Ciao, to the calm and the restless!

Education is definitely one of the biggest concerns for families planning to move to Italy with children. It was my biggest worry too. So how did we manage the start of school life in Italy? – keep reading!

Starting with online schooling in Latvia

At first, we decided to go with distance learning to make the move less stressful for the kids. Honestly, I was quite skeptical. But our choice – Vislatvijas vidusskola – broke all my preconceptions about online schooling. In a good way.

If I worried most about my youngest (2nd grade), it was unnecessary. Yes, the first month was tough – learning the system, helping them log into classes on schedule – but the teachers were incredibly supportive. They kept the children engaged with tasks and questions, everyone had to speak up, show their work, and could ask anything. After a month, the kids were learning almost independently. The plan was good: start with online school and switch to in-person in Italy by September.

When online school is no longer allowed

That plan collapsed in a single day. After buying property, we registered locally. While sorting out paperwork, I got asked which school the kids would attend. Cheerfully, in my usual “always make a joke” style, I said we didn’t know yet – there’s still plenty of time, right? I explained that the kids were doing online school… and immediately saw this was not funny to the municipality. It wasn’t even considered an option.

Word by word, I realized – no one here was joking anymore. Not even me. Suddenly, all my jokes ran out. Our Italian vocabulary began and ended with ciao and grazie. We already had huge changes to deal with, and my number one job was to take care of the kids. That’s how I saw it then, and that’s how I see it every single day. And just like that, all my plans crumbled. Somewhere in all this – I no longer had a say.

By Monday, the kids had to be in school

After some tears (probably not just about school, but the move in general), I pulled myself together and started preparing the kids (and myself) for the new reality. We had about five days.

The municipality was truly supportive, helping with contacts and paperwork. The teachers promised to help, and they really did. On the first day of school, all our anxiety turned into relief. The kids were welcomed with friendship and genuine understanding. Sometimes unplanned things bring us to the right solutions.

In-person school – the right place for us

We had lived for months as if it were Covid times – studying and working only remotely. But we quickly realized our family needs in-person life. Friendships and social interaction helped the kids adapt much faster. The language barrier didn’t stop them – friendship speaks every language.

One of the most emotional moments was on Mother’s Day – when I received a card written both in Italian and Latvian. And yes, I cried again, but this time from joy.

The kids finished the school year both in Italy, in person, and in Latvia, through online school.

A new school year begins

This year feels much easier because we already know the system. School starts on September 15th – a normal school day with lessons right away, just with the added joy of reuniting with friends and teachers.

Primary school in Italy – our experience

🍋 Grades 1–5 (we’re now in 3rd grade).

🍋 School from 8:00 to 16:00.

🍋 Morning snack from home; lunch ordered through an app (you can even request a “lighter meal” if needed).

🍋 Primary school books are free, but parents must order them.

🍋 Teachers really do pay attention to the kids’ well-being.

🍋 We also received identical school backpacks – everyone has the same.

🍋 After school, children are handed over to parents at the gate, one by one.

Middle school in Italy – new challenges ahead

🍋 1st to 3rd grade (we’re in the 3rd, the final year of middle school – equivalent to 8th grade in Latvia).

🍋 School from 8:00 to 13:40.

🍋 Morning snack from home; no school lunch for older kids.

🍋 Books must be purchased – ours cost about €100, but you can resell them afterwards.

🍋 This year we face final exams and choosing a high school. I know we’ll handle it in the best way possible. And of course, you already know – I always have a plan B. Hopefully, I won’t need it, but still.

Have any of you gone through similar experiences – the worries, the joy, the challenges of school abroad? Feel free to share your stories in the comments!

Next chapters

I’ll keep writing about school life and after-school activities – this year we’re taking it all seriously, both in school and in sports! See you soon!

New chapter, same heart –
Linda