Welcome to Italian Language and Culture Academy
Your journey into the beautiful language
Ways to Learn
In Italian: “Modi per imparare”
Leaving Certification Preparation Grinds
We understand the importance of Leaving Certificate preparation and aim to provide a supportive learning environment where students can learn at their own pace. Our qualified native teachers offer personalised preparation, including small group grinds for 5th and 6th year students, with classes limited to 7 students. Private courses are available with a minimum of 4 students.
Corporate Italian courses
Working in business with Italian presents unique challenges due to its specific vocabulary and idioms. While your Italian may be good, it may not be sufficient for professional needs. Piccola accademia di italiano collaborates with you and your company to identify the necessary vocabulary and grammar skills and provide tailored training programmes for individuals or groups. Contact us for more information.
contact us
Begin your language journey
In Italian: “Inizia il tuo viaggio”
Our Tutors
“I nostri insegnanti
We’re here to help you learn your way
When choosing Piccola accademia di italiano, you choose its fully qualified and experienced staff. Classes are delivered by skilled teachers who got their Master’s Degree in Teaching Italian as a Second Language at the best Universities in Italy such as Siena University for Foreigners and Perugia University for Foreigners. As qualified and experienced language teachers and examiners, our tutors are able to prepare students for University exams, Italian certifications (such as CELI and CILS) and Leaving Certificate examination.
Valeria Mariucci
Teacher and Director of studies
Hi! I am Valeria, I have been the Director of Studies of Piccola accademia di italiano for 10 years now!
I come from a small village near Perugia, in the heart of Italy, Umbria! I am a qualified Italian language teacher and CELI examiner. I graduated from University of Urbino (in Foreign Languages), University for foreigners of Perugia (in teaching Italian as a second language) and University College Dublin (in Second language studies). I had the pleasure of commencing my teaching career in Dublin in 2010, working in private language schools and at University. Currently, I dedicate myself full-time to the care and development of Piccola accademia di italiano.
I like: sleeping all day on a Sunday, Italian political talk shows, ballet and sweets.
In class, I often say: “Non ti preoccupare!”
Let me introduce to you the rest of the wonderful teaching team of Piccola accademia di italiano!
Maira Preatoni
Teacher
This is Maira, she is from a town near the metropolitan city of Milan!
She graduated in translation from the University of Udine, she got her Masters in teaching Italian as a second language from University of Milan. She has been working as a translator, English teacher and Italian teacher in Ireland since 2010; she is also a certified CELI examiner. Maira has been working with Piccola accademia di italiano since 2013.
She likes: travelling, sports and has a passion for Jelly beans!
In class, she often says: “Avete dubbi? Domande?”
Francesca Testoni
Teacher
This is Francesca, she comes from the fairy-tale landscape of Lake Como!
She graduated from University of Milan (in Modern Literature) and then she specialized in Italian language teaching from the University for Foreigners of Siena. She trained and started working as an Italian teacher in Dublin in 2015. Francesca has been working with Piccola accademia di italiano since 2016.
She likes: good food, cinema, music and weird words such as “weird”.
In class, she often says: “Dimmi…”
Chiara Biondi
External collaborator for our Leaving Certificate modules
This is Chiara, she comes from the gastronomical capital of Italy, Emilia Romagna!
Before specializing in Second language teaching for adults and secondary school students (TESOL and CAPES), she graduated from the University of Bologna (in Modern European Literature) and the Sorbonne University (in Comparative Literature). She has a long experience in teaching Italian and French. She is currently teaching French and Italian in secondary school and has been collaborating with Piccola accademia di italiano since 2016.
She likes: eating, drinking, and “Emilia”
In class, she often says: “Allora…”
Fabiano
Teacher
This is Fabiano, he graduated in Oriental Languages from Sapienza University of Rome and later earned his certification to teach Italian at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
He has taught third-year students at UCD, worked with Berlitz, and since 2022 has been part of the Piccola Accademia team.
He likes: calligraphy, chatting about his home region Calabria, and talking football — and he’s always amazed when students know about Sampdoria!
In class, he often says: “Tutto chiaro? ” “Avete domande?”
Sarah
Teacher
This is Sarah – she comes from a small town near the metropolitan city of Milan!
She graduated from the University of Bergamo (in Foreign Languages) and later completed a Master’s degree in Italian Culture and Language for Foreigners at the University of Bologna. In 2023, she also obtained the CELTA qualification to teach English to speakers of other languages. She has been working with Piccola accademia di italiano since 2025.
She likes: travelling, eating, and being lazy at the weekend!
In class, she often says: “Tutto chiaro?”
We’ve helped hundreds of students begin their language journey
our location
Find Us & Contact Us
call us
087 653 0422
We may not be able to answer your calls as we are very often in class, please send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible
email us
info@italiandublin.com
Address
1 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
The school is located at 1 Lower Leeson Street (at the top floor). It is a black door between “Locksmiths” (key and shoes repair shop) and a little coffee shop called “Mister Magpie coffee”. Even if the address is 1 Lower Leeson street, the door is actually on the other side of the corner (Earlsfort Terrace).”