Naples is becoming a popular base for expat families thanks to NATO operations, a growing remote-work population, and a lower cost of living than Milan or Rome. The international school sector here is small but well established, with options that suit both NATO families and the wider international community. This guide explains how to choose the right international school in Naples for 2026.
Naples' international school landscape
The international school market in Naples is anchored by schools that have served the NATO base for decades, supplemented by Italian-English bilingual schools and private institutions in nearby Lago Patria and Bagnoli. Most schools follow either the American framework, the English National Curriculum, or an Italian bilingual programme. The community is tight-knit, and waitlists are not as long as in larger Italian cities.
Curricula available in Naples
You will find American schools delivering AP courses leading to a US high school diploma, English-medium schools offering IGCSEs and the IB Diploma, and Italian bilingual schools mixing Italian and English instruction. The choice often comes down to whether you want a portable international qualification or an Italian-recognised one for university access.
Top international schools in Naples
International School of Naples
This school offers an English-medium American curriculum from PreK through Grade 12 and is the longest-established option for the international community. See International School of Naples profile on ISA.
Anglo-Italian School
The Anglo-Italian School delivers a bilingual English-Italian programme with Cambridge IGCSE preparation in middle years. See Anglo-Italian School profile on ISA.
British Forces School Naples
This school primarily serves British Forces families on assignment to Naples but also welcomes other English-speaking children when capacity permits. See British Forces School Naples profile on ISA.
International School of Lago Patria
Located near the NATO base, this school combines an English-medium curriculum with strong support for incoming military families. See International School of Lago Patria profile on ISA.
Teodoor Monticelli International School
Teodoor Monticelli offers an Italian-English bilingual programme rooted in the Italian curriculum with strong English language preparation. See Teodoor Monticelli International School profile on ISA.
What international school fees look like in Naples
Fees in Naples are noticeably lower than in Rome or Milan. Bilingual schools typically charge €5,000 to €9,000 per year. Fully international schools charge €11,000 to €18,000, with the upper years of high school at the high end. Capital fees, lunches and exam fees can add 8 to 12 per cent. NATO-affiliated schools sometimes have allocated places funded by the sending nations, which changes the cost structure for those families.
Practical admissions tips
Apply six to nine months ahead of the September intake for the best choice of schools. NATO-related schools sometimes prioritise allied military families with a separate application track, so confirm whether you qualify. For older children, expect an English assessment and a short interview. Bring previous reports translated into English, and be ready to demonstrate the family's plans for the duration of the posting.
Locations and commute patterns
Schools in Naples are spread between the city itself and the western suburbs near the NATO base in Lago Patria. Most expat families either live in the Posillipo and Vomero areas of the city or in Pozzuoli and Bacoli closer to the bases. Map your commute carefully, since Naples traffic can extend a 10-kilometre journey to 45 minutes during peak hours.
What to weigh when shortlisting
If portability matters most, the international schools with AP or IB Diploma pathways give the cleanest options. If your family will stay in Italy long term, a bilingual school leading to the Italian Maturità preserves access to Italian universities at low cost. Visit at least two schools, ask for sample timetables, and speak with current parents. Compare options across Italy on International School Advisor.
FAQs
How much does an international school in Naples cost in 2026?
Bilingual Italian-English schools charge €5,000 to €9,000 per year. Fully international schools charge €11,000 to €18,000. Extras add 8 to 12 per cent for capital fees, lunches and exam fees.
Are there NATO-affiliated international schools in Naples?
Yes. Several Naples schools serve NATO and allied military families with allocated places and curriculum support tailored to the duration of postings.
When should I apply for an international school in Naples?
Apply six to nine months ahead of the September intake. NATO-related families should also confirm whether their sponsor handles placement directly with the school.