Moving to Rome with school-age children is exciting and slightly daunting. The Italian capital has a well-established international schools scene, but the options range from bilingual kindergartens in Parioli to IB World Schools near the Via Cassia. This 2026 guide for expat families breaks down how to choose an international school in Rome that fits your curriculum, budget, and neighbourhood.
Which curricula are available in Rome?
English-medium schools in Rome typically offer one of four pathways:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) — PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programme available at several schools, valued for university entry across Europe and North America.
- British curriculum — IGCSEs and A-Levels, with small, exam-focused classes in Years 10 to 13.
- American curriculum — High School Diploma plus AP courses, strong for families planning US college admissions.
- Italian-English bilingual — Combines the Italian national programme with intensive English, useful if you expect to stay long-term or want your children to integrate locally.
Choosing the curriculum is usually the first decision. If your family relocates often, the IB travels well. If you plan to return to the UK or US, match the curriculum to your home system.
Top international schools in Rome
St. Stephen's School
Located on the Aventine Hill, St. Stephen's is one of the most respected IB World Schools in the city. Grades 9 to 12 only, with a strong humanities tradition and small cohorts. Ideal for families with older children and a clear university focus.
View St. Stephen's School profile on ISA
Ambrit International School
Ambrit runs from pre-K through Grade 8 on a leafy campus in north Rome. The programme blends American and British elements with the IB PYP in primary years. Strong early-years reputation and a good feeder into St. Stephen's or Marymount for secondary.
View Ambrit International School profile on ISA
American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR)
AOSR has offered a US-style education in Rome since 1947, culminating in the High School Diploma with Advanced Placement courses and the option of the IB Diploma. Located north of the city near Via Cassia, with a 12-hectare campus.
Marymount International School Rome
A Catholic IB school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, set on a 10-hectare campus in Rome North. Marymount offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and attracts a large diplomatic and corporate community.
View Marymount International School Rome profile on ISA
Rome International School
An IB World School from Early Years to Grade 12, housed in a restored historic building in central Rome. Smaller than Marymount or AOSR, which appeals to families who prefer a more personal setting.
View Rome International School profile on ISA
School fees in Rome: what to budget for 2026
Tuition at Rome's international schools in 2026 generally falls in these ranges:
- Early years and primary: €10,500–€18,500 per year
- Middle school: €16,000–€22,500 per year
- Secondary and IB Diploma: €20,000–€28,500 per year
Beyond tuition, expect a one-off application fee of €200–€500, an enrolment fee of €1,500–€4,000 in year one, and extras for lunches, school bus, and school trips. Ask each school for a fully-costed written quote before you commit.
Where to live: matching neighbourhood to school
Commutes in Rome can be long. Most expat families cluster around three areas:
- Parioli and Pinciano — Leafy, central, close to Ambrit, Marymount's shuttle routes, and the British School.
- Cassia and Olgiata — Suburban, good for families at AOSR, Marymount, or St. George's.
- Aventino and Trastevere — Central, walkable, best for older students commuting to St. Stephen's or Rome International.
Check the school bus route before you sign a lease. Some routes add 45 minutes each way outside Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare ring road.
Admissions timeline and how to apply
The Italian academic year runs September to June. Most international schools open applications from October for the following September, with interviews and assessments between January and April. Popular cohorts (Pre-K, Year 7, IB Year 1) fill first. Get ahead by:
- Shortlisting 3 to 5 schools by December.
- Booking school tours early in Q1.
- Preparing school reports translated into English.
- Asking about mid-year admissions if your move is off-cycle.
Italian residence paperwork (codice fiscale and permesso di soggiorno) takes weeks, so start the school search before you move.
Browse top-rated schools in Italy on ISA
Our directory covers international schools across Rome, Milan, Florence, and beyond, with reviews, fee ranges, and verified listings. Explore International School Advisor to compare schools in Rome and plan your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are international schools in Rome open to Italian citizens?
Yes. Italian citizens can enrol in most international schools in Rome, provided the child can follow the language of instruction (usually English). Many schools have a significant Italian minority and offer Italian as both a first language and a second language within the IB or American track.
Do international schools in Rome teach Italian?
Italian is part of the curriculum at every international school in the city. Younger students typically receive 3 to 5 hours of Italian per week, and older students can take it as an IB language A or language B, or follow the Italian national syllabus as an additional qualification.
What is the average class size in Rome's international schools?
Most schools cap class sizes at 18 to 22 students in primary and 16 to 20 in secondary. Smaller independent schools sometimes run classes of 12 to 14, especially at IB Diploma level. Ask each school for the current year's average before signing.