The Canadian School of Florence, once known as Blyth Academy of Florence, is a welcoming international school for children aged 3 to 18. The school first opened its doors in Florence in 2017 with the Senior School (Grades 9 to 12). Over the next few years, they expanded, adding Kindergarten (Pre-K to Senior-K) and Elementary School (Grades 1 to 5) in 2021, and then Middle School (Grades 6 to 8) in 2022. All of these campuses are nestled in Fiesole, just a short distance from the original Senior campus.
Isabelle Leblanc, Head of School, emphasizes the school’s mission: “Our goal is to provide a transformative and rich academic experience that empowers each student to become a compassionate global citizen.” The school takes pride in its international staff, who foster an inclusive and nurturing environment. “We celebrate diversity and inspire personal growth, enabling students to unlock their true potential and positively shape the world,” she adds.
Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Instruction, the Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle Schools of the Canadian School of Florence are officially accredited as a *scuola paritaria*. For older students, the Senior School offers a unique chance to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through Blyth Academy Online (BAO), in partnership with Globeducate. Students complete their courses online via the Brightspace platform, with BAO being an Ontario Ministry of Education inspected school. This diploma is recognized worldwide and allows CSF graduates to be successful in their applications and entrances to universities all over the world, including Ivy League schools in the United States, top tier universities in the UK and other parts of Europe, such as in France, Italy and the Netherlands. Many of our graduates, in fact, have been recipients of exciting scholarship opportunities to universities, which is a testament of the rigorous academic excellence that the Ontario curriculum requires.
As a Globeducate school, the Canadian School of Florence is committed to helping students become responsible global citizens. As the landscape of education changes and embraces the power of new technologies, like generative Artifical Intelligence (AI), CSF Head of School, Isabelle LeBlanc, is pioneering developing policies and rolling out a curriculum that speaks to this demand of education in future technologies. The school guides and support students and teachers on how to use these tools ethically in line with principles of academic honesty and integrity.
The school’s vision is ambitious and forward-looking. They aim to create a lasting legacy of alumni who leverage their enriched academic experiences and broadened perspectives to become influential agents of change. “We aspire to cultivate leaders who embrace innovation and global challenges, and who actively contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable future,” says Leblanc.
With a blend of tradition and innovation, the Canadian School of Florence is dedicated to shaping the leaders of tomorrow, instilling in them the values and skills needed to make a positive impact on the world.
Bridging Global Connections
The Canadian School of Florence is a proud member of Globeducate, one of the world’s leading international K12 education groups. With a network of over 60 premium bilingual and international schools, as well as online programs, Globeducate educates 40,000 students across 11 countries. This affiliation provides students with rich opportunities throughout the year, both academic and creative, allowing them to go beyond traditional classroom learning. Leblanc shares, “Being part of Globeducate offers our students a network of peers around the world, with whom they can collaborate and innovate.”
For students, being part of a Globeducate school opens doors to connect with others from around the globe. They can meet, either in person or online, at sporting events, music and arts festivals, academic competitions, and collaborative projects. These experiences help build a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. “Globeducate teachers inspire our students to find their voice in the world,” Leblanc emphasizes. “They encourage them to understand events of global significance, reflect on their own values, and fight ignorance and intolerance.”
Teachers at Globeducate schools benefit as well. They join a network of global educators, collaborating on projects, sharing best teaching practices, and contributing to a larger educational mission. This network upholds Globeducate’s global goals and standards, ensuring that each school strives for excellence.
Globeducate’s Platinum Standards framework plays a crucial role in evaluating schools within its network. This framework recognizes strengths and identifies areas for improvement, creating bespoke development plans for each school. “It’s about being part of something bigger than just the four walls in which we teach every day,” says Leblanc.
Discovering the Campuses of The Canadian School of Florence
The Canadian School of Florence spans multiple campuses, with its Senior School in Florence and its Junior and Middle School campuses nestled in the scenic foothills of Fiesole.
