Choosing an international school in Rome is one of the first big decisions expat families make after the move, and in 2026 the choice is wider than ever. The Italian capital hosts a mature community of international schools offering English-language and bilingual education, from early years through to university entry. This guide walks you through the curricula available, the leading schools, realistic fee ranges in euros, the admissions paperwork to prepare, and the practical questions worth asking before you enrol.
Why families choose an international school in Rome
Rome combines an exceptional cultural setting with a long-established expat infrastructure tied to embassies, the United Nations agencies headquartered in the city, and multinational employers. For families on a fixed posting, an international school offers continuity: a recognised curriculum that travels, instruction in English, and a peer group going through the same transitions. For families settling longer term, the bilingual route opens the door to fluency in Italian while keeping an international qualification in hand. The decision usually comes down to three things: the curriculum your child will eventually graduate from, the daily commute, and the total cost once extras are included.
Curricula available in Rome
Rome covers the main international pathways, so the first step is matching the curriculum to where your child is likely to finish school.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Several Rome schools offer the IB Diploma Programme, and a few run the Primary and Middle Years Programmes too. The IB suits globally mobile families because it is widely recognised by universities in Europe, North America and beyond, and because its inquiry-based approach transfers cleanly between countries.
British curriculum
Schools following the English National Curriculum lead to IGCSE and A-Levels. This route is a natural fit if you expect to move on to the UK or another British-system country, and the structured subject progression is familiar to many parents.
American curriculum
American-program schools offer a US high school diploma, often alongside Advanced Placement courses, and tend to attract families heading to or from North America. Grade-point averages and AP results map directly onto US college applications.
Bilingual and Italian-international blends
A growing number of schools weave Italian language and culture into an international framework. This helps children integrate locally, make Italian friends, and keep international options open, which matters if your stay might extend beyond the original plan.
Top international schools in Rome
The schools below are established names with verified profiles on International School Advisor. Use them as a starting shortlist, then visit in person before deciding.
Ambrit International School
A long-standing English-language school in the south of the city serving early years through middle school, with an international curriculum and a strong community feel. Families often praise its pastoral care and the way new arrivals are settled in. See the Ambrit International School profile.
American Overseas School of Rome
One of the city's best-known institutions, offering an American program alongside the IB Diploma and a campus that has served the diplomatic community for decades. It is a strong option for families who want both a US diploma and the IB under one roof. See the American Overseas School of Rome profile.
Rome International School
An IB World School running the full continuum with English-language instruction and a central location convenient for many expat neighbourhoods. The vertical IB pathway from primary to diploma gives continuity for families staying several years. See the Rome International School profile.
Kendale Primary International School
A well-regarded primary school for younger children, offering an English-language foundation that feeds into the city's secondary international schools. A good choice if your priority is a warm, settled start to primary years. See the Kendale Primary International School profile.
School fees in Rome
International school fees in Rome are generally lower than in London or Geneva but still represent a significant budget line. As a guide for the 2025 to 2026 year, expect roughly:
- Early years and primary: around 7,000 to 13,000 euros per year.
- Middle school: around 11,000 to 17,000 euros per year.
- High school and IB Diploma years: around 15,000 to 23,000 euros per year.
Budget separately for one-off enrolment and registration fees, a refundable deposit, lunches, school transport, uniforms where required, and exam fees in the final years. Some employers fold school fees into a relocation package, so check what your contract covers before you commit. Ask each school for the full fee schedule in writing so you can compare like with like.
Admissions and the documents to prepare
Most Rome international schools run a rolling admissions process with places confirmed as they open. Typical requirements include the last two years of school reports, a copy of the child's passport, proof of address in Italy, immunisation records as required by Italian public health rules, and sometimes a short assessment or interview to place the child in the right year group. Older applicants to selective programmes may sit an English and maths assessment. Gather digital copies of everything before you arrive so you can apply the moment a place becomes available.
Practical tips for Rome
Location matters more than families expect. Rome traffic is heavy, so a school 30 minutes away in light traffic can mean an hour at peak times. Many expat families settle in neighbourhoods such as the northern suburbs, the area around the Vatican, or the EUR district, partly to shorten the school run. Check the catchment for the school bus before signing a lease.
Apply early. The most sought-after schools fill popular year groups well before the academic year starts, and some maintain waiting lists. If you are relocating mid-year, ask directly about availability rather than assuming a place will open. The Italian academic year usually runs from mid-September to early June, so the main intake planning happens in the spring.
Finally, weigh the language question honestly. If you plan to stay several years, a bilingual or Italian-international option can be a gift to your child. For a short posting, an English-medium school with an international qualification usually makes the transition smoother. Visit at least three schools, sit in on a class if allowed, and talk to current parents, because the right fit is as much about culture as curriculum.
Compare international schools in Rome
To see verified profiles, reviews and price information for schools across the city, browse International School Advisor and shortlist the ones that fit your family before booking visits.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Rome cost in 2026?
Tuition typically ranges from about 7,000 euros a year in the early years to around 23,000 euros a year for the IB Diploma, plus enrolment fees, deposits and extras such as transport and lunches.
Which curricula can my child follow in Rome?
Rome offers the International Baccalaureate, the British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Levels, an American program with Advanced Placement, and bilingual options that combine Italian with an international framework.
When should I apply to international schools in Rome?
Apply as early as you can, ideally several months before the school year begins. Popular year groups fill quickly and some schools run waiting lists, so contact admissions directly if you are moving mid-year.