10 Best Italian Language Schools in Florence: Learn in Style

Best Italian Language Schools in Florence, Italy

Ciao, language learners! Let me help you find the best Italian language schools in Florence. I’ve curated this list of top Italian schools to help you immerse yourself in the language of Dante and Michelangelo. 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these 10 schools offer diverse programs in the heart of the Renaissance city. Let’s explore your options for learning Italian in one of the most inspiring settings imaginable.

1. Parola School of Italian Language

Rating: 4.9 (216 reviews)
Location: Borgo Santa Croce, 17, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 242182
Website: Visit Website

Parola Italian Language School in Florence offers a variety of Italian courses. Experienced native Italian teachers teach these courses. Classes are available both in-person and online. This flexibility ensures that you can learn Italian in a way that suits your needs and schedule.

Parola has small class sizes, which means more personalized attention from instructors. Group classes have a maximum of 12 students, and online Italian courses are limited to five. Smaller classes can make learning more effective and enjoyable.

The school is accredited by the University for Foreigners of Siena for the CILS certification. You can even take the CILS exam at the school’s headquarters in Florence. This certification is recognized worldwide and benefits institutional and job purposes.

Parola is located in a historical building in the center of Florence. This makes visiting famous landmarks like the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery, or Ponte Vecchio easy during your free time. The school also organizes extracurricular activities like Italian cultural lessons and sightseeing excursions.

2. Centro Machiavelli

Rating: 4.8 (35 reviews)
Location: Via de’ Bardi, 28, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 239 6966
Website: Visit Website

Centro Machiavelli stands out as a top choice for learning Italian. Located in the heart of Florence, this school offers a unique experience. You’ll be surrounded by historic landmarks and vibrant culture.

The school’s approach is immersive. You can explore Firenze’s beautiful streets and historic sites. This enhances your language learning, letting you practice Italian in real-world settings.

Centro Machiavelli is also known for its diverse programs. These cover language, art, cuisine, and fashion, helping you better understand Italian culture.

Students at Centro Machiavelli often praise its friendly and supportive staff. The small class sizes mean you get personalized attention, making your learning experience more effective.

3. Italian Language School Galileo Galilei

Rating: 5 (50 reviews)
Location: Via degli Alfani, 68, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 294680
Website: Visit Website

Italian Language School Galileo Galilei is located in the heart of Florence. It has specialized in personalized Italian language courses since 1985.

The school offers one-to-one and small-group lessons, ensuring that each student gets a lot of attention. This method helps you learn Italian effectively.

The instructors at Galileo Galilei are experienced native speakers who adjust their teaching based on your needs. You can expect to improve your Italian skills through tailored lessons focusing on your interests and learning pace.

The school also prepares students for Italian language exams, including CILS and PLIDA certifications.

Besides language courses, Galileo Galilei allows you to explore Italian culture. You can take Italian cooking, art, history, and more courses. These courses are also offered in small groups, allowing for active participation and practical learning.

Suggested Read: 25 Key Facts About Florence: A Guide for Travelers

4. Michelangelo Institute of Florence

Rating: 4.7 (91 reviews)
Location: Palazzo Gherardi, Via Ghibellina, 88, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 240975
Website: Visit Website

The Michelangelo Institute of Florence is renowned for its Italian language courses. Located in the historic Palazzo Gherardi, the school offers various programs for different learning needs. You can choose from standard, intensive, super-intensive, and individualized one-to-one courses.

The school does more than just teach Italian. There are also courses in Italian culture, including art history, literature, and cooking. The cooking courses are particularly fun, letting you learn Italian while making traditional dishes. For art lovers, the institute offers art courses in their historic studio.

The institute is situated in the center of Florence. You’ll have the chance to explore museums, art galleries, and some of the best Italian historical landmarks, offering a rich, immersive experience that extends beyond the classroom.

5. The Institute David

Rating: 4.8 (132 reviews)
Location: Via de’ Vecchietti, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 216110
Website: Visit Website

The Institute David is located in the center of Florence, just steps away from the famous Piazza della Repubblica. This prime location allows you to easily explore major landmarks and attractions. Established in 1983, the institute has over 35 years of experience teaching Italian.

The school is known for its flexibility. Beginners can start their courses on specific dates, while students with some prior knowledge can join any class on any Monday. This makes it convenient for you to plan your stay and course schedule.

At The Institute David, officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education, you have a variety of courses to choose from. Besides Italian language classes, you can enroll in culture, art, and crafts courses. This variety ensures a rich learning experience.

The school fosters an international environment, attracting students from over 50 countries. This multicultural atmosphere helps you make friends worldwide while learning Italian.

6. Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Firenze

Rating: 4.8 (95 reviews)
Location: Via Maurizio Bufalini, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 261181
Website: Visit Website

Leonardo da Vinci School is located in the heart of Florence, surrounded by the city’s rich cultural history. The school’s charming building is near the Duomo, offering an inspiring setting for learning.

The school offers various Italian courses suited for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find a course that fits your needs. You can study in person or opt for online courses.

Teachers at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci are highly praised for their dedication. Students have reported significant progress in their Italian skills, and the friendly environment makes learning enjoyable.

Suggested Listen: Podcast Episode #7: An Adventure in Florence

7. ABC School Firenze

Rating: 4.9 (33 reviews)
Location: Via de’ Bardi, 28, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 347 783 5483
Website: Visit Website

ABC School Firenze is located in a historic part of Florence. This language school offers Italian classes tailored to different levels. The staff is known for being friendly and supportive.