The Senior School is housed in a newly renovated historical building on via Jacopo Nardi n.18, just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Florence. This campus features modern classrooms equipped with interactive smart screens, a science lab, an arts studio, a multi-media makerspace, a library, and a computer room. It also has a dedicated lunch area and a small outdoor space for physical education and after-school sports clubs. “Our Senior School combines the charm of history with the benefits of modern technology,” notes Leblanc.
The Upper Junior/Middle School, serving grades 4 to 8, is situated in the piazza of San Domenico, Fiesole n.15, less than 2km from the Senior School and about 500 meters from the Lower Junior campus. This peaceful and enclosed campus offers a stunning panorama and dedicated sports areas for soccer, basketball, and athletics. The beautiful villa here hosts classrooms, a lunch room, a library, a music/art studio, and a technology room. All classrooms are equipped with interactive smart screens, and the school provides multiple iPad carts for student use. “The Upper Junior/Middle School is a perfect blend of tranquility and educational excellence,” says Leblanc.
The Lower Junior School, catering to grades K-3, is located in a renovated building on Via delle Fontanelle n.2/4 in Fiesole. This campus is home to the Kindergarten and Lower Primary programs and offers ample outdoor space where children can play and learn in the open air. The facilities include a mini soccer field and a basketball court for sporting activities. Inside, the building boasts bright classrooms, a lunch room/event space, a library, and a technology room, all outfitted with interactive smart screens and multiple iPad carts. “Our youngest students thrive in an environment that combines learning with play,” adds Leblanc.
Each campus of the Canadian School of Florence is thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. Through a blend of historical charm and modern facilities, the school creates a unique educational experience for its students.
Embracing the Ontario Curriculum
The Canadian School of Florence proudly offers the world-renowned Ontario Canadian Curriculum, enhanced by the “Growing Success” framework. This holistic approach focuses on educating the whole child, aiming to develop life-long learners, global citizens, and critical problem-solvers.
The Ontario Canadian Curriculum is designed to create well-rounded individuals. It takes a student-centered approach, with topics that are age-appropriate and relevant to the 21st Century. This curriculum encourages students to form their own ideas and identities through critical thinking and collaboration across all grade levels. “Our curriculum supports and guides students to think critically and work together, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow,” explains Leblanc.
The “Growing Success” framework from the Ontario Ministry of Education outlines assessment, evaluation, and reporting practices. It supports student learning, improves instructional practices, and provides meaningful feedback to students, parents, and educators. Leblanc notes, “Growing Success emphasizes ongoing assessment and evaluation, moving beyond just final exams or summative assessments.”
This framework promotes a balanced approach to assessment, incorporating various methods such as observations, conversations, demonstrations, projects, and tests. Teachers use multiple sources of evidence to assess student achievement, including both qualitative and quantitative data. “We believe in using diverse assessment methods to truly understand and support our students’ progress,” says Leblanc.
Formative assessment is a key element, providing students with feedback to help them improve their understanding and skills. Teachers use descriptive feedback and constructive criticism, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. Students are also encouraged to participate in self-assessment and reflection, promoting their active engagement in the learning process.
Equity and inclusivity are central to the “Growing Success” framework. It acknowledges that students have diverse strengths, needs, and learning styles, ensuring that assessments are fair and accessible to all learners. Teachers provide appropriate accommodations and supports to ensure that students with special education needs or English language learners can fully demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
The framework also emphasizes clear and timely communication of student progress to parents and guardians. Report cards use clear and understandable language, ensuring parents can easily grasp their child’s achievements and areas for growth. “Our goal is to foster continuous improvement and enhance the learning experience for all students,” says Leblanc.
Cultivating Innovation and Creativity
To nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, the Canadian School of Florence offers a variety of unique programs and activities designed to engage and inspire students. Students take part in interdisciplinary projects that blend different subjects, encouraging them to think critically and tackle complex problems from multiple angles. Leblanc explains, “Interdisciplinary projects push students to connect the dots between various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and innovative solutions.”
The school boasts a Maker Space and Multimedia Hub, equipped with modern technology and resources where students can experiment, create, and innovate. This hub allows students to bring their ideas to life, whether through coding, robotics, or multimedia projects. Additionally, students participate in global challenges, international competitions, and challenges that address real-world issues. These events promote teamwork and creative problem-solving, as students work together to find solutions to global problems. “Our participation in global challenges helps students develop a sense of responsibility and global citizenship,” says Leblanc.
