About Tuscany Avant Garde International School
TAGIS is an international K–12 school based in the Casentino Valley, Tuscany. We bring together the rigour and flexibility of an American High School Diploma, the depth of European cultural traditions, and the creativity of STEAM and project-based learning.
Bridging global standards & Italian heritage
Our mission is to provide a world-class educational experience that unites internationally recognised academic pathways with the richness of Italian culture, arts, and landscape.
A European hub for lifelong learning
We aspire to become a reference point for students, schools, and educators seeking American-accredited programmes, STEAM experiences, and cultural immersion in Tuscany.
Excellence, sustainability, community
We value educational excellence, sustainable practices, and deep collaboration with local communities, artisans, and international partners.
Academic & co-curricular programmes
Our programmes are designed for K–12 learners, as well as partner schools seeking high-impact short experiences in Tuscany. All options can be offered online, hybrid, or fully in-person depending on the needs of families and institutions.
American International High School Diploma
A complete American K–12 pathway from elementary to high school. Students can enrol from any grade level, with flexible online and hybrid options and personalised academic advising.
- Core courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.
- Electives in arts, technology, entrepreneurship and more.
- College-oriented guidance and international university counselling.
Dual Diploma Pathways
Students studying in their national system can earn a second credential: the U.S. High School Diploma. We work through agreements with schools and individual students.
- Recognition of national subjects where appropriate.
- Completion of key U.S. credits (e.g. English, U.S. History, Government).
- Adaptable timetables for different time zones.
Online, Hybrid & Parent-supported Modes
Learning can happen on campus in Tuscany, online from any country, or as a parent-supported model where families combine home education with our accredited courses.
- Live and asynchronous lessons on a modern digital platform.
- Regular mentoring meetings and progress tracking.
- Opportunities to join onsite weeks, camps and intensives.
STEAM Labs & Project-based Learning
Students engage in cross-curricular STEAM projects linking science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with real-world problems.
- Hands-on experiments, robotics and environmental monitoring.
- International online projects through global school networks.
- Opportunities to present at conferences and competitions.
Language & Cultural Programmes
Italian, English and Spanish courses aligned with international certification frameworks, combined with history, arts and social studies.
- Preparation for PLIDA, Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL and DELE.
- Thematic modules on Renaissance, European history and philosophy.
- Workshops with local artisans, artists, and cultural institutions.
Professional & lifelong learning
Short courses for teachers, school leaders and adult learners in areas such as project-based learning, educational leadership, etiquette and protocol, hospitality and sustainable tourism.
- Intensive workshops in Poppi and the Casentino Valley.
- Custom tracks for partner schools and organisations.
Diploma pathways & academic structure
TAGIS offers flexible routes for families and schools. Students may follow the full American pathway with us, or complement their studies in another country through a structured dual-diploma programme.
Full American International High School Diploma
Students complete all required American credits through TAGIS and Avant Garde Academy. Learning takes place online, hybrid or onsite in Tuscany, with access to our full menu of electives, STEAM projects and experiential modules.
Dual Diploma (National + American)
In collaboration with partner schools, we map students’ national curriculum and recognise equivalent subjects. Learners then complete a reduced set of required U.S. courses (for example U.S. History, U.S. Government, English 3 & 4 and electives) to graduate with a second, American High School Diploma.
Experiential learning, micro-internships & camps
Learning at TAGIS extends far beyond the classroom. We design authentic experiences that connect students with real contexts, professionals and communities in Italy and abroad.
Micro-internships & shadowing
Short, guided placements with local businesses, artisans, farms and hospitality partners in the Casentino area and wider Tuscany.
- Observation and hands-on tasks with structured reflection.
- Opportunities in tourism, agribusiness, arts and technology.
- Suitable for upper-secondary students and gap-year learners.
STEAM practices & school visits
Bespoke programmes of 3–10 days for visiting schools who want to combine STEAM labs, fieldwork and cultural visits in Tuscany.
- Hydroponics, environmental science, physics and design challenges.
- Visits to local artisans, vineyards, museums and natural parks.
- Accommodation and logistics coordinated with trusted partners.
International summer camps
Residential and day-camp options in English, combining language learning, arts, sports and outdoor adventures in the Casentino Valley.
- Themed weeks (STEAM, Arts & Design, Sports, Sustainability).
- International cohorts and opportunities for leadership roles.
- Ideal for students aged 10–17 from around the world.
Educational conferences, teacher training & cultural events
TAGIS also hosts academic conferences, teacher professional-development courses and cultural festivals in cooperation with universities, international associations and local authorities. These events create a living platform for dialogue between schools, researchers, cultural institutions and families.
Campus & location: Casentino Valley, Tuscany
Our school is based in Poppi and the surrounding Casentino Valley – a landscape of medieval towns, forests, vineyards and mountains, within easy reach of Florence, Arezzo and the wider region.
A safe, inspiring setting
Students learn in a calm, human-scale environment with direct access to the Casentino Forest National Park, historical villages and cultural sites. This setting supports wellbeing, focus and meaningful outdoor education.
Connected to major Italian cities
Poppi is approximately one hour from Florence and under forty minutes from Arezzo, with connections to Rome, Bologna and the Adriatic coast. This makes TAGIS attractive for both local families and international visitors.
Admissions & partnerships
We work with individual families, schools and organisations. Whether you are interested in a full K–12 pathway, a dual-diploma option, or a tailored programme in Tuscany, our team will guide you step by step.
How to enrol
- Initial conversation to understand your context and goals.
- Academic review and suggested study plan (full or dual diploma).
- Offer letter, tuition plan and onboarding to our digital platform.
Contact
For detailed information about programmes, partnerships or visits, please use the request information form above. A dedicated contact section can be added here later.