Born in Perugia, with academic and professional experiences spanning Europe, China, and the United States, Michael Cascianelli is currently the CEO and Head of School at Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi in New York. In this interview, taken from the podcast Ritratti by ilNewyorkese, he shares his journey, the educational mission of the school he leads, and the role of Italian culture in a globalized world.
Michael, your career path has been rich with international experiences. Can you briefly share your story?
“I left Umbria at 19 to study at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands. I then lived in Scotland, where I began teaching in international schools, and later completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on talent development and IQ. After working in Rome and China, where I helped establish a bilingual school, I arrived in New York in the midst of the pandemic to lead Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi.”
What are the key features and mission of Scuola d’Italia?
“Our school is a non-profit American institution recognized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education. We offer a bilingual curriculum from early childhood through high school, allowing our students to earn both the Italian maturità diploma and an international diploma. This dual qualification provides them with unique opportunities to continue their studies at prestigious universities worldwide.”
Bilingualism is a cornerstone of the school. How is it implemented?
“Our curriculum is equally divided between Italian and English. Some subjects are taught exclusively in one language, while others in the other. Additionally, we place great emphasis on learning additional languages: our students study Spanish and Mandarin from an early age, and in higher grades, we also offer Latin and philosophy. We believe that multilingual education is essential for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.”
In an American context, what is the added value of a humanities-focused education?
“Humanities are at the heart of our cultural identity. Alongside math and science, we strongly believe that studying Latin, philosophy, and literature is essential for developing critical thinking and an ethical perspective on the world. Humanities education is a defining feature of both Italy and our school. Of course, STEM education is also crucial, as logical and mathematical skills are the foundation of many present and future careers.”
What is the relationship between the school and the Italian community in New York?
“Scuola d’Italia is a key reference point for the Italian community. About 35-40% of our students come from expatriate Italian families, but we welcome students from 31 different nationalities. This creates a multicultural environment that reflects the spirit of New York. Parents actively participate in school life, helping to foster a strong sense of community.”
You have lived in various countries and continents. How does New York compare to other major global cities?
“New York is unique. It’s a city of opportunities and networking, where the best professionals from every field come together. But it is also a city of great contrasts, where extreme wealth and poverty coexist. For this reason, our school not only protects students but also prepares them to navigate a complex world, equipping them with the tools to succeed.”
And from a safety and livability perspective?
“Quality of life here depends greatly on economic means. New York offers extraordinary experiences, but one must learn to adapt and find a balance between the opportunities and the challenges that such a competitive city presents.”
Do Italians still have a strong influence in the United States?
“Yes, we are highly regarded. Italy has always exported excellence, from food to fashion, from creativity to professionalism. Italians abroad are synonymous with quality and reliability, which opens many doors for us in the professional world.”
Which subjects at Scuola d’Italia are you most proud of?
“Definitely philosophy and Latin. These subjects are not very common in the United States, but we believe they are fundamental for shaping critical and open minds. Teaching philosophy to young students means giving them the tools to understand the world and make informed decisions. Overall, I am proud of all our subjects because our teachers are rigorously selected, and we value them greatly.”
Looking to the future, what is your professional dream?
“For now, I want to continue growing Scuola d’Italia and enjoy this experience in New York. In the future, we’ll see where my career takes me. Every five years, I move from one part of the world to another for my leadership roles, and New York could certainly be an important springboard for my career.”