The school also offers opportunities in music, drama, and visual arts encouraging students to express themselves and think creatively. Aligning with the UN Global Goals, the Canadian School of Florence engages students in environmental initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. These initiatives teach students the importance of caring for our planet and inspire them to take action. “Our environmental projects empower students to make a positive impact on the world around them,” adds Leblanc.
The school encourages students to identify problems within their communities and develop creative solutions through community service projects. This hands-on approach benefits the community and helps students grow as compassionate and proactive individuals. Regular guest speaker series bring professionals and experts from various fields to inspire and challenge students’ thinking, providing valuable insights and exposing students to a wide range of career paths and opportunities.
A wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities allows students to pursue their interests and develop new skills in a collaborative environment. From sports to academic clubs, there is something for everyone. “Our extracurricular activities help students discover their passions and build lasting friendships,” says Leblanc. Through these diverse programs and activities, the Canadian School of Florence fosters a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where students can thrive, innovate, and prepare for the challenges of the future.
Building a Global Community
The Canadian School of Florence (CSF) fosters a strong sense of community among its students from over 30 different countries through enthusiastic participation in Globeducate’s international events and cross-border teaching opportunities. The multicultural staff at CSF brings diverse perspectives and teaching methods, enriching the educational experience. An example of this is the collaboration between CSF’s Middle and High School students and their peers from other Globeducate schools on an international AI project. Students worked together, sharing their progress on programming and producing 3D AI robots at their respective school locations. “This project allowed our students to develop technical skills while connecting with peers across the globe,” says Isabelle.
Additionally, the sixth-grade class formed an old-fashioned pen-pal project with Stella Matutina School in Taiwan. Throughout the year, students exchanged letters, creating meaningful connections with peers from another part of the world. This initiative provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and build friendships across continents.
On the home front, CSF hosts a Multicultural Day each year, where students and families showcase their cultures through art, dress, food, and dance. Students display artwork representing their countries of origin and participate in workshops based on the diverse cultures within the CSF community. Workshops have included Bulgarian wool work, Hebrew and Chinese calligraphy classes, African dance lessons, and more. “Multicultural Day is a vibrant celebration of our school’s diversity, allowing students and families to share and learn from each other,” says Leblanc.
CSF students also participate in various international activities and competitions, such as the International Arts Competition, the Model United Nations, the Academic Olympics, the Student Leadership Summit, the Global Sports Olympics, and the International Music Festival. These events help foster a sense of community across borders and cultural differences, giving students the chance to engage with their peers worldwide. Leblanc notes, “These activities are not just competitions; they are opportunities for our students to build lasting relationships and broaden their horizons.”
Supporting Student Growth and Wellbeing
At the Canadian School of Florence (CSF), the Senior Leadership Team is a constant presence across all campuses, always available to provide guidance and maintain open communication with students and parents. They are dedicated to ensuring that each child’s development is supported and monitored closely. “Our leadership team is deeply committed to fostering a nurturing and responsive educational environment,” says Leblanc.
The Learning Support Team at CSF is instrumental in assisting students with academic challenges. They uphold Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and provide support for students facing school-related emotional difficulties. This team ensures that every student receives the necessary help to thrive academically and emotionally. Additionally, the Wellbeing and Pastoral Lead follows each student’s personal and social growth, promoting wellbeing, handling disciplinary issues, and enforcing the school’s anti-bullying policy. “Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where every student can succeed,” Leblanc emphasizes.
CSF also offers one-on-one language support for students learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Italian. Native-speaking teachers provide extra help to those struggling with the school’s primary languages, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder academic progress.
Technology plays a crucial role in the learning process at CSF. Teachers use interactive smart screens to show instructional videos, explain concepts in an engaging way, and quiz students through interactive games. The school also has a 3D printer, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with programming and design using the latest software. Primary-aged students are provided with iPads, while Senior School students use their personal laptops for learning, tests, and homework submissions. “Incorporating technology into our classrooms enhances the learning experience and prepares students for the future,” says Leblanc.
