Reggio Emilia Informed

Bilingualism

Healthy Habits

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CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Text with the words 'A aula de classe do Bosco' in Portuguese, arranged with 'A aula de' in smaller font above larger 'CLASSE BOSCO', all on a black background.

Stylized text that reads 'Classe Finestra' with a black background.

Classe Bosco is designed for children aged 3 and older and offers a regular routine that focuses on basic linguistic exposure and emerging independence. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, the class offers a dynamic, play-based environment where learning unfolds through exploration, creativity, and relationships and a solid and reliable sense of routine.

Classe Finestre invites 4- and 5-year-olds into a rich, art-centered environment where materials, emotions, and imagination become tools for discovery. With a strong focus on self-regulation, expression, and connection to the natural world, children learn to navigate their inner landscapes while creating beauty in the world around them. Click to explore our Reggio-inspired approach.

Text saying 'Classe Montagna' in light blue with shadow effect on black background.

Classe Montagna offers a bilingual Kindergarten and K–1st experience led by bilingual teacher Giulia Picariello Signori. With an integrated curriculum, a rich Reggio foundation, and a balanced use of Italian and English throughout the day, children are prepared with confidence, creativity, and care for both American schools and future Italian pathways. Click to learn more about our approach.

Illustration of children building and exploring science with the words 'Curiosity = Il Laporeatico Curioso' in large colorful letters, featuring a girl watering a flower and a boy climbing a ladder to reach a star.

Curiosity Lab is our mixed-age, child-led afternoon program that honors children's natural curiosity through a flexible, bilingual environment. Rooted in trust and self-direction, each day adapts to the group’s energy and interests, to support autonomy, collaboration, and meaningful social learning. Click to read more about our unique approach.

Il Nido is a gentle, joyful introduction to Italian and the Reggio Emilia approach for toddlers and their caregivers. Led by beloved teacher Chiara Calci, this 50-minute class meets three times a week and invites the very youngest children to explore language, rhythm, and relationships through play, songs, and sensory discovery. Click to learn more.

Text on a black background that reads "Musica con Tommaso" in large, light blue letters with a red shadow.

Musica con Tommaso is a joyful introduction to sound, rhythm, and movement guided by Tommaso Moretti and grounded in the Gordon Method. Children explore music as a language through listening, vocal play, and body expression—laying the foundation for lifelong musicality. Click to learn more (dates to be announced).

Text saying 'Summer Camp' with a black background and 3D blue and red shadow effect.

Our Summer Camp runs five days a week during part of the school closure and offers a playful, mixed-age experience inspired by Curiosity Lab. With a focus on movement, exploration, and outdoor adventure, children spend less time in the classroom and more time out in the world—nurturing autonomy, friendship, and fun. Click to learn more.

The image features the text 'FANTASIEF' in large 3D block letters with a red shadow and the words 'AL PROGRAM' underneath. There is a small graphic illustration of a person with black hair and a red shirt, raising their hand, located below the letter 'A' in 'AL'.

FantaSIEF is a Saturday Italian language and culture program for children, hosted at Scuola Fermi and led by the experienced educators of Fantavolando. Through songs, stories, games, and art, children explore the Italian language in a playful and welcoming environment. Click to learn more.

Text with the words 'Passport Days' in large blue letters with a red shadow on a black background.

Info on Passport Days — Click to learn more.

MISSION AND VISION

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Mission

At Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi, we provide a Reggio Emilia–inspired education where creativity, inquiry, and cultural identity flourish. Our full-immersion Italian program nurtures bilingualism as a lifelong gift, while our curriculum integrates academic excellence with social-emotional growth, self-discovery, and healthy daily habits. We prepare children to become confident, curious, and compassionate citizens, ready to thrive in a global and multicultural world.

Cute black outline drawing of a puppy with a large head, floppy ears, and a curled tail, drawn with bold lines and a bright blue highlight on its body.

Vision

We envision Scuola Fermi as a model of bilingual, Reggio-inspired education in Chicago—where Italian language and culture meet innovation, community, and care. Guided by our three pillars—Reggio Emilia pedagogy, bilingualism, and healthy habits—we aspire to:

Honor each child’s individuality and potential.
Inspire exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Foster resilience, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
Strengthen cultural bridges between Italy, Chicago, and the world.

Our vision is to grow into a thriving institution that not only educates children but also supports families, enriches our community, and preserves the enduring legacy of Italian excellence in education.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Open House

October, 30th, 2025 10:30-15:00 AM
Come explore our bilingual, Reggio-inspired learning environment for children ages 3-6. Meet our dedicated teachers, tour the classrooms, and discover how curiosity, creativity, and connection shape every day at our school.
Families interested in enrollment are warmly encouraged to attend.

Come to our open house
Open House

November 1st, 2025 10:30-11:30 AM
Come explore our bilingual, Reggio-inspired learning environment for children ages 3-6. Meet our director and board president, tour the classrooms, and discover how curiosity, creativity, and connection shape every day at our school.
Families interested in enrollment are encouraged to attend.

Come to our open house

Book a private tour

The best way to learn about Scuola Fermi is to experience it yourself. During your visit, you’ll explore our classrooms, meet our team, and ask questions about our programs and admissions.