Long-term Montessori education is not common in Italy. Had a reputable, bilingual program been on offer that would have taken Cace through his elementary school years, we would have strongly considered it. One was not available, so we chose a local private school with a strong academic reputation, The British School of Milan (formerly the Sir James Henderson). With this unique year in front of us, we would like to give our son the opportunity to be exposed to the Montessori educational atmosphere, for him to be educated among other kids who have been raised as he has been-to be kind, creative, big-hearted, accepting, and peace-seeking. As well, with WMA's focus on Italian language skills, it would mean continued instruction in the language while we're away from Milan for this year. Cace speaks Italian well for a child who doesn't speak Italian at school or at home. A year of continued exposure to the language will be extremely valuable for him and perhaps someone who has been immersed in Italian culture for the past seven years would be of value to the school. (We should note that we assume Cace would be in Year 4 at Westside, given that the British system starts with Reception [Kindergarten] at 4 years old. He would then return to Year 6 at his school for 2019-20.)