Why we ask whether a student speaks English when you request information about our school.
Imagine that you want to enroll your son or daughter in a Russian school. If they don’t speak Russian, it would be difficult for them to understand lessons, take part in activities, interact with teachers and classmates, do their homework, and read materials.
Similarly, in our international school, if a student does not know English, it’s like sending them to a Russian school without speaking Russian: the language barrier prevents learning, social integration, and the feeling of belonging to the community.
That’s why, when new families contact us to ask for information about our school and learn about our curriculum, the first question we ask is always “Does the child speak English?”
Chatterbox is a Cambridge International Schools, and English is the official language across all its departments: Playschool, Primary, and Secondary. This means that most subjects, activities, lessons, and daily interactions are conducted in English. For this reason, it is essential to understand from the very beginning the potential student’s level of English.
Many people believe that children are like sponges who easily absorb foreign languages and that English, in particular, is simple to learn. However, this is a common misconception: while young learners do have a natural ability to acquire languages, mastering a new one still requires time, consistent exposure, and meaningful interaction—especially when it becomes the medium for learning all other subjects. The effort required to the child would be enormous, and the likelihood that the child might fall behind or feel isolated would be very high.
Admission criteria
As a result, at all age levels—from the youngest children up to secondary school—English proficiency is a fundamental requirement for admission.
Admission to the Playschool (ages 18 months to 4 years) allows a bit more flexibility regarding language skills, as children are very young and can learn English alongside Italian (or other languages, in the case of non-Italian or mixed families).
For entry into Primary, however, if students do not come from Chatterbox Playschool, it is essential that they come from an English-speaking family or another international educational context. For Secondary School, a certified minimum intermediate level (B1) is required.
In general, language proficiency is a necessary requirement to ensure a smooth and successful academic journey. For full details on admission criteria, please refer to the dedicated pages on our website and don't hesitate to contact us for further information:
From 18 months
Playschool
Reception
Primary
Secondary
