Marin Italians

La Piccola Scuola Italiana

What

An Italian-immersion childcare center that provides very young children a nurturing and stimulating environment in which to grow and learn. We provide a community in which young children can play and learn to their fullest capacity, and a place where they experience lively, fun and authentic Italian language culture.

How
Teachers take a developmentally appropriate play-based approach to early childhood education. The "negotiated curriculum" features projects as its cornerstone, allowing for both autonomy and collaboration as children build self-esteem and respect for one another.
Children at La Piccola Scuola Italiana learn Italian and live Italian culture through every day interactions and play. "We don't just learn Italian, we learn in Italian!"

Who

The families and children at La Piccola Scuola Italiana range from Italian citizens living in San Francisco, to families who simply love Italian language and culture. Children do not need to speak Italian before enrolling at La Piccola Scuola Italiana. All of the teachers are fluent in Italian; the majority are native speakers.

Why

Research shows that early childhood offers a unique opportunity to learn languages, as well as providing a critical basis for all future development and learning. Furthermore, immersion in a second language supports children to excel in linguistic, academic, social and cognitive development. By exposing your child to Italian at an early age, you stimulate brain activity which can open doors of opportunity later in life.