have?
The Canadian School of Milan operates on two centrally located campuses in Milan: Gioia Campus for Early Years and Primary, and Vivaio Campus for Middle and Senior School.
When was Canadian School of Milan founded?
Founded in 2004 by Antonella Salvadori del Prato, an Italian-Canadian educator who started a small nursery in Via Plinio, Milan.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Arts and musical pursuits are supported through Private Music Lessons and a range of co-curricular options.
