About Us | International School of Siena

A Word from the Principal

A warm welcome to the International School of Siena!

Located in the beautiful landscape of Tuscany, IS Siena enjoys light, modern teaching spaces with an indoor gym, Drama/Dance studio, a library, Music and Art rooms and Science laboratories fitted out to the highest standards. Our Early Years spaces are specially designed to complement the Reggio Inspired teaching approach. We have outside sports facilities and green learning and play spaces on campus. We also benefit from access to a variety of cultural and educational resources in our local area.

Now in its 14th year of operation, IS Siena is an IB World School, fully authorised for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma programme (DP). We also prepare our Italian students to sit their Quinta Elementare and Terza Media examinations and they consistently achieve excellent results. Our culminating programme, the IB Diploma, is recognized at universities globally as well as having legal equivalence to the Maturita.

Learning at IS Siena is exciting and engaging as we seek to help each child find and embrace their own individuality. As an Inspired school we support the three central pillars of an Inspired education with a strong focus on excellence in academic, the arts and sports. Student well-being is central to life at IS Siena as is the development of personal values and the skills with which to contribute to society, both locally and globally.

Students at IS Siena come from Italy and around the world, with around 25 different nationalities enrolled. We focus on developing international mindedness and global citizenship, with a strong emphasis on communication and the development of skills and attributes that young people require to participate fully in the world of tomorrow. Teaching is in English, and all our students learn Italian to the highest standard as well as other languages, including their home language where possible.

We are a welcoming school community in which parents, students and our highly qualified staff work together to provide a stimulating inquiry-based environment. You are welcome to visit us and see for yourself this very special school.

Jennifer Tickle, Principal

About the Principal

Jennifer Tickle graduated from Manchester University, UK, with a degree in Theatre. A PGCE in Drama and Performing Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University followed and after two years teaching in the North of England, Jennifer took up her first international post in Bogota, Colombia. Jennifer has been teaching internationally for almost thirty years and IS Siena is her ninth international school.

During that time, Jennifer has been actively involved with the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an examiner, author, and teacher trainer and was an artistic director and trustee for the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA). Jennifer has a Masters degree in International Education Leadership from the University of Bath, UK and leads evaluation and accreditation teams for both the IB and the Council of International Schools. Jennifer is thrilled to be a part of IS Siena's community and to be leading the school at an exciting time of growth and development.

Empowering Students With a First-Class International Curriculum

Our school is an accredited International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) World school, offering 3 IB programmes to students from Early Years through to High School alongside 5,000 schools in 150 countries. We are proud to provide the IB continuum, comprising the following:

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
IB Diploma Programme (DP).

At ISS, we offer a truly robust curriculum that is widely considered to demonstrate the most forward-thinking and avantgarde educational model in the world, aimed at stimulating inquiry, critical thinking and international-mindedness.

Our Mission & Vision

Our students describe the International School of Siena as:

“…an internationally-minded community because we value and celebrate cultural diversity as something that brings us together, enabling us to communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully.”

With almost 50 different nationalities, it’s important that our students recognise their roles as global citizens within our local community.
We give students the opportunity to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for success in the globalised workplace, as well as the values that keep them grounded as they develop their understanding of other cultures while showing respect for others and the world around them.

Internationally-Accredited Curriculum

The International Schools of Europe (ISE) Group was the first group in Italy to be authorised by the International Baccalaureate to offer all three of its school curriculum programmes:

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Diploma Programme (DP).

The education system we offer is internationally recognised for its quality, its innovative approaches and emphasis on learning through inquiry. Students are engaged to actively participate in the learning process and gain the most challenging and rewarding experiences available in schools today. The International School of Siena was amongst the first schools to undertake evaluation in relation to the new standards and practices for both the Primary and Middle Years Programmes, distinguishing it as a pioneer of development in the International Baccalaureate global community.

Developing Skills, Inspiring Excellence

Behind every student’s success, there is a team of great teachers. The Inspired Group scours the globe for the most experienced and dynamic educators who have what it takes to help make your child’s dreams come true while supporting their development.

Teachers have a lasting impact on your child's world. The right people bring out the best in kids, leading them to discover new interests, and instilling the confidence they need for a bright future. Each member of our international teaching staff knows that inspired students can achieve amazing things.

Meet Our Team

Learn how we can help your child develop their talents and achieve success beyond the classroom at our school.

Enquire Now