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St. Stephen's School

Italy, Rome

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €34,599 - 57,141
Ages 14 - 19 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1964
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, Russian
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Stephen's School, Rome, is a non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational American international day and boarding school offering both the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Italy's first educational institution to offer the IB, it serves students aged 14 to 18 in a single community. The campus sits on 2.5 acres at the foot of the Aventine Hill, near Rome's imperial sites, and hosts day and boarding students with a dedicated faculty of about seventy. Facilities include four science laboratories and a robotics/iLab facility, two art studios, digital classrooms, and the Edward C. Carter Library with 14,000 volumes and extensive digital resources. Instruction is in English, with Italian and French available as optional first languages within the IB framework. The school combines an American college-preparatory program with the IB, supported by College Counseling and CAS emphasis. On-campus basketball and volleyball, plus soccer and track, foster athletics and community.

Via Aventina, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

The Essentials

St. Stephen's School has instruction in English.

Location
The school is located in the heart of Rome, Italy, at Via Aventina 3, 00153. It sits at the foot of the Aventine Hill, a stone's throw from the city's imperial sites such as the Circus Maximus, Forum, and Colosseum. The historic center neighbourhood provides a central urban setting for boarding and day students.

Stages
The school offers a four-year high school program leading to the American High School Diploma; in parallel, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme serves as a two-year pathway for students in grades 11–12, continuing the education provided in grades 9–10.

Type
The school is a non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational American international day and boarding IB World School.

Country affiliation
The school has affiliation as an American international school.

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Sixty boarders are housed in three locations around the School campus. All rooms have Wi‑Fi access and communal facilities, and the dorms are separated from the rest of the school building by an access control system. The snack bar and lounge with TV and DVD are popular places for relaxation. Meals are taken in the dining hall, where the emphasis is on Italian cuisine. Students can use the library, sports facilities and music facilities in their free time or spend time in the cortile. Weekends offer a variety of activities, from unique cultural diversions to rich culinary experiences.

Food Options
Meals are taken in the dining hall, where the emphasis is on Italian cuisine.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit and non-denominational American international IB World School. It offers both the American independent college-preparatory curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Stephen's School ranges from EUR 34,599 to EUR 57,141 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- A non-refundable application fee of EUR 300 is required with the application.

Enrollment deposit (at time of enrollment / re-enrollment)

- New day students: non-refundable deposit of EUR 5,000, credited to the second installment.
- New boarding students: non-refundable deposit of EUR 7,500, credited to the second installment.
- Re-enrollment: non-refundable deposit of EUR 2,500, credited to the second installment.

Tuition fees (current academic year schedule; single rate for all year groups at this school level)

- Annual tuition (day student): EUR 33,652 per year. Tuition is the same across the school's year groups (the school operates as a four-year international high school).
- Payment by term / installment: tuition is billed in two installments — 60% due by July 1 (EUR 20,192) and 40% due by December 1 (EUR 13,460). Semester students pay half the published amount. Late payments or payments made by installment may be subject to interest (1.5% per month). A student will not be permitted to attend classes unless the first installment has been paid in full. Invoices issued after the beginning of the school year must be settled by the first day of attendance.

Boarding fees (where applicable)

- Annual boarding fee: EUR 21,885 per year.
- Boarding payment schedule: billed in two installments — 60% due July 1 (EUR 13,131) and 40% due December 1 (EUR 8,754). Boarding fee installments are subject to the same payment conditions and late charges that apply to tuition.
- Boarding damage deposit: a refundable damage deposit of EUR 100 is required at registration for boarders; the amount is refunded at the end of the academic year less costs for any damage. The boarding department recommends establishing a Supply and Expense Account and suggests an initial deposit of EUR 300 to cover personal allowance and incidental expenses.

