As we’ve said ever since starting this series, one of the bigger challenges for English-speaking expat families – even for well-paid corporate nomads – is finding a satisfactory, English-language international school.
Such schools cater to expat students, with curricula tied to the host nation in question, or an international education organization such as Edexcel, Cambridge International Examinations, and International Baccalaureate; if you’re curious about the International Baccalaureate program, by the by, Dispatches Europe has a primer for your convenience.
Wherever you’re headed, do not wait to get there before starting the application process with your preferred international school, which can be lengthy.
Wrapping up from where we last left off (the first guide is here, by the by) Rome is where it’s at, whether it’s fashion, music, art, faith, food, cars… history itself! The Capital of the World is home to several fashion houses, including Valentino, Bulgari, Fendi, Laura Biagiotti and Brioni, while other houses – Chanel, Versace and Prada come to mind – have luxury boutiques along the city’s Via dei Condotti.
Musically, you can never go wrong in the Eternal City. Rome is host to a handful of jazz festivals throughout the year, including the Roma Jazz Festival, Casa del Jazz Festival, and Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival. Classical fans won’t get enough of the Roman Philharmonic Academy, Lazlo Symphony, and the Youth Symphony of Rome. And let’s not forget the Theater of the Opera, famed for its hosting of Visconti’s staging of The Marriage of Figaro.
And of course, the architecture of Rome is to die for. Aside from one of the Wonders of the World, the Colosseum, there are tons of fountains, churches, palaces, government buildings and more, covering every last style established over the two millennia Rome has been with us, from the ruins of the Roman Empire, to Neoclassicism and Fascism.
We could go on and on about Rome’s many wonders for several guides. Instead, we bring you the third and final guide to Rome’s English-language international schools.
Rome International School: More than 500 students between the ages of 2 and 18 from more than 45 countries attend Rome International School’s nursery, primary and secondary schools annually.
RIS’ mission “is to provide a nurturing environment in which children of all nationalities and faiths can explore and respect their own and each other’s cultural and religious heritage,” with the aim of nurturing those under their care to become lifelong learners.
The school offers the IB Primary Years and Diploma programs, as well as Cambridge IGSCE and its own middle years (assessed with Cambridge Checkpoint) programs.
- Fees (2017-18 academic year): 1,500€ one-time new student enrollment fee for first and second children only for nursery through Grade 6, 2,000€ fee for Grades 7 through 9, 2,500€ fee for Grades 10 through 13; 550€ annual registration fee; 10,800€ – 20,700€ annual tuition fee, depending on grade level; full schedule of fees for nursery and primary education here, secondary education here
- Requirements: Complete and submit application with required documentation, wait seven days for acceptance before receiving further instruction
- Application Deadline: 31 March
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: www.romeinternationalschool.it
Southlands English School in Rome: The Union Jack flies alongside il Tricolore at Southlands English School, where 450 students between 3 and 18 from over 30 countries attend the school’s nursery through secondary programs.
SES follows the English National Curriculum, with the aim of providing “a sound British education” in “a warm community atmosphere” for both child and parent. The school participates in IB Diploma and A Level programs.
- Fees (2016-17 academic year): 500€ new student admission fee; 500€ annual capital assessment fee; 6,000€ – 17,340€ annual tuition fee, depending on grade level; full schedule of fees here
- Requirements: Complete and submit all requested forms and documentation
- Application Deadline: Rolling application
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: www.southlands.it
St. Francis International School: The Stars and Stripes fly proudly at St. Francis International School, where the average class size is 18 students in its preschool, primary and middle school programs.
Nearly 200 students aged 3 to 14 learn from an American-based curriculum, gaining “a sound education in respect of the values of tolerance, solidarity, trust, and integrity, in a safe, and positive environment.”
- Fees (2017-18 academic year): 500€ registration fee for new students, 200€ fee for returning students; 6,200€ – 8,300€ annual tuition fee, depending on grade level; full schedule of fees here
- Requirements: Complete and submit pre-application form with all required documentation; submit health records by September; children admitted to Pre-School I level must be potty-trained by 31 December of entry year
- Application Deadline: N/A; contact school for information
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: www.stfrancis-school.it
St. George’s British International School: St. George’s British International School boasts two locations in Rome for its junior and senior schools: the senior and junior school in La Storta, and a smaller junior school in Nomentana.
No matter where the 850-plus students go, though, St. George’s provides “the highest quality education in a stimulating learning, teaching and nurturing environment to ensure each and every child develops his or her full potential and becomes a responsible global citizen.”
The school follows the English National Curriculum, and all Year 13 students take the IB Diploma exam.
- Fees (2016-17 academic year): 4,000€ registration fee for natural persons, 5,000€ fee for legal persons; 350€ re-registration fee; 350€ reentry fee for students who return within two years of leaving the school; 10,600€ – 20,000€ annual tuition fee, depending on grade level and citizenship status; full schedule of fees here
- Requirements: Complete and submit application form with required documentation; complete and submit cognitive assessment (senior students only); meet with faculty and staff (if possible)
- Application Deadline: Rolling application; apply early for best chance of a seat
- Contact: [email protected], [email protected] (La Storta location); [email protected] (Nomentana location)
- Website: www.stgeorge.school.it
St. Stephen’s School: Last, but not least, we bring this trinity of guides to Rome’s English-language international schools with St. Stephen’s School.
Since its founding in 1964, St. Stephen’s motivates its 275 students – 40 of whom are in the school’s boarding program – “to reach their fullest potential and take responsibility for their academic achievement” via “close mentoring, intellectual inquiry and inspired teaching in a small class setting.”
The secondary school follows an American education curriculum, and like most of the other schools on this list, offers the IB Diploma to graduating students.
- Fees (2016-17 academic year): 23,750€ annual tuition fee; 1,000€ capital assessment fee for new students, 500€ fee for returning students; full schedule of fees here
- Requirements: Submit application with 150€ application fee and required documentation; 2,000€ deposit to hold place in line once accepted
- Application Deadline: N/A; contact school for information
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: sssrome.it/en/home
Lifestyle journalist. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
