ISP PYP: Age 3–11
Kindergarten (Pre-K + Kindergarten + Transition): 3 years (ages 3–5/6)
Primary (Grades 1–6): 6 years (ages 5/6–11)
An inquiry-based programme that nurtures curiosity and builds strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and creativity.
ISP MYP: Age 11–16
M1–M3: 3 years (ages 11–14)
M4–M5: 2 years (ages 14–16)
Encourages critical thinking and global awareness while linking learning to real-life contexts.
ISP DP: Age 16–18
Diploma Programme (D1–D2): 2 years (ages 16–18)
A rigorous, internationally recognized programme that develops independence, depth of study, and prepares for global universities.
Italian National System: Age 3-11
Infanzia: 3 years (ages 3–6)
Primaria: 5 years (ages 6–11)
Focus on early socialization, core literacy and numeracy, and basic knowledge across subjects.
Italian National System: Age 11-16
Scuola Secondaria di I Grado: 3 years (ages 11–14)
Biennio: Scuola Superiore di II Grado: 2 years (ages 14–16)
Structured academic pathway centered on national curriculum subjects and preparation for high school.
Italian National System: Age 16-19
Triennio: Scuola Superiore di II Grado: 3 years (ages 16–19)
Specialization in chosen subjects, preparing students for the Maturità exam and Italian universities.
THE ACADEMIC PATHWAY AT THE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PALERMO
The Gonzaga Campus experience begins as early as 6 months of age with the nursery.
The ISP pathway starts with Pre-Kindergarten (ages 2–3), and then continues through the following stages:
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PYP (Primary Years Programme): ages 3 to 11, corresponding to the Italian preschool and primary school.
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MYP (Middle Years Programme): ages 11 to 16, divided into two levels: the first three years correspond to Italian middle school (ages 11–14), while the following two years correspond to the first two years of Italian high school (ages 14–16).
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DP (Diploma Programme): the final two years, ages 16 to 18. At the end of this pathway, students may obtain the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is also recognized in Italy.
The Graduate Profile
Informed

Risk-takers
Thinkers
Caring
Expressive
Open Minded
Principled
Reflective
Inquirers
Balanced
The IB student profile defines 10 essential attributes, which are also recognized and valued by Jesuit schools. These attributes shape not only the academic growth of students but also their personal development, encouraging them to become thoughtful, principled, and compassionate individuals.
We believe that these qualities, along with others nurtured throughout the learning journey, empower both individuals and groups to act responsibly within their local, national, and global communities. They serve as a foundation for forming citizens who are prepared to engage with the world with integrity, openness, and a strong sense of purpose.
Openness to Internationalization
This is the fundamental educational principle at the heart of the entire IB curriculum. At ISP, students—right from their earliest years—are encouraged to reflect on themselves, their own culture and identity, as well as on the cultures and identities of others. Community service and the study of global issues also foster openness to the world and an awareness of our profound interconnectedness with others.
The main language of instruction is English, taught by native-speaking teachers. At the same time, great importance is given to the teaching of Italian, to provide both Italian and international students with language proficiency and a deeper knowledge of the culture of our country.
In addition to English and Italian, the ISP curriculum requires students to learn at least one more foreign language.

The only IB School in Southern Italy: educating citizens of the world
The only school accredited by the International Baccalaureate in Southern Italy, ISP, through the use of English as the first language of instruction and an active and engaging pedagogy, aims to train open-minded and supportive citizens of the world, ready for the challenges of an increasingly global and interconnected society.
Book a meeting with us
If you would like to receive more information about our training method, services, educational environment and much more, request a meeting with a coordinator.
Click on "Request to Book" and make an appointment.

45 min
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Jesuit schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization of Geneva makes it possible to train the new generations of our city in a perspective truly global and intercultural.
Gonzaga International School Palermo (GISP) is a recognized foreign school operating in Italy, offering a rigorous international curriculum that integrates academic excellence with holistic personal development. English serves as the primary language of instruction in preparation for the final examinations, while Italian remains an essential part of the curriculum, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of our student body. At GISP, we value and nurture every mother tongue, recognizing its crucial role in fostering a truly international education.

The International Baccalaureate (IB), a non-profit foundation established in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, is today a world wide educational system present across the world.
The IB is the only international organization that offers a fully coherent curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. Its educational vision culminates in a widely recognized diploma, enabling young people to continue their studies at an international level. (IBO - www.ibo.org)
In Italy, IB programs correspond by age to the national system's preschool, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels. The academic pathway concludes with final examinations and a diploma that is officially recognized in Italy and internationally.

How we teach | How we learn |
|---|---|
Teaching is inquiry-based, encouraging students to progress through exploration and questioning. | Learning how to learn. |
Focus on age-appropriate, meaningful concepts and on each student’s personal re-elaboration of knowledge. | Development of critical, creative, and ethical thinking. |
Use of real-life contexts and examples. | Research skills and the responsible use of technology. |
Active learning through teamwork and strong student–teacher relationships. | Development of communication and social skills |
Teaching methods take into account different abilities and learning styles, with feedback and assessment of progress. | Autonomy and responsibility in the learning process |
Admission Process

Request information and visit the international school
Schedule a meeting with our admissions team to learn about our programs, tour the campus, and discuss the best educational path for your child.

Submit the application for admission
Fill out the application form, submit the required documentation and make sure all the necessary information is complete for the evaluation.

Wait for our confirmation
Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive our admission decision. If successful, you can complete the application process and get ready to join GISP!
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