Best International Schools in Rome
Rome offers a diverse range of esteemed international schools known for their strong academic programs and well-rounded extracurricular offerings. These institutions provide expat families with high-quality education options in a vibrant, culturally rich city, blending global perspectives with Rome’s historic surroundings.
Accredited by international bodies, many of Rome’s international schools maintain rigorous standards and focus on student development, preparing learners to excel in a globalized world.
This guide highlights some of Rome's top international schools, renowned for academic excellence and for fostering a multicultural environment that equips students with the skills to thrive globally.
Core International School
Core International School in Rome, established in 1983, offers a British/International curriculum for children aged 3–11. Located in a central residential area near the scenic Villa Ada park, the school fosters a welcoming, family-like environment for students from over 35 nationalities, emphasizing community, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Students at Core are guided to pursue academic excellence while developing independence and a sense of belonging within the school. The Early Years program focuses on building social and emotional skills through exploration and positive learning experiences, laying foundations for lifelong learning.
Housed in a historic villa with spacious gardens, Core International School provides an ideal learning environment with proximity to both Villa Ada and Nemorense parks. Well-connected by public transport, the school is accessible by bus and metro. Core’s dedicated, experienced faculty, primarily from the UK and Ireland, deliver a cohesive curriculum, with native Italian teachers supporting bilingual language acquisition and cultural immersion.
The New School Rome
Founded in 1972, The New School Rome is a not-for-profit, independent institution. It provides education for students aged 3 to 18, emphasizing academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. For over 50 years, the school has fostered a reputation for both high academic standards and pastoral care.
The New School offers a British curriculum enhanced by small class sizes and personalized teaching, delivered by a team of experienced UK-trained educators. As the only school in Rome to offer the A-Level program, it prepares senior students for globally recognized qualifications at ages 16 (GCSE) and 18 (A-Level), which are highly regarded by universities worldwide. Italian language classes are integrated at all levels, enabling students to connect deeply with the local culture.
An active parent association organizes community events, enhancing the school’s welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The New School encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and global awareness, ensuring that graduates leave as responsible and engaged world citizens.
Castelli International School
Castelli International School, located in the scenic Castelli Romani hills near Rome, offers a comprehensive private education for children aged 5 to 14. Established over 45 years ago, the school provides an immersive English-language learning environment, with a strong focus on experiential and collaborative education.
The campus is surrounded by lush greenery and includes an outdoor amphitheater, vegetable garden, and greenhouse. Facilities like a multi-purpose sports court and artificial turf football pitches promote hands-on learning and foster environmental awareness. Rooted in experiential methods, Castelli International emphasizes "learning by doing," encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and make meaningful connections between subjects.
Classes are frequently held outdoors. Learning in a natural setting, removed from urban pollution, fosters both academic and personal growth, inspiring creativity and respect for nature. Graduates of Castelli International School are well-equipped to excel in prestigious Italian and international high schools and pursue successful studies and careers worldwide.
Acorn International School
Acorn School, founded in 1999, is a bilingual institution that serves students aged 3 to 19, combining both the UK and Italian curricula. With a focus on nurturing both intellect and character, Acorn promotes critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The school emphasizes a supportive, inclusive environment where each child’s unique strengths are valued. Small class sizes of about 18 students ensure personalized attention and teamwork.
Acorn’s modern campus features science labs, sports facilities, music labs, and theaters, encouraging students to explore varied interests. Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, Cambridge University, and recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School, Acorn maintains a high academic standard.
Through experiential learning and a project-based approach, students engage deeply with their studies and gain awareness of global issues. Fundraising efforts support social causes, reinforcing Acorn’s mission to cultivate empathy, responsibility, and a strong ethical foundation. This approach develops well-rounded, conscientious individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Britannia International School of Rome
The Britannia International School of Rome, founded in 1987, is a private international primary school situated in southern Rome. The school offers English-language education for children between the ages of 3 and 11. Britannia’s educational program is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, providing a structured framework for a well-rounded, balanced, and creative approach to learning.
A dedicated team of qualified, native English-speaking teachers collaborate to deliver a rich and varied curriculum. Britannia places high importance on developing each child’s unique skills and talents through both in-class learning and extracurricular opportunities.
