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Rome International School

Italy, Rome

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €10,500 - 27,755
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages French, Italian, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Rome International School (RIS Rome) is an IB World School in Rome offering the Primary Years Programme in Early Years and Elementary, the Middle Years Programme leading to Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme with equivalence to the Italian Maturità. The school also offers the Italian Ministerial Curriculum for Early Years to Middle School, with Italian language study. RIS Rome is the only school in the city authorised to offer both the PYP and the IB Diploma Programme, ensuring a continuous path from early years through the IB DP. Established in 1988, RIS is part of Globeducate and serves around 500 pupils from about 60 nationalities. The Monte Mario campus sits on over 3 hectares of parkland, close to the city centre, and features a Space Lab, libraries and science laboratories, an auditorium, and a digitally enabled learning environment with iPads and laptops. Enrichment includes ABRSM music, LAMDA drama, LEGO, Codemotion, MUN and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Via Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi, 137, 00135 Roma RM, Italy

The Essentials

Rome International School has instruction in English.

Location
Via Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi, 137, 00135 Rome, Italy. The RIS Rome campus sits in Monte Mario Natural Reserve in north-west Rome, close to the city centre, on more than 3 hectares of natural parkland.

Stages
Early Years (ages 2-5); Elementary School (ages 5-11); Middle School (ages 12-14); High School (ages 14-18). The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, together with Cambridge IGCSE.

Type
IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, and Cambridge IGCSE.

Pupil Nationality Mix
60+ nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
In very special circumstances, external support for the student is guaranteed, which may be provided as additional tutoring at home or continuous support in normal lessons by a qualified specialist.

Country affiliation
Italy

School day structure
The school day starts at 08:30. The campus has three lunchrooms serving organic lunches; Middle and High School have a self-service lunchroom.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Three canteens cater for different age groups and serve nutritious and balanced meals; the lunch service is mandatory for all students; Middle and High School have a self-service lunchroom; Early Years and Elementary students enjoy a fresh, seasonal fruit break each morning; menus accommodate dietary, religious and ethical requirements; there is a focus on a balanced diet using seasonal and organic produce.

Governance and Ownership
RIS Rome is a member of Globeducate.
Fees

Annual tuition at Rome International School ranges from EUR 10,500 to EUR 27,755 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Admission Fee (one‑time, “una tantum”):
- Early Years: EUR 500.
- Elementary (Year 1–6): EUR 1,000.
- Middle & High School (Year 7–13): EUR 2,000.

- Registration Fee (annual):
- Nursery to Year 9: EUR 610 per year.
- Year 10 to Year 13: EUR 715 per year.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts, Euros)

- Early Years (annual tuition):
- Nursery & Kindergarten: EUR 10,500 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,355.
- Transition: EUR 11,480 per year. Lunch fee included in Early Years lunch rate: EUR 1,355.

- Elementary School (annual tuition):
- Year 1: EUR 16,240 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,550.
- Year 2: EUR 18,080 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,550.
- Year 3 / Year 4: EUR 20,665 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,550.
- Year 5 / Year 6: EUR 21,350 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,550.

- Middle School (annual tuition):
- Year 7 / Year 8 / Year 9: EUR 24,140 per year. Lunch fee (annual): EUR 1,550.

- High School (annual tuition):
- Year 10 & Year 11: EUR 26,160 per year. Lunch fee (annual) Years 10–12: EUR 1,550.
- Year 12 & Year 13: EUR 27,755 per year. Lunch fee (annual) Year 13: EUR 1,355.

Billing schedule and how annual tuition is collected (instalments and lunch billing)

- Tuition instalment schedule (three instalments):
- First instalment: 25% of annual tuition at the time of (re-)enrolment.
- Second instalment: 50% of annual tuition by August 31 (due date for the second payment).
- Third instalment: 25% of annual tuition by November 30.
- For an annual tuition amount X the three payments therefore are: 25% of X, 50% of X, and 25% of X due on the dates above.

- Illustrative instalment amounts (examples by year group):
- Nursery/Kindergarten (EUR 10,500): First EUR 2,625.00 · Second EUR 5,250.00 · Third EUR 2,625.00.
- Transition (EUR 11,480): First EUR 2,870.00 · Second EUR 5,740.00 · Third EUR 2,870.00.
- Year 1 (EUR 16,240): First EUR 4,060.00 · Second EUR 8,120.00 · Third EUR 4,060.00.
- Year 2 (EUR 18,080): First EUR 4,520.00 · Second EUR 9,040.00 · Third EUR 4,520.00.
- Year 3/4 (EUR 20,665): First EUR 5,166.25 · Second EUR 10,332.50 · Third EUR 5,166.25.
- Year 5/6 (EUR 21,350): First EUR 5,337.50 · Second EUR 10,675.00 · Third EUR 5,337.50.
- Year 7/8/9 (EUR 24,140): First EUR 6,035.00 · Second EUR 12,070.00 · Third EUR 6,035.00.
- Year 10/11 (EUR 26,160): First EUR 6,540.00 · Second EUR 13,080.00 · Third EUR 6,540.00.
- Year 12/13 (EUR 27,755): First EUR 6,938.75 · Second EUR 13,877.50 · Third EUR 6,938.75.

