Rome is one of Europe's most compelling cities for expat families, combining a rich cultural heritage with a surprisingly well-developed international education sector. Whether you are relocating for work, an EU posting, or a long-term lifestyle change, finding the right international school in Rome is one of the first decisions you will face. This guide covers everything you need to know about the city's top international schools, the curricula on offer, realistic fee ranges, and practical tips for a smooth transition.
The International School Landscape in Rome
Rome has a relatively compact but high-quality international school sector, with most schools concentrated in the northern and central parts of the city, particularly in the Parioli and Balduina neighbourhoods. The city attracts significant numbers of expat families from North America, the UK, northern Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, all of which has shaped the range of curricula available.
The main programmes you will find in Rome include the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), the British National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, and the American curriculum with AP courses. Some schools also integrate elements of the Italian national curriculum, which can be valuable if your children have Italian language skills or if you expect to stay in Italy for an extended period.
Class sizes in Rome's international schools tend to be smaller than in the major Asian or Middle Eastern expat hubs, which many families find appealing. The city also offers a relatively welcoming social environment for newcomers, with active expat communities organised around the schools themselves.
Top International Schools in Rome
Below are the main international schools serving expat families in Rome, all of which have verified profiles on International School Advisor.
Ambrit International School
One of Rome's most established international schools, Ambrit International School has been serving the expat community since 1969. Located in the Monteverde neighbourhood, Ambrit follows the IB continuum from the PYP through to the Diploma Programme, making it a strong choice for families who want curriculum continuity throughout their children's schooling years. The school has a strong community culture and places emphasis on outdoor learning and student wellbeing alongside academic achievement.
Kendale Primary International School
Kendale Primary International School is a smaller, purpose-built primary school that has built a strong reputation among expat families with younger children. The school follows a play-based and inquiry-led approach in the early years before transitioning to a more structured international curriculum in upper primary. Class sizes are deliberately kept small, and the school has a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that helps children settle quickly when first arriving in Rome.
The European International School and College
The European International School and College serves students from early childhood through to secondary level and offers a broad international curriculum with strong languages provision. The school has a notably diverse student body, which reflects Rome's position as a diplomatic and international business hub. Students here benefit from multilingual learning environments and a range of extracurricular activities that take advantage of Rome's cultural resources.
School Fees in Rome: What to Budget
International school fees in Rome are generally more affordable than those in cities like Zurich, London, or Singapore, which makes the city attractive for families on a range of relocation packages. That said, costs have risen in recent years and the total cost of attendance extends well beyond headline tuition figures.
Tuition fees for the primary years typically range from EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000 per year. Secondary school fees, particularly at IB Diploma level, can reach EUR 18,000 to EUR 22,000 annually. Most schools charge a one-time application fee of EUR 200 to EUR 500, and enrolment or capital fees on first entry can add EUR 1,000 to EUR 3,000 to the first-year cost.
Additional costs to factor in include school bus transport (typically EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500 per year depending on distance), lunch programmes (EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,000 annually), and extracurricular activities. Some schools also charge for examinations such as IB exams or IGCSE registration, which adds a further few hundred euros per subject at the relevant year levels.
If your employer provides a school fee allowance as part of a relocation package, it is worth checking whether the allowance covers registration and capital fees in addition to tuition, as these upfront costs can be significant in the first year.
Admissions Process and Timelines
Most of Rome's international schools admit students on a rolling basis throughout the year, which provides flexibility for families whose relocation timelines are not fixed well in advance. However, popular year groups, particularly in primary, can fill up quickly and it is advisable to begin the admissions process as early as possible.
The typical admissions process involves submitting an online application form, providing previous school reports and records, a letter of recommendation from the child's current school, and proof of current visa status or residency. For older students applying to secondary programmes, an informal assessment or interview is common. Some schools also require that applicants demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency, though support is usually available for children who are still developing their English skills.
For IB Diploma Programme entry specifically, students typically need strong academic records from their previous school and some schools set minimum grade requirements. If your child is mid-cycle in the IB MYP or Diploma at another school, check early whether credit transfer and subject equivalency will be straightforward.
It is worth scheduling school visits in person if at all possible. Rome's international schools each have a distinct ethos and community feel, and a visit will help you assess whether the culture is the right fit for your family beyond what can be gleaned from the school website alone.
Practical Tips for Expat Families Moving to Rome
Location matters significantly when choosing a school in Rome. The city's traffic congestion can make cross-city commutes time-consuming, particularly at school drop-off and pick-up times. Most families find it easiest to live within 20 to 30 minutes of their chosen school. The Parioli, Balduina, Prati, and Trastevere areas are particularly popular with expat families due to their proximity to the main international schools.
Rome does not have a single dominant expat school in the way that, say, Singapore or Tokyo does, so it is worth visiting two or three schools before making a decision. Each school has its own character, and the right choice depends heavily on your children's ages, their previous educational background, and how long you expect to remain in the city.
The Italian school year runs from September to mid-June, and international schools in Rome broadly follow the same calendar. Most schools have an orientation programme for new students at the start of the academic year, which is a valuable way for children to begin building friendships and understanding the routines of their new school.
For more information and to compare all international schools in Rome, browse the full Rome school directory on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best international school in Rome for IB students?
Ambrit International School is widely regarded as Rome's strongest option for families seeking an IB education, offering the full IB continuum from PYP through to the Diploma Programme. It has a long track record and a well-established support structure for both local and newly arrived international students.
How much do international schools in Rome cost per year?
Tuition fees at international schools in Rome typically range from EUR 9,000 for primary years to EUR 22,000 for IB Diploma level. Additional costs including transport, meals, and registration fees can add EUR 3,000 to EUR 5,000 to the total annual cost. Fees vary significantly between schools and year groups.
When should I apply to an international school in Rome?
Ideally, begin the application process at least three to six months before your planned start date. Many schools admit students year-round, but places in popular year groups can fill quickly. If you are planning a September start, applications submitted between January and March give you the strongest chance of securing your preferred school.