The school fosters a welcoming, supportive atmosphere that prioritizes students’ happiness, motivation, and sense of security. With regular events, performances, and presentations, parents are invited to be active participants in their child's educational journey. Additionally, field trips within and beyond Rome further enhance students’ learning experiences, integrating classroom themes with real-world exposure.
Rome International School
Rome International School (RIS), founded in 1988, offers a premier education for students from ages 2 to 18. An International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, RIS provides both the Primary Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. RIS integrates a dynamic curriculum that encourages critical thinking, adaptability, and social responsibility.
A member of the Globeducate network, RIS welcomes over 500 students representing 60 nationalities, creating a vibrant international community. In addition to rigorous academics, RIS places strong emphasis on personal growth, offering Italian Ministerial Programme options in Elementary and Middle Schools for native speakers and international students proficient in Italian.
Enrichment opportunities extend beyond the classroom, with activities in sports, the arts, community service, and environmental initiatives. The school’s collaboration with organizations like WWF and Eco Schools further reinforces environmental awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility toward global sustainability. Through this comprehensive approach, RIS nurtures well-rounded, compassionate individuals ready to make a positive global impact.
Children's Castle International
Children’s Castle International School, located in the Castelli Romani near Rome, offers an international education for children from ages 3 to 11. Established as a Cambridge-registered school and recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Children's Castle provides a bilingual environment for both expatriate and Italian families seeking a global curriculum.
The kindergarten program is based on the Montessori method, focusing on sensory learning and foundational literacy. The primary school implements the Cambridge International curriculum, blending Italian studies to help students who wish to continue their education in Italy or abroad. The school’s approach encourages intellectual curiosity and fosters self-paced learning through activities and materials tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
Beyond academics, Children’s Castle emphasizes practical life skills, cultural studies, and creativity. Through art, music, and cultural exploration, students develop a global mindset. Outdoor activities play a key role, encouraging physical health, social skills, and environmental awareness.
Ostia International School
Ostia International School (OIS), located between Ostia’s scenic seafront and pinewood, offers a bilingual education for children from Nursery to Year 9. Catering to both local and expatriate families, the school combines the English National Curriculum with the Italian state curriculum, providing a balanced and enriching educational experience.
In the early years, students are immersed in English through the Foundation Stage, taught exclusively in English to establish a strong linguistic foundation. The bilingual curriculum begins in Year 2, with a 60/40 English-to-Italian instruction ratio in the initial years, which shifts to 45/55 by the final years. Core subjects are taught in both languages, while art, music, and physical education are taught in Italian.
Regular assessments, including standardized national tests, demonstrate the effectiveness of this dual-language approach. OIS’s mission is to foster intellectual growth, independence, and international awareness, preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.
St George's British International School
St. George’s British International School, founded in 1958, is one of Europe’s premier international schools, with a student body from nearly 100 nations. Offering the UK National Curriculum through GCSE and the globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, St. George’s promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Situated across two campuses in Rome, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities, with the expansive 24-acre La Storta campus dedicated to Senior School and the City Centre location catering to younger students. This spacious environment supports a wide range of extracurricular activities—from sports and music to Model United Nations, fostering students’ growth beyond academics.
The school’s inclusive ethos accommodates diverse learners, with an Additional Educational Needs (AEN) department ensuring tailored support. Sustainability initiatives, like Switch Off Week and Waste Warriors, underscore St. George’s commitment to global responsibility. St. George’s prioritizes building confident, respectful, and ambitious individuals prepared to excel and contribute positively worldwide.
Marymount International School Rome
Marymount International School Rome fosters an enriched learning culture, guided by its founding goal, "That all may have life, and have it to the full." Established in 1946 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), Marymount’s 40-acre campus, only 20 minutes from Rome’s city center, provides a nurturing environment amidst protected parkland and hundreds of plant species. This setting supports a diverse range of academic, artistic, musical, and athletic activities within a technologically advanced learning environment that also includes a Forest School.
Marymount follows an American and international curriculum culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school is part of the Global Network of RSHM Schools, which includes collaborations with schools in Paris, New York, London, and 18 other locations worldwide.
With a mission to guide students from all backgrounds toward academic and personal potential, Marymount emphasizes values like justice, dignity, and generosity, preparing students to thrive as lifelong learners and future leaders.
