IB Schools in Rome: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the strongest arguments for choosing Rome as a base for an international relocation. Several of the city's schools are fully authorised IB World Schools, and between them they cover the complete IB continuum from nursery age to university entrance. The IB's global recognition and its suitability for mobile families make it a natural choice in a city that has long attracted diplomats, multinational executives and internationally minded professionals.

The Three IB Programmes

The IB offers three distinct school programmes, each building on the last:

Primary Years Programme (PYP) — Ages 3 to 12

The PYP is an inquiry-based framework rather than a fixed curriculum. Schools that offer it organise learning around transdisciplinary themes, encouraging children to make connections across subjects and to develop thinking, communication and self-management skills. It is less about fixed content and more about how children learn. The PYP is assessed internally; there are no external exams.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) — Ages 11 to 16

The MYP bridges primary and senior education, requiring students to study eight subject groups (including a second language, visual arts, physical and health education, and design) and to complete a personal project in the final year. It can run concurrently with IGCSE preparation; some schools combine MYP study with Cambridge IGCSE assessment at the end of the stage.

Diploma Programme (DP) — Ages 16 to 18

The DP is the IB's signature qualification: a two-year pre-university programme assessed partly by coursework and partly by external examinations. Students study six subjects from across six groups, at least three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). They also complete:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a reflective course examining the nature of knowledge
• Extended Essay (EE): a 4,000-word independent research essay
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): a programme of activities outside the classroom

Maximum score is 45 points (three points available for the combined TOK/EE). UK university offers are typically made in the range of 32–42 points; the most competitive programmes at Oxford and Cambridge set conditions of 38–42 points. Passing requires a minimum of 24 points.

IB World Schools in Rome

School	PYP	MYP	DP	Ages	Annual fees (indicative, 2026)
Ambrit International School	Yes	Yes	No	3–14	EUR 11,000–16,000
Rome International School	Yes	No	Yes	3–18	EUR 10,500–27,755
Marymount International School Rome	Yes	Yes	Yes	3–18	EUR 13,900–28,000
St. George's British International School	No	No	Yes	3–18	EUR 10,700–19,900
American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR)	No	No	Yes (+ AP)	Pre-K–18	EUR 12,500–27,700
St. Stephen's School	No	No	Yes (+ US Diploma)	14–18	EUR 34,599 (day)

Fee figures are indicative for the 2026/27 academic year. Always confirm current tuition directly with each school. One-time registration and enrolment fees are additional.

Ambrit International School

Ambrit is an independent, non-denominational IB World School in the Parioli area, serving children aged 3–14. It is one of the most established IB schools in Rome and has been authorised for both the PYP and MYP for many years. The school has around 460 students representing more than 50 nationalities, making it genuinely international in composition. Ambrit does not offer the IB Diploma; families must transfer to another school for the senior years. Fees for 2025/26 start at approximately EUR 11,000 for the early years; a sibling discount of 10% applies for second children and 20% for third children.

Rome International School

Rome International School (RIS), located in the Parioli district, is one of the city's more recently established schools (founded 2003) and has grown steadily. It offers the IB PYP through the primary years and then transitions to IGCSE for ages 14–16, followed by the IB Diploma for ages 16–18. This path gives students both the Cambridge IGCSE (a recognised benchmark in itself) and the full DP. Annual fees range from EUR 10,500 in the nursery and kindergarten to EUR 27,755 in the senior years, as of 2026/27.

Marymount International School Rome

Marymount was one of the first schools in Italy to offer the IB Diploma and now offers the full continuum from Early Childhood through to the Diploma. It is a Catholic, co-educational day school founded in 1946 — one of Rome's oldest international institutions. The high school also offers AP (Advanced Placement) courses alongside the IB DP, as well as a US Diploma pathway. Senior year tuition is approximately EUR 28,000 for 2026/27 (Grades 9–12), with a one-time family registration fee of EUR 5,000 and a per-student application fee of EUR 500. The re-enrolment fee for returning students is EUR 400.

St. George's British International School

St. George's follows the English National Curriculum and IGCSE rather than the MYP, but offers the IB Diploma in the sixth form as one of two options (alongside A-Levels, reintroduced from 2025/26). Senior tuition runs up to approximately EUR 19,900 as of 2025/26. The school's main campus is in La Storta, northwest of central Rome; there is also a City Centre campus for ages 3–11.

American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR)

AOSR is a non-denominational American school offering both the IB DP and Advanced Placement in the senior years, alongside a standard US High School Diploma. This dual pathway suits families weighing US college applications (where AP courses and the Common App are normal) while keeping IB as an option. Fees range from approximately EUR 12,500–27,700 for 2025/26, with a capital assessment fee at first enrolment.

St. Stephen's School

St. Stephen's is a small, selective senior school (ages 14–18) on the Aventino, with both a day and a boarding option. It offers the IB Diploma alongside the US Diploma, and is notable for its focus on university preparation and its proximity to the FAO headquarters and diplomatic community. Day fees are approximately EUR 34,599 for 2026/27; boarding fees are significantly higher (approximately EUR 57,141). The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Choosing the Right IB School

For Primary-Age Children

If your child is in the primary years (ages 3–12) and you want the IB framework, Ambrit and Marymount are the two most established options. Ambrit is valued for its international composition and relatively focused scale. Marymount offers continuity through to the Diploma. Rome International School also offers PYP and provides a Diploma route later.

For Senior Students

Families primarily focused on the IB Diploma have the most choice: Marymount, Rome International School, St. George's, AOSR, and St. Stephen's all offer it. The choice then depends on ethos (Catholic vs. secular vs. American), campus location, university placement record, and whether you also want the option of A-Levels or AP.

Mobility Considerations

One of the IB's strengths for internationally mobile families is that all three programmes are available in major cities worldwide. A child starting the PYP in Rome can transfer to an IB World School in Singapore, Dubai or London with minimal curricular disruption — the approach to learning is consistent, even if specific content varies. This is a genuine practical advantage for families on rolling three-to-five-year postings.

The IB and University Entry

The IB Diploma is accepted by universities in the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and most other countries. University processing varies:

• UK: Offers made in IB points via UCAS. Most competitive Russell Group courses require 36–40 points; Oxford/Cambridge set conditions of 38–42. Specific HL subject requirements apply for some courses (e.g. HL Mathematics for Engineering or Economics at certain universities).
• US: The IB is well regarded at US colleges, and IB scores can sometimes earn college credit (similar to AP). The Common App does not differentiate between IB and A-Levels.
• Italy: Italian universities generally require a certificato di equipollenza (equivalency certificate) to recognise the IB Diploma. This process can take several months and should be started early if Italian university is a possibility.
• EU/Netherlands: The IB is widely accepted across European institutions. Dutch universities in particular are accustomed to IB applications.

For a full comparison with A-Level pathways, see our GCSEs and A-Levels in Rome guide. For the broader schools picture, see international schools in Rome. For detailed fee comparisons, see international school fees in Rome.

How Global Investments Can Help

Global Investments has spent more than three decades helping internationally mobile families plan the financial and property dimensions of major relocations. Whether you are choosing between Rome and another European posting, deciding which neighbourhood places you closest to the IB school you prefer, or planning ahead for university costs, our advisers can provide perspective across the whole picture. Explore our guides or get in touch to discuss your move.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, financial or educational advice. IB authorisation status, school fees, curricula and university admissions requirements change regularly; all figures are indicative as of 2026. Investments can fall as well as rise. Always seek qualified professional advice for your specific circumstances.