This article provides an analysis of ethnic school experiences of community type in Italian colonies in the city of Curitiba. We sought to understand the structure of this type of school, identifying its goals, individuals, materiality and educational practices. In other words, we aimed to research the elements that were involved in the opening, operation and closing of these schools. This study includes data from the 1880s to the 1900s. Our sources were documents such as official letters and petitions issued within the school system of the state of Parana. The creation of Italian community ethnic schools had the main objective of providing public schools in areas of foreign colonization. At the same time, their creation sought to preserve the ethnic identity of the community while spreading their Italianness.
History; ethnic schools; organization; identity; Italianness