For expats, Rome’s nickname of ‘The Eternal City’ may seem misleading as their stay is often short. But the well-established international schools have a good reputation and the Italian state schools open the door to Italian language and culture, particularly for younger children.
Education in Rome
There are different kinds of schools throughout Italy: Italian public schools (state-run schools), Italian private schools, ‘scuole paritarie’ (which follow the state curriculum but are not free like the public schools eg Catholic or bilingual schools) and international schools.
The three main curricula offered in the international schools are British, IB and American, and the culture in those schools can feel very strongly one way or another eg very British, very American or with a very religious culture.
Within the state system, education is split up into four age groups. First, preschool or scuola maternal (age 3-5). Second, primary school or scuola elementare (age 6-11). Third, middle school or scuola media (age 11-14) and high school, called scuola superior or secondo grado.
The structure, then, is similar to the American one except that at the high school level, some schools specialise in certain areas such as economics or languages. The teaching in state schools is largely traditional, so be prepared for a lot of text book learning, but also a lot more philosophy, history, and literature classes, which many parents see as a bonus.
Choosing a school in Rome
If you are considering an international school, the first thing to find out – besides the curricula, of course - is how international the school really is. Some schools, which have international in their title, are actually English speaking schools that Italians have enrolled their children in to learn English well. So, always ask what the proportion of international to local kids is.
It’s also worth noting that while all the international schools provide support to help non-native English speaking children acquire English as their second or often third language, some schools definitely place more emphasis on learning Italian as well as English. Some have full immersion in both languages – even an English and an Italian library.
Another consideration is the school commute. The international schools are dotted all over Rome, with a strong preponderance to the north and spread out through the residential area of the Via Cassia. Others are more central: closer to the embassies and elegant residential area of Parioli. In the south of the city, there are several schools close to the Food and Agriculture Organisation. The larger numbers of primary schools means that it may be possible to find a good school locally while they are younger, but for older children the choices are more limited. That said, public transportation is available and safe, and many children do travel by bus or metro to school. Plus, almost all the schools operate school buses.
Most international schools have a variety of afterschool activities, which is part of their appeal over local schools. Many use these after school programmes to build their ‘team spirit’, which in turn helps create a community that allows families to feel at home, crucial for nomadic expats.
Where expats decide instead to enrol their children into the local school system – which many do – the reasons tend to be both cost saving and immersion into Italian culture and the language. However, for children do not have a firm grasp on the language, there can be some growing pains with this strategy. Not only can it be isolating for the child but, for those living abroad for only a short posting, it can be more difficult to transition to schools in other countries or back home.
Best schools in Rome
American Overseas School of Rome 
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 620 students
Started just after WWII by a group of American and British mothers as a non-denominational, international school. Curriculum now basically American. Nearly 30 per cent of the 50 or so annual graduates head off to university in the USA, with approximately 20 per cent either staying in Italy or going to the UK.
Click here for our full review of the American Overseas School of Rome.
St George’s British International School
National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 895 students
Two junior schools - Nomentana (in the historic quarter) with 160 students and the larger La Storta plus a senior school in the northern part of the city. The vast majority of graduates aim for leading British universities (no Oxbridge in latest destinations listed but several Russell Group) with about five per cent heading to the US.
Click here for our full review of St. George's British International School.
St Stephen’s School
American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 14-19; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; private non-profit; 300 students
Founded by a former headmaster of Kent School in Connecticut, USA and located in the heart of historic Rome. Offering a classical liberal arts secondary education (taught by an impressive faculty) leading up to the IB Diploma and an optional post-graduate year, also open to external students. 15 per cent of students board and almost all move on to top global universities.
Click here for our full review of St Stephen's School.
These schools have been brought to our attention but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Acorn House International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ adapted Italian curriculum; ages 2-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 250 students
A bilingual (English/Italian) primary and middle school, opened in 1999 and still headed up by one of the original founders. It is a partner with the very successful and innovative Sir William Burrough Primary School in East End of London, England, as well as working with the Cambridge curriculum and the Italian educational system. Offering both English and Italian curricula up to the end of Year 9.
Ambrit Rome International School
PYP/ MYP; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 460 students
Owned and run by an American head and based on a campus eight km south west of the Centro Storico. Students and staff come from over 50 different nationalities but awareness of their location and Italian language development are integral to the school. Material is taken from the Italian National Curriculum, leading to the Quinta exam at the end of grade 5 and Italian State Exam (Terza Media) in grade 8.
Castelli International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Italian National Curriculum; ages 6-14; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 120 students
On the southern outskirts of the city in the Castelli hills with beautiful grounds (rare in Rome). Includes elements of the Italian Ministerial curriculum but although a bilingual school, English is the primary language. Focus on international issues and students are prepared either for Cambridge Secondary exams (recognised globally) or external Italian State exams.