As part of the Globeducate network, CSF has the opportunity to celebrate STEAM week and International Day of Maths, organizing technology and science-based activities that complement regular teaching. These special theme days provide students with additional opportunities to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, further enriching their educational experience. Through these initiatives, the Canadian School of Florence ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that supports their growth in all areas.
A Hub of World-Class Faculty Members
The Canadian School of Florence (CSF) boasts an international staff hailing from various corners of the globe. The school is committed to recruiting highly talented educators who specialize in their grade levels and subjects. Each teacher is selected through a rigorous interview and vetting process, ensuring they are highly qualified and trained in pedagogy. By the start of the school year, all teachers are well-versed in the internationally recognized curriculum from the Ministry of Education of Ontario, Canada. “Our hiring process is designed to ensure that our students receive the best education possible from highly skilled and passionate educators,” says Leblanc.
CSF places a strong emphasis on professional development, offering numerous opportunities for teachers throughout the year. Educators are held to high standards with bi-annual appraisals to ensure they continually strive for excellence. Within the Globeducate network, teachers have access to professional learning communities, allowing them to connect with experts in literacy, STEAM, numeracy, AI, sustainability, and more. “Continuous learning is vital for our teachers, and we provide them with the resources and support to grow professionally,” Leblanc notes.
Through workshops and ongoing education, all staff are aligned with the school’s educational philosophy and approach.CSF also encourages teachers to pursue their own professional learning goals and supports them in these endeavors. “We believe in empowering our teachers to achieve their professional aspirations,” says Leblanc. The school even maintains a dedicated staff library full of professional development resources, providing a wealth of information and tools for educators.
The Future of The Canadian School of Florence
The Canadian School of Florence (CSF) is excited about its future developments and growth. For the 2024-25 academic year, the school has achieved a significant milestone by opening two sections for both Grade 3 and Grade 6. This expansion reflects CSF’s commitment to providing quality education and personalized attention to its students.
Looking ahead, CSF is continuing to put its growing community as center focus by introducing new staff roles, like a Pastoral Care lead and a Family Engagement Coordinator. It is through these two roles that students and parents will have dedicated point people to foster positive experiences amongst alumni and families. They will focus their expertise on student behavior, bullying, and discipline, as well as, integration and ad-hoc communication assistance to families where English is not their mother tongue.
CSF is also aiming to transition towards two distinct phases of schooling: K-6 and 7-12. This shift will allow the school to better tailor its programs and support systems to different developmental stages. In terms of future programs, CSF plans to bolster its language offerings by providing beginner and advanced French and Italian from K-12, with additional languages introduced at each stage.
The school will be focusing on literacy across all grade levels by establishing an extensive Language Extension Program (LEP). The LEP aims to enhance literacy at an advanced level in English, Italian and French, by providing additional after school lessons at each campus. In French, CSF will be providing a course which prepares students to succeed on the DELF exam; in Italian, there will be advanced classes in Italian History, Grammar, and Literature; CSF’s EAL classes will help non-fluent Middle and Senior School students’ increase their levels of English. At the Elementary level, CSF children will continue with their “VIPERS” reading program exposing them to an extensive list of classic and modern books. CSF recognizes the importance of literacy as the school helps shape and foster their students to be multi-lingual global citizens with international mindsets.
The school is working towards becoming an official green-flag Eco School, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. A new wellbeing manual is in development to guide staff in responding to PASS assessments, which focus on social and emotional learning as well as student attitudes. Improvements in safeguarding across all campuses are also on the agenda, including training staff in “mental health first aid” and hosting events for parents on supporting student mental health.
CSF is also focused on enhancing its bullying policy and implementing cyber-safety initiatives to educate students and parents on responsible online behavior. Partnering with community organizations to offer volunteer opportunities for Senior School students is another exciting goal.
Additionally, CSF is set to implement and onboard the “Growing Success” policy and Globeducate’s “Platinum Standards” for all staff. The school is looking to develop an active CSF alumni association and portal, aiming to strengthen connections with former students.
For More Info: https://www.csflorence.it/