Little Genius International
Little Genius International is a pioneering school committed to sustainable and innovative education, tailored to prepare students aged 2–11 for an interconnected, digital world. Since its founding in 2004, Little Genius has been known for integrating advanced technological tools and sustainable practices, fostering a well-rounded environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy.
Recognized as a leading presence in the Benefit Corporation sector since 2014, the school is celebrated for its emphasis on social responsibility. The school has earned the prestigious “Best for the World” accolades from B Lab.
Incorporating both traditional and augmented reality techniques, Little Genius uses its proprietary ICE® methodology to enhance experiential learning. This interactive approach combines real-world applications with digital tools, helping students develop essential skills for tomorrow’s challenges. Each lesson is designed to encourage students to engage with technology and the natural environment, fostering a deep understanding of civic and environmental stewardship alongside academic growth.
Kendale International School
Kendale International School, established in 1972, is a bilingual primary school near Rome. The school provides a nurturing environment that combines academic excellence, creativity, and empathy, fostering a strong sense of community among students. Serving children ages 4 to 11, classes maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. With an average of 10–14 pupils per class, the school provides personalized attention and fosters an inclusive atmosphere.
Kendale's curriculum fosters curiosity and resilience while promoting a well-rounded education that integrates the arts, drama, physical education, and language instruction. Italian and French language programs complement the English-taught curriculum, preparing students to engage with diverse cultures. Special projects like Art Week emphasize collaboration, creativity, and responsibility, providing students with memorable, hands-on learning experiences that blend art, organization, and self-expression.
The school offers a variety of after-school activities, including extra language lessons and clubs that provide opportunities for personal development and skill-building. Kendale graduates are well-prepared for both Italian and international middle schools.
St. Francis International School
St. Francis International School offers an integrated American and International curriculum for students aged 3 to 14. Established in 1985, the school is a vibrant, close-knit, non-denominational community, welcoming children from diverse backgrounds and providing an inclusive environment.
The curriculum is primarily delivered in English, with Italian and Spanish as additional language options. Students can also follow a pathway to complete Italian State exams at the end of Grades 5 and 8. The school maintains small class sizes, averaging 18 students, which fosters close teacher-student relationships and enables a supportive learning experience. With facilities such as an indoor gym, sports fields, and a library, St. Francis provides a well-rounded education that nurtures students’ academic, social, and physical development.
At its core, St. Francis International School prioritizes the uniqueness of each child and builds a strong foundation for learning through exploration and creativity, promoting positive self-image and language development in the early years.
St. Stephen's School
St. Stephen's School, located in central Rome, is a premier American international day and boarding school that offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and an American high school curriculum. Founded in 1964 by American educators inspired by the rich cultural setting of Rome, the school is dedicated to academic excellence and the holistic development of each student.
With a student body of around 300, including 47 boarders, St. Stephen’s provides a highly personalized education where students engage in experiential learning through an extensive program of trips and cultural activities across Italy. The school’s faculty, a diverse team of scholars and professionals, brings a wealth of knowledge that enhances students' academic pursuits and fosters intellectual curiosity.
As Italy’s first school to adopt the IB Diploma in 1975, St. Stephen’s combines rigorous academics with the values of integrity, independence, and community service. Graduates go on to prestigious universities worldwide, equipped with a deep respect for global citizenship and an enduring love for learning.
American Overseas School Of Rome
The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) offers a top-tier American and international education for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Founded in 1947 and fully accredited by the Middle States Association, AOSR combines rigorous academics with a supportive, multicultural environment that fosters both intellectual and personal growth.
The school has a diverse community of around 575 students, representing over 50 nationalities, with roughly equal parts American, Italian, and international students. AOSR's curriculum includes both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, making it the only international school in Rome to offer both pathways extensively. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention that supports their unique learning needs.
Beyond academics, students engage in robust programs in athletics, performing arts, and other extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes core values of integrity, compassion, creativity, and open-mindedness, aiming to produce well-rounded, ethical, and resilient learners.
Education Fees Planning
For British expats, planning education fees is a crucial part of relocating abroad, particularly when enrolling children in British international schools. These schools, while offering a high-quality education aligned with the British school system, often come with significant tuition fees. It's essential to account for costs such as registration, yearly tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, expats should explore employer subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Early planning, budgeting, and consulting with financial advisors can help families manage these expenses effectively, ensuring a smooth educational journey for their children.
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