Canadian School of Milan: Ontario Curriculum, IB & Dual Diploma

History & Overview

The Canadian School of Milan was founded in 2004 in the Lambrate district of Milan, bringing a North American educational approach to the Italian international school landscape. The school combines the Ontario provincial curriculum with elements of the IB framework, offering families a distinctive pathway that bridges Canadian and international educational standards. With over 400 students, the Canadian School maintains a close-knit community feel while providing a genuinely bilingual (English-Italian) learning environment.

IB Programmes & Curriculum

The Canadian School of Milan follows the Ontario curriculum as its foundation, complemented by the IB framework. One of its most distinctive features is the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) dual diploma option, which allows students to graduate with both an internationally recognised IB qualification and a Canadian high school diploma. This dual pathway is particularly valuable for students considering university in Canada, the USA, or other countries where the Ontario diploma is well understood. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning and strong STEM foundations.

Campus & Community

Situated in the Lambrate district of eastern Milan, the Canadian School campus provides a friendly and accessible learning environment. The school community of over 400 students is intentionally kept at a manageable size, allowing for strong teacher-student relationships and individualised attention. The bilingual English-Italian environment ensures students develop fluency in both languages. The school attracts a mix of Canadian expatriate families, Italian families seeking an international education with a North American flavour, and families from other nationalities.

Why Choose This School

The Canadian School of Milan is the ideal choice for families who value the North American pedagogical approach combined with IB standards. The OSSD dual diploma option opens doors to Canadian and North American universities, providing a unique advantage. The smaller school size means more personalised attention for each student. The strong bilingual foundation prepares students equally well for Italian and international university pathways. For families who appreciate a collaborative, student-centred learning culture, the Canadian School offers a compelling alternative to the more traditional European international schools.

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