- Lunch fee billing (annual lunch fee is listed separately):
- Early Years lunch fee EUR 1,355 per year; Elementary to Year 12 lunch fee EUR 1,550 per year; Year 13 lunch fee EUR 1,355 per year. Lunch fees are billed as follows: 50% by August 31 and 50% by November 30. Example: For a EUR 1,550 lunch fee the two payments are EUR 775.00 and EUR 775.00.

Discounts and sibling reductions

- A 4% discount on the tuition fee is applied if the full annual tuition is paid in a single annual payment by the school's payment plan date. Sibling reductions are available: 10% reduction for the second child, 20% for the third child, and 40% for the fourth or subsequent children.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fees are not applicable: Rome International School operates as a day school and no boarding fee line items are published.

Other costs and additional fees

- Mandatory/exam fees (additional to tuition):
- Cambridge Checkpoint Exams (Year 9): EUR 80 per subject (payable in the exam billing month).
- IGCSE exam fees (Year 10 and 11): EUR 140 per subject (payable in the exam billing month).
- IB exam fees (Year 13): EUR 1,400 per student (payable on presentation of the exam application). Re‑takes and re‑marks are charged separately and may be confirmed for specific academic years.

- Costs explicitly excluded from published tuition: didactic visits and educational trips, external exam fees beyond those listed above, school uniforms, textbooks for Middle and High School (parents purchase from specialist providers), pre- and post-school care, school bus service, extracurricular activities, and Summer Camp. These items are charged separately.

- “Bring a friend” and similar promotional reductions may be offered from time to time; any such reductions are applied according to the school's current offers.

Refund information

- The school's publicly posted fee information and tuition terms list instalment schedules, discounts and excluded costs but do not publish a single, explicit general refund policy for all fee types in the same fee summary. Specific conditions on refunds, withdrawal consequences and any pro‑rata refunds are set out in the enrolment/contractual documentation and the school's formal policies and parent handbook. Parents should expect the enrolment fee/admission fee to be treated as non‑recurring and to review the enrolment contract for the school's precise refund and withdrawal conditions.

Fee payment options and practical notes

- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer, cheque, credit card or cash (within legal limits). VAT: published tuition amounts are VAT exempt under the relevant Italian decree. Fees cover tuition from September to June as per the school calendar; compulsory lunch fee is listed separately. Additional services and items listed above are charged separately.
Academics

Rome International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
RIS Rome is an IB World School and a Cambridge IGCSE examination centre. The Primary Years Programme is offered in the Early Years and Elementary, integrated with the Italian curriculum. The Middle Years Programme (ages 12–14) leads to the Cambridge IGCSE (ages 14–16). The High School offers the IB Diploma Programme with equivalency to the Italian Maturità. RIS Rome is the only school in Rome authorised to offer the PYP and the IB Diploma Programme. The Italian Ministerial Curriculum is also offered in Early Years, Elementary and Middle School (Licenza Media), with some hours for Italian language study; all Year 11 students study Cambridge IGCSE Italian, while Italian A and Italian B options apply in the Diploma.

Exam Results
In 2025, Terza Media exams achieved a 100% pass rate, with several perfect scores.

