Southern Italy
Our Educational Offer
From Pre-School to High School: A complete IB educational journey
“The schools of the Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione network are committed to forming competent, conscientious, compassionate and committed global citizens who face the challenges of their time with creativity and courage, in the way of Jesus Christ, in welcoming dialogue with every other religious perspective, caring for others — especially those most in need — and for our common home, according to justice, love and peace.”
— Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione
History & Vision
Founded in 1919 by the Society of Jesus, Istituto Gonzaga is heir of the Collegio Massimo established in Palermo in 1539. Part of a global Jesuit network of over 1,000 institutions and nearly 1.5 million students worldwide.
Identity & Mission
“Gonzaga is a Jesuit educational, cultural, sports and social campus: a sign of hope for the city of Palermo in an international and intercultural perspective. Through Ignatian pedagogy it accompanies each person to shape a more beautiful life together with others and helps them become active protagonists of an inclusive, solidarity-based society capable of generating justice, development and employment.”
This mission is shared by the Jesuit Community, the Italian School, the International School and the Polisportiva. The campus model translates a dynamic, innovative conception of school — open from morning to evening, designed around students, a source of continuous cultural, educational, social and spiritual stimuli, with flexible teaching models suited to the formative needs of today.
Gonzaga Campus Is…
An educational avant-garde: a place of integral formation where children and young people can fully experience every dimension of their growth — cultural, physical, social and spiritual.
An Environment
Beautiful and ecological, attentive to nature and relationships. Every space is designed for a precise educational purpose — from the park and historic buildings to the new canteen, the ancient-book library, the agorà and shared areas, all reorganised to welcome children and young people in complete safety.
A Community
Open and inclusive, where Jesuits and laypeople, teachers and non-teaching staff, families and students share a common project. Everyone is called to grow continuously and to play their part in building the campus for the benefit of every student.
A Style
Cura personalis — care for the unique person — is at the heart of every activity and moment. The uniqueness of each individual is the fundamental trait of the pedagogy of St. Ignatius of Loyola, enabling every person to give their very best (magis) in service of others.
A Great Dream
A bold, shared vision: investing the best energies in education can transform and make a real difference in the lives of people and the world — starting from Sicily and Palermo. As the first Jesuits said: "To educate is to renew the world."
International School Palermo
Founded in 2008 by the Society of Jesus within Istituto Gonzaga, the International School Palermo was born from the deliberate determination to offer an important service to the city of Palermo and the new generations of southern Italy. The beauty of this land has always been shaped by the meeting of diverse cultures at the heart of the Mediterranean — a legacy ISP carries forward with renewed courage. It is the first and only IB-accredited school in southern Italy.
IB-Ignatian Synergy
The fruitful meeting of IB methodology and Ignatian pedagogy, sharing the goals of integral formation of the person and global citizenship, gives ISP students the competences to thrive in an increasingly multicultural society.
Inclusive & Multicultural
Open to all nationalities and cultures that find their common home in Palermo. ISP operates in a multicultural context with native-speaker teachers, students from many countries, and an interdisciplinary, lab-based approach where learners play an active role.
Complete Pathway
A full international school journey from Pre-Kindergarten (age 2) through the IB Diploma (age 18). Critical and creative study, local and global awareness, and multilingualism begin early and culminate in the Diploma Programme.
Global Recognition
The IB Diploma is recognised with very high scores for admission to the world’s most prestigious universities. It is also fully equivalent to an Italian Liceo Scientifico or Scienze Umane diploma, valid for university access in Italy and public competitions.
The Only IB School in Southern Italy
All courses are delivered entirely in English by native English-speaking teachers — a truly international education in the heart of the Mediterranean.
The International Baccalaureate
A globally recognized educational framework that develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. Our school offers the complete IB continuum from early childhood through graduation.
Primary Years Programme
A transdisciplinary framework focusing on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
Learn more about PYPMiddle Years Programme
A challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.
Learn more about MYPDiploma Programme
A rigorous pre-university course of study that leads to examinations, preparing students for success in higher education and life beyond.
Learn more about DPHow We Teach, How We Learn
Our teaching and learning approaches develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.
Inquiry-based approach
Critical thinking and research skills
Concept-driven curriculum
Deep understanding and transfer of knowledge
Student-centered learning
Autonomy and self-directed learning
Transdisciplinary connections
Holistic understanding of real-world issues
Action-oriented pedagogy
Service learning and community engagement
The Graduate Profile: Shaping Global Citizens
The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others.
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Balanced
Reflective
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others.
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity of others.
Open-minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference.
Risk-takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives — intellectual, physical, and emotional — to achieve well-being.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses.
Openness to Internationalization
Our community welcomes students from all nationalities, creating a rich multicultural environment where diversity is celebrated and global citizenship is nurtured.
English as Primary Language
Native-speaking teachers ensure authentic language acquisition and cultural immersion.
Italian Language & Culture
Strong emphasis on Italian language and culture, maintaining connection with local heritage.
Additional Foreign Languages
Opportunities to learn multiple languages, fostering true multilingualism.
Global Perspective
Community service and engagement with global issues develop international-mindedness.
The Academic Pathway at International School Palermo
From early childhood through high school graduation, our complete educational continuum provides a seamless journey that prepares students for success in an interconnected world.
Pre-School
2 – 3 years
Early childhood care and development at Gonzaga Campus, providing a nurturing foundation for learning.
Kindergarten
Early YearsAges 3–4
The beginning of the ISP journey, introducing young learners to an international environment.
Transition
Early YearsAges 4–5
Building on the foundations of Kindergarten, the Transition year prepares children for their next educational step.
Primary School
PYPAges 5–11
The Primary Years Programme, starting from Grade 1 to Grade 6, develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.
Middle School
MYPAges 12–14
The Middle Years Programme comprising the M1, M2 and M3 pathway, encourages students to make practical connections between studies and the real world.
Middle School
MYPAges 14–16
The final two years of the Middle Years Programme comrpising M4 and M5 prepare students for the rigorous academic challenges ahead, building essential skills and conceptual understanding.
Diploma Programme
DPAges 16–18
A rigorous pre-university course that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
Jesuit Education Meets International Excellence
A unique partnership between centuries of Jesuit pedagogical wisdom and the globally recognized IB framework, creating an educational experience deeply rooted in values and internationally relevant.
Memorandum of Understanding
A formal agreement between Jesuit schools and the IB Organization, recognizing the alignment of Jesuit educational values with IB principles.
Shared Educational Vision
Both Jesuit education and the IB program emphasize the development of the whole person, critical thinking, and service to others.
Global Network
Access to a worldwide network of Jesuit and IB schools, providing opportunities for collaboration and exchange.
Admission Process
We welcome students from all backgrounds who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to our international community.
Request Information and Visit
Contact our admissions office to learn more about our programs, schedule a campus tour, and meet with our team.
Submit Application
Complete the application form and submit all required documents, including academic records and recommendations.
Wait for Confirmation
Our admissions committee will review your application and notify you of the decision within the specified timeframe.
Forum Scuola del Futuro
A virtual space where students, teachers, families, professionals, and all those who believe in educational change can meet, discuss, and propose innovative solutions for a school that truly responds to the needs of every student.
Open to Everyone
Students, teachers, families, professionals and all who believe in educational change.
Innovative Ideas
Proposals for a more inclusive, digital and modern school closer to every student's needs.
Real Dialogue
A space to discuss, reflect and co-create solutions for the future of education.
Concrete Impact
Ideas from the forum inform real changes in how we teach, learn and grow together.