Hello, I am an American that doesn'

Cant help wtih the school, but you need to sort out a Schengen visa before you leave the US, then you need to sort out a Permesso di Soggiorno for reasons fo study as soon as you arrive in Italy, and then you need a contract for your accommodation,  a codice fiscale and then you can think about a bank account.   Its complicated and will take time, but its important to start whileyou are still in the US. 

hello thania! I am Florence-based and its true that you will need to sort out your visa BEFORE you come, the school will likely help you with the process and while it is annoying, it is worth it and for student visas they normally don't give you problems. As for your living situation, an apartment would mean you would have a home of your own, your refuge, you can use websites like 'easystanza' to find roomates. It can be expensive in Florence, around 400-450 for a private room in an apartment, around 1000 for an apartment to yourself. Just depends :). Living with a family would mean you would learn Italian quicker and you would be better immersed in culture. As for getting a bank account, you can use your accounts from the states and just use your debit/credit card while in Italy. Or you can open an easy account with the post office here 'postapay' which doesn't require much. See if your bank at home has any international collaborations. Also about working, while studying, legally you can work 20 hours a week, unless you speak Italian there aren't many options other than teaching english or nannying/babysitting but it can be done :). Let me know if you have any other questions! 

Hello Georgette,Thank you so much for you time.  I will contact the school I choose and Italian Embassy.  I will follow your website.  Thank you again.

Hi Thania,maybe one of the best restoration schools in Florence is Palazzo Spinelli Ciao Federica

Grazie Federica,I heard about it.  Going to check on a few schools, check prices, etc.Ciao