Ciao! I’m Elisabetta.
For many years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Italian language and culture in schools across Italy and abroad. Every classroom, every student, every experience has not only deepened my love for teaching but also helped me discover how I truly want to teach.Over time, it became clear: I needed a space that reflected my own voice, my own ideas, and my own approach to guiding students into the beauty of the Italian language.
And so, Monnalisa was born.
Monnalisa is more than just a school. It’s a reflection of the style, sensitivity, and educational philosophy I’ve developed over years of working with students from all corners of the world.Located in a beautiful, historic building in the heart of Florence, Monnalisa feels like a second home. It’s not just a place of learning, but a place of belonging. Here, I support those who arrive from abroad, often feeling disoriented, invisible, or alone. By sharing time, stories, and daily moments, we naturally become a small, close-knit family.At Monnalisa, community isn’t something we force; it simply emerges through real, human connection.
I believe deeply in personal relationships.
I want to hear about your life, your experiences, and your needs. I want you to leave behind the fear of being overlooked, the anxiety of not understanding, and the stress that often accompanies learning a new language.My approach starts with listening. Through empathy, experience, and a strong presence, I’ll take you by the hand and guide you through a journey that’s not just about language—but about personal growth as well.
In the context of the unprecedented advancement of artificial intelligence, Monnalisa School is committed to emphasizing the human element in language learning. In a world increasingly influenced by technology, we believe that there are unique aspects of the human experience that AI cannot replicate: emotion, personal memory, and interpersonal connection in the learning process.
Key Principles of Our Methodology
Student-Centered Learning
• Each lesson is designed to connect with the students’ lives: their past experiences, everyday emotions, and future aspirations.
• We strive to ensure that every word, grammatical structure, or verb tense is linked to something personal and meaningful for the student, making learning a unique experience.
Language and Emotional Experience
• Words are not just abstract symbols: we aim to connect them with sensations and emotions, so they become easier to remember and more deeply rooted in memory.
• Language learning is not just about knowledge: we want it to be an experience that truly touches the student’s life, making the journey more meaningful and engaging.
Organic and Natural Learning
• We believe that language use becomes more fluid and natural when it is emotionally experienced, when the student perceives it as part of their daily life.
• Our goal is to make learning as integrated into the student’s personal life as possible, so that it feels less tiring and more lasting
"Monnalisa was the muse that inspired one of the greatest geniuses, Leonardo Da Vinci. In the same way, we hope that our school can become a small source of inspiration during your stay in Florence, a place where every experience will enrich you."
The words of our students are the best way to understand what it truly means to learn Italian with us. They explain what it’s like to have a guide by your side, supporting you and accompanying you step by step on your learning journey.Here, you can find some videos from students who decided to share their experiences firsthand, enthusiastically telling the story of their journey with our school. Each story is unique, and we like to think that by listening to them, you’ll get a sense of what makes us different.Then, there are the spontaneous reviews from our students, taken from social media, Google, and other platforms. These reviews are essential for us because they help us understand how to constantly improve and offer an experience that is always more tailored to those who want to learn Italian in a relaxed and engaging way.
Take a look at what our students think, and, why not, let yourself be inspired!
What makes Monnalisa truly different is not what we teach, but how. Our method comes from years of teaching and from a strong belief: learning a language should never be overwhelming, stressful, or pressured.
I have never believed in methods that push students with long, exhausting hours, constant performance anxiety, or the fear of making mistakes. That kind of pressure blocks learning. It creates tension instead of openness.
I believe in a natural, human approach.
Students learn better when they feel comfortable, relaxed, welcomed.
When they feel good, positive emotions emerge—and those emotions naturally connect to the learning process. In that state, the language blossoms on its own, without forcing, without fear, without feeling “under attack” by grammar or expectations. From the very first lessons, you are surrounded by the Italian language. For absolute beginners, I use a language bridge that clarifies grammar without overwhelming you. Lessons are creative, interactive, and based on real communication: role-plays, conversations, everyday situations. Language must not only be learned; it must be lived.
Our approach is highly personalized. No “one size fits all.”
Some students learn visually, others structurally, others need rhythm and conversation, others need time and reassurance. In individual classes, duets, or parent–child courses, we build the path together—step by step—starting from listening.
Feeling free to ask for what you need, feeling safe, and feeling understood: this is what I call the learning journey. And the journey itself is precious.
Language and culture are inseparable. Every lesson is infused with the cultural world behind the words: values, sounds, traditions, nuances. It’s the most direct way to enter the soul of Italy.
Learning a new language means gaining a new soul.
Some people study Italian for professional or academic reasons. Others do it simply for love. Both are valid. But for us, the primary goal is joy—joy in the discovery, joy in the practice, joy in the journey itself.
Language learning goes far beyond usefulness. It enriches the person, expands horizons, offers new perspectives.
Give yourself something beautiful…learn Italian! 🙂
Monnalisa School is located in a historic building right in the heart of Florence, a corner that feels like it’s come straight out of a history book. This building dates back to the early 1500s and has witnessed generations of Florentines, from noble families like the Galli Tassi, to becoming one of the most charming places in the city today.
What makes it special? First of all, its architecture: an elegant facade with arched windows and stone details that tell the story of centuries of change. Inside, we can still find traces of a bygone era, like the 16th-century courtyard with the famous marble group of Hercules and Iole, which is truly a little masterpiece. Frescoes by artists like Fabrizio Boschi and Giovanni da San Giovanni add a touch of beauty and refinement to every corner.
But there’s more: this building has been a witness to so many stories, so many lives, and today it welcomes us like a home. Every stone seems to tell a piece of Florence’s history, and every time you walk through its doors, it’s like taking a step back in time. But don’t worry: our school has a modern, welcoming atmosphere where the past and present meet in perfect harmony.
When you visit us, you won’t just be learning Italian – you’ll also have the chance to breathe in the authentic history of Florence, right in the heart of the city.
