The early years section of the International School of Milan is where the school's youngest children start, from age 2, on the same Baranzate campus that the rest of the school shares in Milan. It is the opening stage of a full IB World School, so a child who joins the nursery can stay through the primary, middle and senior years without changing school. This profile sets out what the early years offer, the fees, how admissions work and where the campus sits.
Early years at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | IB Primary Years Programme, taught in English |
| Stages | Early years and preschool (from age 2) |
| Part of | International School of Milan, a full IB continuum school |
| Status | IB World School; International School of Europe group |
| Fee band | Premium for the city, lowest point on the ISM ladder |
| Campus area | Via I Maggio, Baranzate, northwest of Milan |
The early years programme
The early years follow the IB Primary Years Programme, an inquiry led framework built around play, exploration and the questions young children ask. Lessons are delivered in English, with Italian woven in so that children growing up in the city pick up the local language naturally. The emphasis at this stage is on settling, language, fine and gross motor skills and early literacy and numeracy, rather than formal testing.
Because the early years sit inside the wider IB schools in Milan landscape and feed directly into the school's own primary years, the transition into Reception age classes is continuous, with no change of campus or philosophy. Ask the school how nursery groups are staffed and how they manage the move up through the early stages.
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International School of Milan Early Years fees
Early years tuition is the lowest rung on the ISM fee ladder, but the school as a whole sits in the premium band for Milan, so even nursery fees are not modest. The figures the school publishes are indicative and reviewed each year, so confirm the current preschool schedule directly. Budget beyond tuition for a one off registration fee, a refundable deposit, and optional extras such as lunch and transport to the Baranzate campus.
For the wider cost picture across the city see our guide to international school fees in Milan, or estimate your own total with the fee calculator.
Admissions
The year begins in September and the main intake follows it, with rolling entry through the year where places remain. The early years and nursery are usually the easiest points at which to join the school, since later year groups fill up. Families provide any previous nursery records and attend a visit, and entry at this age rests on a settling assessment rather than any formal academic test.
Because demand for the youngest classes is steady, registering well ahead of your move gives the best chance of the start date you want.
Location and who goes there
The early years share the school's purpose built campus on Via I Maggio in Baranzate, just northwest of the Milan ring road, with dedicated early years spaces alongside the primary, middle and high school sections. The northwestern suburbs and the commuter towns within easy reach of the campus are where many of the young international families who choose the school tend to settle. To weigh the area against other parts of the city, start from the Milan city hub.
International School of Milan Early Years reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for the International School of Milan early years. GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has used the nursery or preschool we would value your account of settling, communication and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are International School of Milan Early Years fees?
Early years tuition is the lowest point on the ISM fee ladder but the school still sits in the premium band for Milan. Figures are indicative, so confirm the current nursery and preschool schedule with the school.
What age can a child start International School of Milan?
The early years section takes children from age 2, following the IB Primary Years Programme in English with Italian taught alongside it.
Does International School of Milan Early Years follow the IB?
Yes. The early years run on the IB Primary Years Programme, an inquiry led framework that continues seamlessly into the rest of the school.
Where is the International School of Milan early years campus?
The early years share the school's purpose built campus on Via I Maggio in Baranzate, northwest of Milan, alongside the primary, middle and high school sections.
When do International School of Milan Early Years applications open?
The year starts in September with the main intake then, and rolling entry through the year where places remain. Early years and nursery are the easiest entry points, so apply ahead of a move.