Higher Education Progression
RIS Rome provides university preparation and guidance through a Careers and University Counsellor. The university application process is a two-year exercise with workshops, one-to-one meetings, university fairs and lectures. Students receive personalised support to identify study areas and career ambitions and to select universities worldwide; recent destinations include the University of St Andrews, Imperial College London, the University of Bath, the University of Warwick, LUISS, the University of Exeter, and others. Students applying to universities in Europe, the USA, Canada or the UK receive tailored assistance.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
RIS Rome embeds social and emotional learning across the whole school through a Wellbeing programme that aims for every student to feel valued, safe, happy and to have a strong sense of belonging. The wellbeing approach is based on Positive Psychology principles, represented by the PERMAH model (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health). The programme involves a whole-school commitment with age-appropriate wellbeing activities, bi-annual student and staff surveys, and a dedicated staff wellbeing team that meets each half term to plan and monitor action. It includes half-termly wellbeing assemblies, regular staff training, parent workshops, and Globeducate-wide initiatives such as the Body Confidence programme. Student wellbeing ambassadors (Years 7–13), a Listening Centre, and two school psychologists support students, with PHSE lessons and a strong emphasis on student voice and pastoral care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In very special circumstances, families may be informed that a student can be accepted into Middle School only if external support for the student is guaranteed, which may include additional tutoring at home or continuous in-class support provided by a qualified external specialist (RIS Srl).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Nursery, Kindergarten and Transition use English as the first language, with English as the primary language of instruction across the school; the admission policy also assesses suitability for English as an Additional Language (EAL). Where needed, EAL support lessons are offered within the normal timetable, and extra English support during and after school hours can be provided at parental expense. All students take a third language (French, Spanish or Chinese), Italian is taught as part of the curriculum, and there is preparation for Italian Licenza Media exams in Middle School.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a core part of RIS Rome's culture. The Wellbeing programme is grounded in Positive Psychology with the PERMAH framework and focuses on helping students develop positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment and health. The school surveys students and staff, has a 12-member wellbeing team, and runs termly wellbeing themes and assemblies. It provides a Listening Centre, Counselling services, and weekly wellbeing activities, supported by two school psychologists and a dedicated safeguarding structure. Globeducate wellbeing resources and webinars support staff and families, and a student wellbeing ambassador program helps lead assemblies and peer support.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a priority at RIS Rome. All teachers complete comprehensive mandatory safeguarding training, and a dedicated safeguarding team is in place to support students and staff. Globeducate's Safeguarding and Welfare Officer provides oversight, and RIS adheres to Globeducate safeguarding policies (Nos 10a–e), covering child protection, ICT acceptable use, safer recruitment, risk assessments and whistleblowing. Welfare and counselling are available, with confidential counselling, a self-referral option, and guidance for medical and mental health concerns. RIS also participates in safeguarding initiatives such as Safer Internet Week, the Body Positivity Project and Anti-Bullying Week.
Parent Experience

History
Rome International School was established in 1988. It is a member of Globeducate. The school serves students aged 2 to 18 and hosts more than 500 pupils representing about 60 nationalities. RIS offers an IB World School framework: Early Years and Primary Years, Middle School with Cambridge IGCSE leading to the IB Diploma, and a High School programme culminating in the IB Diploma. The campus is located in Monte Mario north-west Rome, set within more than 3 hectares of the Monte Mario natural reserve.

Community
RIS Rome has an international community with students from 60 nationalities. Life at RIS highlights real moments from the school community through events such as the Winter Fair and annual exhibitions. Globeducate enrichment opportunities include Lunchtime Clubs and After-school Activities, Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) for the IB Diploma Programme, RIS MUN Club and Duke of Edinburgh.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The RIS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a pivotal role in enriching the school community. It comprises seven committees: Secretary, Treasurer, Charity, Welcome and Community Building, Eco, International Representatives, and Class Parent Representatives. The committees organize events, fundraisers and school initiatives, and support communications among parents, students and staff. The Welcome and Community Building Committee integrates new families, the Eco Committee promotes sustainability, and the International Representatives Committee fosters cultural diversity. The Class Parent Representatives facilitate classroom-level liaison. The PTA contributes to a vibrant, engaged RIS Rome community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Immersed in the natural parkland of Monte Mario in north-west Rome, the RIS Rome campus is resourced to the highest level and reflects a focus on critical thinking, inquiry-based approach and passion for life-long learning. Close to the city centre, the modern campus sits on over 3 hectares of natural parkland. A safe and welcoming environment supports students to explore and grow. The campus hosts facilities that support learning across age groups and disciplines.

Sports Facilities
The school has an outdoor classroom in the school woods, ample outdoor play areas for breaks and sport activities, a fitness trail, a five-a-side football field, and two purpose-built gymnasia for each section of the school.

Academic Facilities
The school has Space Lab, two modern libraries, three science laboratories, three canteens serving organic lunches, Music, Art and Drama rooms, a 230-seat Auditorium, and iPads and laptops for the whole school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers lunchtime clubs and after-school activities, including a private music programme accredited by ABRSM (piano, guitar, drums), LEGO Club, Codemotion, Chess club, language labs, Cookery club and Fitness and Sports. A late bus service is available for students over the age of seven to stay for after-school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
New academic booster clubs for Maths, Biology and Chemistry are offered for 2025-2026. A private ABRSM-accredited music programme provides piano, guitar and drums. LEGO education and Codemotion provide hands-on STEAM learning. Model United Nations runs in collaboration with Associazione Diplomatici and Globeducate, offering four MUN events and tailored preparation, with a Dalcroze-based approach to early-musician training provided in partnership with Musicanova.

Arts & Creative
LAMDA drama certification is offered through an exclusive partnership with Elizabeth Samuels Drama School. A private ABRSM music programme supports musical literacy. Cooking Club and Chess Club are part of the enrichment offering, and drama and music activities are complemented by other creative clubs.