Core International School
National Curriculum for England/ Italian National Curriculum; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 120 students
Located in the elegant Parioli neighbourhood for over 50 years, educating children from nursery through primary. Various nationalities taught in English but Italian language introduced at five and children begin to follow parts of the Italian curriculum at this stage. Extra Italian courses are also available for pupils intending to take the exam to enter into the Italian state system. EAL is available from age four.
Marymount International School Rome
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 700 students
One of three European sister schools under the direction of the Catholic order of the Sacred Heart of Mary (the others are in Paris and London). Huge, 40 acre campus in parkland on the northern outskirts of the city. Students from over 60 different nationalities but very popular with Italian families as well as expats. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Rome International School
PYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 520 students
Founded in 1988 and now on a brand new, swish, tree-filled campus, including arts, music and science departments and sporting facilities. Member (since 2018) of the NACE group of 33 international schools and the only school in Rome authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate IBPYP programme as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Classes taught in English but with a high proportion of Italian pupils.
Southlands International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
An added bonus of a large parents-only car park (a huge plus in traffic choked Rome) at the Casalpalocco campus between Rome and Ostia. Offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma since 2015 they have been continuing to expand the courses available since September 2019. Very early for statistics but graduates have moved on to universities world-wide but, as yet, not to top Ivies or Russell Group universities. An Italian programme prepares students for entry into the Italian State system.
St Francis International School
American curriculum; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 195 students
A small American early childhood, primary and middle school, located in the northern part of Rome and nearly 170 years old. They prepare students both for entry into the British and American secondary systems and for the Italian state exams, needed to enter the Italian state educational sector.
The New School Rome
Small school providing a very English environment in the residential northern part of the city. Above average results at both GCSE and particularly at A Level recently, with nearly 55 per cent of students awarded A or A*. The majority choose university in the UK, including Bristol and Imperial College London and the remainder tend to move on to the US or stay in Italy for their university career
This school has been brought to our attention but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing it.
St Francis International School
American curriculum; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 195 students
A small American early childhood, primary and middle school, located in the northern part of Rome and nearly 170 years old. They prepare students both for entry into the British and American secondary systems and for the Italian state exams, needed to enter the Italian state educational sector.
Non English-speaking schools:
Deutsche Schule Rome
Curriculum: German (Baden-Wurttemberg); private, co-ed, 3-18 years old; 900 students
This school aims to be completely bilingual and bi-national and so prepares students for both the German High School Diploma (Abitur) and the Diploma Italiano di Maturia Scientifica. Established in 1851 with over 900 students this is a large and lively, thriving school with a high percentage (approximately half) of Italian students. Partially subsidised by the German government.
Institut International Saint Dominique
Curriculum: French; Girls, private boarding school 3-18 years old
A French, Catholic, girls school in large grounds which follows the French curriculum and has a boarding section for older pupils. However, most of the students going on to university tend to graduate to Italian universities, since many of the students are Italian.
Liceo Espanol Cervantes
Curriculum: Spanish; co-ed, 3-18 years old
Set up on a hill overlooking Trastevere and Rome, this Spanish school is recognised by the Spanish and Italian Governments and almost half the students are Italian. The fees are reasonably low compared to other international schools and most of the pupils are in the lower school, leaving for Italian State School or other larger senior schools for their secondary education.
Lycée Chateaubriand
Curriculum: French Brevet and Bac; co-ed, 3-18 years old
This is the largest international school in Rome with 1,450 pupils and it is in the east of the city not far from the more elegant residential areas and near to the embassies. Half the students are Italian and even though the curriculum is entirely French leading to the French Baccalaureate, about two thirds of the pupils go on to university in Italy. It is financed by the French ministry and this helps to keep fees low.
Scuola Svizzera Roma
Curriculum: Swiss (German/Italian); co-ed, 3-18 years old
The language of tuition is German, but children are prepared for Italian state exams as well as following the Swiss-German curriculum. Small graduating classes for the Swiss Matura since large numbers of Italian pupils move back into the Italian education system at 13 years old. This school has been in Rome for over 70 years and has a good reputation and plenty of extra-curricular activities.
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on The Good Schools Guide International search.
Ambrit Rome International School (pending)
PYP/ MYP; ages 3-14; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 460 students
Owned and run by an American head and based on a campus eight km south west of the Centro Storico. Students and staff come from over 50 different nationalities but awareness of their location and Italian language development are integral to the school. Material is taken from the Italian National Curriculum, leading to the Quinta exam at the end of grade 5 and Italian State Exam (Terza Media) in grade 8.