1. How much will it cost?

The fees are dependent on the number of children and whether the family donates regularly to a partner church.  Standard tuition for the first child is 485€ per month for 10 months.  If the family donates to a partner church, there is a 100€ reduction for each child; therefore, the first child pays 385€ per month (See FAQ 5 below).  Subsequent children also receive a 100€ per month reduction; therefore, families that donate to a partner church pay 285€ per month for each of their children after the first child.  Tuition payments may qualify for an income tax reduction.  Details of costs and fees can be found at www.CES-to.org/parents/registration.

2 .Where will the school  be located?

The greatest number of interested families are on the west side of the Torino.  Therefore, the school will be located in the area of Parco della Tesoriere.  Details are available on the Location Page of the Website

3. My child does not know English, can I still apply?

The Christian English School of Torino (CES-to) will be primarily an English school, and most of the classes will be in English.  However, most teachers will be proficient in Italian and will be able to help in the very early months, and translators will also be available.  Asilo and primary school students will quickly learn the language, and after a number of months, most students will have no problem learning in English.  Some classes will be in Italian which will provide a break for students who are just beginning in English.  As necessary in the early months, individual assessments will be held to determine how students are adapting to learn in English.

4. What ages will be included?

We plan to serve, as a minimum, children from 3 years old through 11 years old the first year, and then add at least one level each year. If we can ensure that our high standard of quality education can be maintained and there is sufficient interest, there is a possibility of including additional ages.

5. Is Financial Assistance Available?

Families who are regularly attending and donating to a Partner Church will receive a 100€ tuition reduction for each child.  To receive this tuition reduction, it is necessary to complete an “Application for Tuition Reduction for Donations to a Partner Church” and be approved.  We will also provide financial assistance for a limited number of families based on the number of monthly donors who contribute to the financial assistance fund. Financial assistance will not include the total amount of the tuition, but only a part. Families will be required to provide their Italian Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator (ISEE) as part of the application process.  To ensure consideration for the next school year, the financial assistance application should be completed by the end of March.  Decisions will be made in May.  For more information and for a link to the application, go to www.CES-to.org/parents/tuition-assistance.

6. What is required to register my children?

In order to register your children, the family needs to become a member of the association by completing the “Application for Membership“.  It is also necessary to complete the “Student Enrollment Application Form” for each child.   The applications will be reviewed, and if approved, your student(s) will be registered after the 300€ Registration Fee is paid.  The registration fee covers the basic educational materials and the annual test at the end of the school year.  Application for enrollment will begin in January for the following school year; however, applications can be submitted at any time.  There is no cost to apply for membership or to apply for enrollment; however, if accepted, payment of enrollment fees will be necessary to finalize the enrollment process.   For more information, see “Admissions Process“.

7. What curriculum will be used?

The curriculum team has consulted with a number of educators, and it has been decided that the primary curriculum will be from Abeca.  This curriculum is used in another Christian school in Rome, and comes highly recommended by many.  This standard curriculum will be supplemented by other specialized programs to assist in second language and “hands-on” learning, such as “Math-U-See” and “appologia” in sciences.  All of the subjects will try to incorporate some biblical perspectives.  The social studies curriculum (geography and history) will be from an Italian and European perspective and will be partially in Italian.  The classes will incorporate multi-level learning in many of the subjects; however, mathematics and language arts will be taught from the specific and appropriate level of each student. Italian language skills will also be included in the education process, which will be taught by a mother-tongue Italian teacher.

8. Will it be a “scuola paritaria”?

CES-to will initially be classified as a “scuola parentale” which is now acceptable to the Italian Ministry of Education. We will prepare the appropriate information for each family to present to their local school board so that they will understand how you are meeting the compulsory educational requirements.  As soon as possible, CES-to will apply for accreditation by both Christian and secular accreditation associations.

9. How does the “scuola parentale” work with the government?

A “scuola parentale” is allowed by the Italian constitution and law. Parents who choose to send their children to a “scuola parentale”, which can be either at home or in conjunction with other students and families (similar to what CES-to will be doing), are to send a letter to the local school informing them of their decision. There is a lot of good information about “scuola parentale” available online at the website for the Associazione Istruzione Familiare, “https://www.laifitalia.it/”.

10. Who will be the teachers?

The teachers will include both mother-tongue English speakers from the United States or the United Kingdom, and also mother-tongue Italian teachers who are also fluent in English.  English-speaking Italians will serve as teachers and classroom helpers.  Background checks will be performed on all teachers and assistants.

11. Will students be tested?  Upon graduation, will they qualify for university?

CES-to is dedicated to providing the highest level of education.  When students are first enrolled in CES-to, a test / academic evaluation will be administered to determine the specific needs, strengths and weaknesses of each child.  Ideally one of the student’s parents will be present at the time of the preliminary testing, but if not, the results will be shared with them.  At the end of each school year, the educational progress of each student will be tested by a state-recognized educational professional to ensure that they can successfully move to the next level.  The CES-to educational process is designed to equip students to continue their education on a university level.

12. How will CES-to be interdependent with the family?

One of the core values of CES-to is that the school will be interdependent with the family.  This will occur in a number of ways.  On a monthly basis, families will receive information on some of the character qualities that are being taught, and also some of the Biblical principles or stories that the children will be learning.  Questions will be prepared for the families to discuss either during one of the meals during the week, or at other times when the family will be together.  It is also a strong desire that all parents will serve in some way in the school.  This service will keep the educational costs as low as possible.