Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy

Over the past 45 years, Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) has become one of the top art and design schools in Italy. SRISA’s highly personalized instruction and experiential learning conform to the expectations and requirements of an American university curriculum.

SRISA offers accredited programs of study including academic year, semester, and summer study abroad; Post-Baccalaureate Certificates; and internships. Courses are taught in the English language. Additionally, SRISA hosts a multitude of Faculty-Led and Customized programs throughout the year.

The SRISA academic program is enhanced with extra-curricular activities, art exhibits, field trips, cultural seminars, beyond-the-classroom learning, guest lecturers, museum visits, student art shows, fashion shows, and more.

Fast Facts:

  • SRISA was originally founded as the Santa Reparata Graphic Art Centre in 1970 by artists Dennis Olsen, Giuseppe Gatuso, and Michael Schnor.
  • In 2001 co-founders Dennis Olsen, Meredith Dean, and Rebecca Olsen built the Art and Design Program at SRISA and established SRISA as a 501-C 3, non-profit school.
  • Maryville University, in St. Louis, MO, is SRISA’s School of Record.
  • SRISA and Maryville University are recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education.
  • All SRISA buildings are located in the heart of Florence.
  • SRISA’s San Gallo Campus is just a 3-minute walk from the Academia Museum that houses the David statue by Michelangelo and is Florence’s only public art Academy.
  • SRISA is the only art school in Florence with an active Art Gallery with street visibility that is listed as a top Contemporary Art Destination in Florence.
  • SRISA is the only school to have an official partnership with the University of Florence.
  • The average student body during semesters is 60-100.
  • The average student body in the summer terms is 200-300.
  • Most SRISA faculty are hired with a full-time contract.
  • All faculty hold office hours and are available to assist students outside of class time.
  • The average student-to-teacher ratio is 1:8.
  • The school is open until 9 pm throughout the week and over the weekend.
  • Students have access to all the areas of the school outside of class time.
  • Many advanced courses offer a semi-private area where students can set up a personal workspace throughout the semester.
  • SRISA offers full and partial scholarships every semester. Find out more!