Classes for the Academic Year 2026-2027
The Italian School of San Diego LLC is accredited by both the San Diego Unified and San Dieguito Union High School Districts as an “Independent World Language School.” Classes taken at the Italian School fulfill the language requirement for high school graduation at public high schools within these two districts and also satisfy college admission requirements. Grades earned in Italian classes can be added to students’ high school transcripts.
The curriculum and programs were created, implemented, and district-approved by our sister school, IAASD (now closed). Learn more about their story.
For more information, see:
We offer two tracks: Italian as a Foreign Language (for new learners) and Italian for Italian Speakers (for heritage speakers). Some levels meet on a fixed in-person schedule at our Kearny Mesa location; others have a flexible schedule that we arrange together with the enrolled students — just email us your preferred day, time, and format (online or in-person).
For students new to Italian. Lessons use a conversation-first approach focused on real conversation and everyday situations, building speaking confidence alongside grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing.
For heritage speakers who are already fluent. As they progress, students follow the literature program taught in Italian high schools, reading and discussing Dante’s Divina Commedia, Boccaccio’s Decameron, Manzoni’s I Promessi Sposi, and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, alongside grammar, composition, and culture.
Students with prior Italian study may test into a higher level than 1-2. Please indicate this on the pre-enrollment form or contact us in advance. (Note: Direct enrollment into levels above 1-2 requires a curriculum alignment fee.) Note: if a student enrolls in, for example, Italian 5-6 during high school, they will receive three years of foreign language credit. Credit is tied to the class level, not the number of years attended.
Accredited classes combine weekly class meetings with independent study so students can meet district requirements. See the Italian School of San Diego calendar for the published class calendars.
Book information will be provided after students are assigned to classes.
See tuition details and submit a non-binding pre-enrollment form using the button below. The same form is used for both accredited and non-accredited classes. Based on the student’s level and age, we will recommend the most suitable class:
Accredited classes require at least 2 hours of homework per week, compared with 30 minutes to 1 hour for lower levels. Students should plan accordingly.
Grading is more structured: students will join our Google Classroom, submit weekly homework for grading, and take tests via Google Forms during class. Final grades are based on homework, tests, and class participation.
Parents receive grade reports four times a year. For public high school students in San Diego Unified or San Dieguito, January and June reports are also sent to the high school for transcript inclusion.
High school graduation and college admission require two years of a foreign language, but most colleges recommend three years, and some highly selective colleges recommend four. See the E) requirement for admission to the University of California:
Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition, and culture. […] Courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
We recommend enrolling in Italian 1-2 in 7th grade. This allows students to complete Italian 1-2 and 3-4 in middle school. While high schools do not grant credit for language classes taken in middle school, starting early allows students to satisfy requirements sooner. After passing Italian 5-6 in 9th grade, students are granted three years of language credit. They can then take Italian 7-8 in 10th grade for an additional year of language and AP Italian preparation.
Typical academic path:
Students can also start later. To reach three years of language credit, the latest start is 10th grade:
Students already fluent in Italian, with grammar knowledge and cultural familiarity, may start at a higher level after evaluation.
Contact us with:
We will prepare the “Intent to Undertake Independent Language Study” form, sign it, and email it to you for printing, signing, and submission to the high school.
Download the “SDUHSD Off-Campus Course Permission Form” at the bottom of this page: https://www.sduhsd.net/Departments/Educational-Services/Specialized-Programs/Off-Campus-Courses/index.html
The form says to attach evidence of accreditation, but this is not necessary because we are already on the approved list.
Submit the signed form to your counselor.