Ages 
For bright, independent-minded students who want to push themselves, this is an interesting and grown-up school. Teachers love their subjects and pass this to students who are encouraged to take subjects over and above the minimum for education's sake.
Its central position in Rome is key for some parents and students who want to take advantage of being in the city or who don't want to waste time travelling. Excellent preparation for university since the students are already given so much freedom and responsibility, and expected to be self-reliant.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 300
- Curricula
- American
- International
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding available
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- Tuition fee € 30,495. Boarding € 50,948
Head of school
Head of school
Jill Muti
Since 2022, Jill Muti. Formerly (for 18 years) head of Ashley Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, a pre-kindergarten to 12th grade independent school for girls. She is leaving school in 2026.
In July 2026 Maria Nunes will take over. Ms Nunes
Entrance
Students selected by application (for day school and for boarding), including a reference to from current school covering maturity, self-esteem, academic potential etc. Students come from local schools that finish at grade 9, although students
Exit
All go on to university - many, but not exclusively, to USA and Canada (including Boston University, Columbia, Dartmouth College, NYU, Stanford, Princeton and Yale, McGill). At least as many worldwide, to prestigious universities including Cambridge
Latest results
In 2025, average IBDP score of 36 and nearly 20 per cent scored 40 or more. Almost half achieved the bilingual diploma.
Students also sit SATs for entry into university in the States – middle 50 per cent range 1040 - 1350.
Teaching & learning
Students follow a four-year American style programme of high school credits, especially for the first two years before the IB programme kicks in fully. This means taking fixed subjects – English, foreign or classical language, and an elective history
- Curricula & qualifications
- American - American high school diploma (College Preparatory)
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
Learning support & SEN
No SEN support. The school says they do not have provision so only the most academically able apply – or those that are able to manage despite SEN.
Language support
Some ESL support given on first arriving at school if students were accepted based on their potential but their English is still below standard.
Arts & extracurricular
Art, including some excellent sculpture, is popular in particular with the boarders who can work on it in their free time, and is generally of a high standard and very creative. The newly refurbished hall is used for dance, drama and yoga. The arts
Sport
Although sport is not strong, St Stephens does actively try to engage all the students in physical activity of some sort. Some of this, like volleyball and basketball, occurs on site, with others like rugby and ultimate frisbee played off site in the
Boarders
About 63 boarders (around two-thirds girls, one third boys) share small rooms with a desk and bunk beds on the boarding floor. Some local children choose not to commute, but the majority have parents far away – some of whom attended the school
- Student numbers
- 300
- Boarding numbers
- 63
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1964 and IB accredited 1975, St Stephen's has a good reputation in Rome. It was originally established as the ‘repository of the enduring ethical, cultural, and religious values of the West’, hence its strong emphasis on a classical
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
There are about 50 students per year group, so this is an intimate school. There is a discipline committee, which aims to empower the students to control their own behaviour, and an active student council. Students are well supported academically,
Classroom & community
While this is an international school, about 30 per cent of the students are American, with 35 per cent from various other countries, and about 35 per cent Italian/Italian bi-nationals.
Selected for their academic potential, they need to be
- School year
- Early September – mid June, with two terms
- School hours
- 8:30am – 4:00pm
- Student nationalities - total
- 70
- Uniform requirements
- No
Money matters
A large board of trustees (many of whom are alums) meets to oversee the financial matters and strategic planning of the school - and, with the help of generous alumni and endowments, the school has seen a substantial increase in annual giving over
- Annual fee range
- Tuition fee € 30,495. Boarding € 50,948
- Fee information
- Deposit (non-refundable): € 5,000;
Deposit for boarding students: € 7,500
Capital assessment fee (new student): € 2,500;
Capital assessment fee (returning student): € 800;
Spring trip deposit (non-refundable): € 500;
Lunch (day students only): € 1,390;
Exams
The last word
For bright, independent-minded students who want to push themselves, this is an interesting and grown-up school. Teachers love their subjects and pass this to students who are encouraged to take subjects over and above the minimum for education's
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
Council of International Schools (CIS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)- Memberships
- RISA. Registered by US State Department.
