Practical Information
Everything you need to know about dates, costs, accommodation, and joining BrightSteps
📅 Program Dates
March 1 – May 31, 2026
13 weeks of immersive learning and exploration
Classes run Monday through Thursday, 9:00–12:30. Families must commit to the full 3-month program to ensure stable class sizes and teacher salaries. Every week (day TBC), we will meet at a local bar or café to socialise and organise activities together.
💰 Costs
Program Tuition
Standard: €700/month. Payment per month or in advance (one or two instalments). €700 per month (€2,138 incl. liability insurance for the full three months).
Early‑bird rate: €550 per month (€1,688 total incl. liability insurance) if booked by 18th December 2025.
Accommodation
Between €600 and 750 per month (community apartments in central Castrovillari). The flats have already been pre‑booked and reserved for the Hub until 18th December 2025. We encourage you to confirm your stay before this date because, after 18th December, all remaining apartments will be released to the general public and non‑hub customers. Of course, there's no obligation and you can book your own accommodation elsewhere, no one is earning commissions here, but keep in mind that if you want your children to be close to their new friends, it's easier to stay near the other families.
What's Included
- ✓Classes Monday–Thursday, 9:00–12:30
- ✓All teaching materials and project supplies
- ✓Qualified bilingual teachers (max 15 students per class)
- ✓Liability insurance included in tuition
🏡 Community Accommodation
We've secured apartments in the historic center of Castrovillari, within walking distance of the school, markets, and cafés.
Living in community apartments means your family will be surrounded by other worldschooling families—creating natural opportunities for connection and support.
What to Expect
- ✓Fully equipped kitchens for self-catering
- ✓No WiFi in apartments—portable internet keys or pay-as-you-go mobile SIMs are cheap in Italy (e.g., 200GB for around €10)
- ✓Central location—walk to school, shops, restaurants
- ✓Settling-in support from BrightSteps team
🎾 Additional Activities
Afternoons and weekends are free for family time, but we also offer a range of optional activities, including:
- •Horse riding
- •Tennis
- •Swimming
- •Rafting
- •Guided hikes
- •Climbing
There are also many local schools offering dance, martial arts, gymnastics, and other afternoon classes — so if your children wish to join activities during the week, there is plenty to choose from.
🌿 Local Life in Castrovillari
Castrovillari sits at the foot of the Pollino National Park, offering a calm, welcoming base surrounded by mountains, nature, and wide open spaces. You'll feel the slower rhythm of southern Italy: fresh seasonal produce, family-run shops, and warm, genuine hospitality.
Live like a local — we'll take you to the nearby market (close to the family apartments) and can arrange fresh groceries delivered to your door if you wish. You'll also have support settling in, with a walking tour of the town, tips on the best shops, markets, and restaurants, and help with any practical needs.
📍 Location & Getting There
How to Get Here
- ✈️By Air: Nearest airports are Lamezia Terme (1.5 hours), Naples (2.5 hours), Bari (2.5 hours), or Salerno (1 hour 40 minutes)
- 🚌By Bus: Castrovillari has a bus station with connections via Marino Bus, Flixbus, Saj, and Itabus
- 🚗By Car: Easy access via A2 motorway