Discover the Unique Approach to Education at St. Louis School Caviglia with Principal Victoria Del Federico

St. Louis School, renowned for its prestigious British curriculum and commitment to high educational standards, offers an exceptional learning environment across its three campuses in Milan, catering to children from ages 2 to 18. The Caviglia campus, serving children from ages 2 to 14, provides a friendly, caring, and nurturing international setting for more than 500 students representing over 50 nationalities. At Caviglia, education is of the highest standard, with teachers delivering first-class academic provision and excellent pastoral support through Early Years, Primary, and Middle School programmes. We had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Victoria (Tor) Del Federico, Principal of the Caviglia campus, to explore what makes this location unique, how Milan shapes her approach to education, and why it stands out as an ideal choice for expat families seeking a welcoming and academically rigorous school for their children.

Mrs. Del Federico, can you tell us about your journey into education and what led you to become the Principal of St. Louis School Caviglia?

My career path has been diverse, starting with a passion for literature. I have a First Class BA in English Literature and a Master’s in 20th Century Fiction from the University of Sussex. After working for an NGO in London, I began teaching English in Sussex, and from there, I quickly moved into leadership roles. I became head of faculty in both independent and state schools, and later, Director of Teaching and Learning at Roedean School.

I then spent four years at College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland as Interim and Vice Principal. My time in South East Asia as Head of the British School Yangon was cut short by the pandemic, leading my family to return to Europe, where I took on a leadership role at a British international school in Rome.

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to nurturing the next generation of school leaders, and I’m proud to be the Women Ed Network leader for Italy and an evaluation team chairperson for the Council of International Schools. My journey has always been guided by the mantra: “Work hard, be kind.” This philosophy informs my approach to leadership and education at St. Louis School Caviglia.

What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you apply it at St. Louis School Caviglia?

My leadership philosophy revolves around authenticity and honesty. I believe in leading by example, creating an environment where students and staff feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential. I’m a strong advocate for developing high-functioning teams that can support each other in achieving their shared goals. At St. Louis School Caviglia, this means not only focusing on academic success but also fostering an atmosphere where emotional resilience and personal growth are prioritized. I model this philosophy by ensuring our community works hard and is kind in everything we do.

What do you believe makes St. Louis School Caviglia truly stand out for international families?

St. Louis School Caviglia offers a unique combination of rigorous academics and personalized care in a truly international setting. With a focus on the British National Curriculum, we ensure that our students receive an education that prepares them for the global world they are entering. Our campus is home to over 50 nationalities, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all students are encouraged to share their cultures and perspectives. For international families, this creates a community where children can feel at home while also embracing the richness of Milan’s cultural landscape. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming school that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth.

What do you love most about living in Milan, and how does the city contribute to your approach at St. Louis School?

Milan is a city that blends history with innovation, and I find it incredibly inspiring. The city’s cultural vibrancy, its emphasis on design, fashion, and the arts, plays a significant role in how we approach education at St. Louis School. Milan encourages creativity and diversity, and I believe that the city’s global perspective aligns perfectly with our vision of preparing students for a world where they’ll need to think critically, collaborate, and engage with different cultures and ideas.

As an expat myself, I can relate to the challenges families face when moving to Milan, which is why I work to make the transition as smooth as possible for our students and their families.

What’s one thing you hope every family and student takes away from their experience at St. Louis School Caviglia?

Our aim at St. Louis School Caviglia is not just academic excellence, but also holistic development. We want every child to leave feeling confident in their abilities and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the world. For our expat and international families, we hope they feel a strong sense of belonging in our community, knowing that their children are not only learning but are growing as well-rounded, compassionate individuals.

Looking ahead, what’s next for St. Louis School Caviglia?

As a school, we are always looking for ways to innovate and improve our educational offerings. In the future, we plan to expand our extracurricular activities, providing students with even more opportunities to explore their passions outside of the classroom. We are also committed to strengthening our relationship with the local community and further integrating Milan into our curriculum. Our goal is to continuously evolve while maintaining the high standards that our families expect and deserve.

St. Louis School Caviglia offers more than just an education—it provides a community where children grow, thrive, and feel at home. For expat families in Milan, it’s a place where your child’s academic and personal growth are equally prioritized. Whether you’re here for a few years or planning to settle long-term, St. Louis School Caviglia offers the support and resources your child needs to succeed. With its state-of-the-art facilities, outdoor learning areas, and a diverse, inclusive community, this campus is truly an exceptional choice for expat families looking to build a bright future in Milan.

For more information about St. Louis School Caviglia and the exceptional educational opportunities it offers, visit St. Louis School Caviglia Campus.