Courses include Italian vocabulary and grammar, conversation, and culture lessons. The school aims to give you a well-rounded knowledge of the Italian language.

ABC School Firenze has small class sizes, which allows for personal attention from teachers and a focus on making learning interactive and enjoyable.

8. Monnalisa – Italian Language and Culture

Rating: 5 (23 reviews)
Location: Via dei Pandolfini, 20, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 234 4591
Website: Visit Website

Monnalisa offers a unique learning environment. Their interactive classes are designed to be fun and engaging. The school focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere where students can feel at home.

The courses cover both Italian and Latin, providing diverse language learning opportunities. Classes are small, often ranging from 4 to 6 students, ensuring personalized attention. Modern technology is also used in the lessons, making the learning process dynamic and interactive.

Located in a charming medieval palace in the historical center of Florence, Monnalisa is just a few steps from famous landmarks like Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

9. Europass Italian Language School

Rating: 4.8 (124 reviews)
Location: Via Sant’Egidio, 12, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 247 9995
Website: Visit Website

Europass Italian Language School is located in the historical center of Florence at Palazzo Galletti. The school offers a fun and stimulating way to learn Italian with experienced and highly qualified teachers. Customized courses are available both online and in-person, fitting the needs of learners at any level.

The school provides flexible online lessons, allowing students to feel immersed in Italian culture even from afar. The in-person courses in Florence include language holidays, various level courses for all ages, and year-round availability. You can also prepare for Italian language exams like CELI and CILS.

Free resources to aid your learning are readily available. The school shares tips and advice through its blog, and its faculty holds master’s degrees and DITALS certifications. It also offers a newsletter with updates and resources.

10. Scuola Toscana – Italiano a Firenze

Rating: 4.6 (72 reviews)
Location: Via dei Benci, 23, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Contact: +39 055 244583
Website: Visit Website

Established in 1989, Scuola Toscana is located in the heart of Florence’s historical center. This language school offers a variety of courses in Italian language and culture, providing a rich learning experience in a beautiful setting. It is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Italian culture while learning the language.

At Scuola Toscana, you can choose from intensive grammar and conversation classes and mixed courses that combine language learning with art history, literature, cooking, or art practice. The school’s approach allows you to tailor your learning experience to your interests and time availability.

Students from over 30 nationalities have attended Scuola Toscana, making it a diverse and vibrant environment. Many former students fondly remember the community aspect of the school, including the friendships made and the personal connections with teachers and staff.

Why Florence Is Ideal for Studying Italian

Facts about Florence, Italy.

Learning Italian in Florence uniquely blends rich historical context and deep cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for language students.

A Living Language Museum

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, offers an unparalleled backdrop for Italian language learners. The city’s streets, art, and architecture serve as a living textbook of Italian history and culture.

As you study, you’ll encounter the works of linguistic pioneers like Dante Alighieri, whose contributions shaped the modern Italian language.

Immersive Learning Environment

Beyond its historical significance, Florence provides countless opportunities for practical language application. Daily interactions at local markets, cafes, and cultural events allow you to practice Italian in authentic settings.

This immersive environment accelerates learning, helping you develop natural fluency faster than in a traditional classroom setting.

Student-Friendly City

Moreover, Florence’s manageable size and welcoming atmosphere make it easy for students to navigate and integrate into local life, further enhancing the language learning experience.

Language School Curriculum and Teaching Methods

100 most common Italian words

Florence offers top-notch Italian language schools with diverse courses, skilled teachers, and engaging learning methods. Here’s what you can expect.

Course Structure

Courses vary, catering to beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. They typically include grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, and writing. Full-time courses might run daily, while part-time options can be 2-3 times a week.

Programs often include elective cultural classes, like history, cooking, and art, which help immerse students in Italian culture. Short-term workshops and long-term courses (up to a year) are also available, so you can pick one that fits your schedule.

Experienced Instructors

Teachers are often native Italian speakers with advanced linguistics or language teaching degrees. They are trained to work with learners of different backgrounds and skill levels.

Instructors provide personalized feedback to help you improve. Many have years of experience teaching Italian as a foreign language. Some schools also have teachers specializing in specific areas, like business Italian or preparation for language certification exams.

Interactive Learning Techniques

You will find a mix of traditional textbook exercises and modern interactive methods. This includes group discussions, role-playing, and multimedia resources like videos and audio clips.

Classrooms promote spoken practice, which is crucial for language acquisition. Some schools use language labs and online platforms to reinforce learning. Interactive learning helps build confidence and make lessons engaging and effective.

Student Life in Florence

Students in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence
A group of students in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence

While this article focuses on language schools, it’s worth noting that Florence offers a vibrant student life. From language exchange meetups to cultural excursions, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice Italian and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Regarding accommodation, options range from shared apartments to homestays with local families. However, this topic is beyond the scope of our school guide.

We recommend contacting your chosen school directly for the best advice on living arrangements. They often have valuable resources and recommendations tailored to their students’ needs.

Remember, your journey to learn Italian in Florence extends far beyond the classroom. Embrace the city, its people, and the countless opportunities to practice your new language skills. Buona fortuna e buon viaggio!

Before You Go…

Craving more Italian language immersion? Dive into The ItalianChat Experience Podcast, where I team up with Sofia, our AI language guide, for bite-sized episodes blending practical Italian lessons with cultural insights.

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