Hunting for bilingual schools in Rome? The Eternal City rewards families who want their children fluent in more than one language. Alongside a strong cluster of international schools teaching in English, Rome offers genuinely bilingual English-Italian programmes where children grow up reading Dante and Shakespeare with equal ease. This 2026 guide maps the options, from full international curricula to dual-language primaries, with realistic fees and admissions advice.
Bilingual education in Rome: the landscape
Rome's international sector serves two audiences that overlap more every year: globally mobile families passing through for a posting at an embassy, UN agency or multinational, and Roman families who want an international, English-rich education without leaving Italy. That mix produces three main models: English-medium international schools with Italian as a taught language; bilingual schools where instruction is split between English and Italian; and Italian schools with reinforced English streams. Your best fit depends on how long you will stay and where your child is likely to attend university.
Curricula on offer
Families can choose the International Baccalaureate, the English National Curriculum with IGCSEs and A Levels, American programmes with AP courses, and Italian-international hybrid models that keep students eligible for the Italian system. Most schools teach Italian at least several hours per week; bilingual schools go much further, delivering core subjects in both languages.
Schools worth visiting in Rome
St. Stephen's School
An independent day and boarding school beside the Aventine hill offering the IB Diploma with an American-style liberal arts ethos. Italian language and culture run deep in the programme, and results place it among Italy's leading IB schools.
Rome International School
An IB continuum school in the Parioli district teaching children from early years to Diploma, with structured Italian for all ages and a diverse international community.
American Overseas School of Rome
Serving Rome since 1947 with an American curriculum, AP courses and the IB Diploma, plus daily Italian instruction across the grades.
Britannia International School of Rome
A British curriculum school where pupils follow the English National Curriculum enriched with Italian language and culture, popular with families wanting continuity with UK schooling.
St. Francis International School
A Catholic international school with campuses in the city, known for a warm community and a programme that develops both English and Italian from the early years.
What bilingual schooling in Rome costs in 2026
Fees at Rome's international and bilingual schools generally range from €9,000 to €26,000 per year. Bilingual primaries and Catholic international schools tend to occupy the €9,000 to €15,000 band, while the leading IB and American schools charge €18,000 to €26,000 in the senior years. Add application fees of €100 to €300, one-off enrolment fees of €1,000 to €5,000 at several schools, transport (Rome traffic makes buses popular), lunches and trips. A 10 percent buffer above tuition is prudent.
Admissions tips for Rome
The main intake is September, with applications reviewed from the previous autumn; well-known schools fill certain year groups early, so apply 6 to 12 months ahead. Mid-year entry is feasible thanks to diplomatic rotation. Children are typically assessed in English and mathematics from age 6 or 7; Italian beginners are welcomed almost everywhere, with support classes to bring them up to speed. Ask each school what proportion of students are Italian versus international; it changes the language environment your child will live in daily, and the right balance depends on whether you want deeper Italian immersion or a more transient international community.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there true English-Italian bilingual schools in Rome?
Yes. Several schools deliver core subjects in both languages, especially at primary level, while most international schools teach in English with strong daily Italian lessons.
How much do bilingual and international schools in Rome cost?
Most charge between €9,000 and €26,000 per year in 2026, with bilingual primaries at the lower end and leading IB and American senior schools at the top, plus enrolment fees and extras.
Will my child cope without Italian?
Yes. Schools routinely admit Italian beginners, particularly under age 8, and immersion plus dedicated lessons typically brings children to conversational fluency within a year.