Cultural & Language
Language labs support language development. The RIS Rome MUN Club and related activities promote diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding through global forums.

Social & Hobbies
Lunchtime Clubs include LEGO Club, Codemotion, Chess Club, Language Labs, Cookery Club and Fitness and sports; after-school activities feature Judo/Jiu Jitsu, Self Defence and Football for active students. Chess Club and Cooking Club remain popular components of enrichment.

Community & Service
Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) Programme for IBDP enriches the student experience with arts, sports and service projects. CAS fosters charity events, cultural exchanges and sustainability initiatives; MUN and Duke of Edinburgh programmes support volunteering and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The Duke of Edinburgh Award offers volunteering, physical activity, skills and expeditions for high school students. The RIS Rome MUN Club and the Duke of Edinburgh programme promote leadership and public speaking, with training and after-school sessions. A House System with awards recognises IB Learner Profile attributes and leadership development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is built on Positive Psychology PERMAH principles to help students feel valued, safe and a sense of belonging. The programme includes half-termly wellbeing assemblies, staff wellbeing strategies and parent workshops, plus student wellbeing ambassadors from Year 7 to 13. A safeguarding framework and two school psychologists provide ongoing support, alongside a dedicated listening centre and a Form Tutor-led holistic approach.
Languages

Language Provision
Nursery and Elementary provide English as the first language of instruction; English and Italian are Group 1 languages, with a third language required for all students (French, Spanish or Chinese). EAL courses are available for non-native English speakers. International students may also study Italian language and culture within the Italian Ministerial Curriculum; they take Cambridge IGCSE Italian and may pursue IB Diploma Programme Italian language options.

Bilingual Teaching
Nursery, Kindergarten and Transition have English as a first language of instruction, and Elementary School also uses English as a first language. Italian language study is integrated under the Italian Ministerial Curriculum. English and Italian are offered as Group 1 languages, and all students study a third language (French, Spanish or Chinese). EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available for students whose English is not yet at the required level.

Immersion Programs
Language and Culture options include Chinese Language and Culture and Arabic Language and Culture, integrated into Elementary and continued in Middle School. After-school beginner language classes are offered in Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic and German. In Middle School, Chinese Language and Culture remains a curriculum option; High School students may study Mandarin for IGCSE or IB Diploma Programme if they have studied Mandarin previously.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Initial Enquiry and School Contact
Parents initiate the admissions process by completing and submitting the online Admissions Enquiry Form on the school's website. Following this submission, the Admissions team contacts the family to provide specific guidance on how to move the application forward. During this initial stage, parents can also arrange virtual or in-person campus visits or attend open days to meet the leadership team. It is helpful for families to use this initial contact to ask about class capacity and specific curriculum paths.

2. Submission of Documentation
Once the inquiry is made, parents must compile and submit a comprehensive set of required documents to the school. This documentation includes the completed Enquiry Form, copies of the applicant's birth certificate and passport, a completed Medical Information Form signed by a parent or guardian, and official school reports for the past two years (translated into English if applicable). Additionally, recommendation forms must be sent directly to Rome International School from the student’s current school. Parents should note that previous school reports are not required for applicants under five years of age.

3. Academic Review and Assessments
After receiving all documents, the school's Senior Management Team evaluates the application based on academic, behavioural, and language development history. For Middle and High School applicants, the school requests a Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) assessment prior to enrolment. Placement in a specific grade depends on multiple factors, including the student's age, an interview, academic entrance tests for secondary levels, and consultations with parents. Parents must be aware that class placement relies on the student's age as of September 30th, since the school year follows a September-to-August calendar.

4. Application Outcome and Communication
The Senior Management Team finalises their decision after checking the entry criteria, which require families to respect the school's philosophy and demonstrate the student's ability to thrive in an English-instruction international environment. The official outcome of the admissions application is communicated to the family within seven working days of full submission. If the application is not accepted, any standard application sums paid up to that point are returned to the family. Parents should monitor their communication channels closely during this week-long window for the formal decision letter.

5. Enrolment Finalisation
Upon receiving an acceptance offer, parents must complete the enrolment procedure in person at the school's admissions office. This step requires the physical presence of the parents or guardians to provide necessary legal signatures on the enrolment contracts. At this stage, families will also arrange the payment of applicable registration and tuition fees, which vary depending on the year group. Parents should prepare for this final visit by coordinating schedules with the enrolment team to secure the student's place.

Scholarships
Rome International School offers a dedicated Scholarship Fund that provides financial assistance to qualified students based on merit and financial need. The school typically allocates four scholarships per academic year: two for the Elementary School and two for the Middle/High School. These awards can provide full coverage of annual tuition fees. In the Middle and High School sections, the school may also split a full award into two partial scholarships covering 50% of the tuition fees to recognise special student merit.
School Events
The school has not added events
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