Capital assessment and other recurring fees

- Capital assessment fee: EUR 2,500 for new students; EUR 800 for returning students. The capital assessment covers didactic expenses such as books, instructional materials, and laboratory fees.
- IB administration / examination fee: EUR 1,000 charged for IB Diploma candidates (billed in November of both years of the Diploma Programme); for candidates registering for IB certificates only, the fee is prorated by the number of examinations taken. Additional IB examination costs are assessed by the school in early November according to the number of individual examinations.
- Senior fee (Grade 12): EUR 500 to cover graduation, final transcripts, and college admissions procedures.

Other costs

- Experiential learning / travel: the school covers the majority of major European travel, but certain projects or experiences may involve additional costs billed separately.
- Students who request legalization of their IB Diploma will be billed separately for that service.
- Uniforms: students are not required to wear a school uniform.

Billing schedule and payment terms (summary)

- All fees for the academic year are due to the school even if the student withdraws or is dismissed. Invoices issued after the start of the school year must be paid by the student's first day of attendance. A student will not be permitted to attend classes unless the first installment has been paid in full. Late payments may incur interest at 1.5% per month and the school may withhold documents and transcripts until outstanding fees are settled. Parents or guardians are responsible for payment of all school fees.

Refund information

- If a student withdraws or is asked to leave the school, no refunds of tuition, boarding, or any other fees will be granted. The only refundable amount noted is the boarding damage deposit (less costs for damage).

Fee payment options and transaction charges

- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer and euro check to the Business Office; US dollar payments are accepted at the exchange rate quoted on the date of payment. Application payments and some online payments can be made by credit card.
- Credit card surcharge: a 2% fee is charged on credit card payments.
- For card payments, note that the school may levy a processing fee; late-payment interest and other payment conditions apply as set out in the school's fee schedule.

Consequences of non-payment and notes on installments

- The school reserves the right to request prepayment of tuition, boarding, and incidental costs by July 1 preceding the start of the academic year or at the point of enrolment or re-enrolment in exceptional instances. Failure to settle payment when due can result in withdrawal or withholding of documents. Semester students are charged half the published annual amounts for tuition, boarding, and capital assessment.
Academics

St. Stephen's School teaches American Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 14 to 19.

Curriculum
The school offers two complementary pathways: an American independent college-preparatory curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The American High School Diploma is a four-year program balancing six major disciplines—English, modern and classical languages, humanities, experimental science, mathematics, and the arts—while enabling students to pursue areas of personal interest through electives. Each student carries at least five full-time courses per year across core subjects and electives. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year curriculum for students in 11th and 12th grades, with six subjects drawn from First Language, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. The six courses are complemented by Theory of Knowledge, Creativity-Action-Service, and the Extended Essay, and the Diploma concludes with final examinations at the end of Year 12, with some students sitting exams in Year 11. St. Stephen's became Italy's first educational institution to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Exam Results
Six students attained perfect scores of 45 points on the IB Diploma, the highest IB scores in the school's history. Graduates have pursued higher education at prestigious colleges and universities worldwide. The Diploma Programme culminates with final examinations at the end of Year 12.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to study at prestigious colleges and universities worldwide. The Diploma Programme culminates with final examinations at the end of Year 12. St. Stephen's was Italy's first IB Diploma Programme school.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Faculty Advisor System is the primary channel for discussing a student's well-being; advisors meet with students in groups monthly and individually as needed, and they liaise with teachers and parents about well-being and progress. Wellness and counseling services are available to all students throughout the year, with two school counselors accessible Monday through Friday during school hours. Social/emotional counseling is provided as part of the Learning Center's services and is available to students who need it. Boarding students have access to a wellness and emotional support program delivered by two professional consultant counselors who meet with boarders weekly or in regular group sessions.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Center uses an inclusionary model to support students with exceptionalities in the least restrictive environment and with an appropriate Learning Plan. The school reviews each application to ensure appropriate services and has the capacity to support some students with special needs, including ESL. Direct services include study skills support and homework assistance, behavior management support, tutoring (teacher and peer), Math Peer Tutoring, the Writing Center, Social/Emotional counseling, and English language support. ESL support is included under Direct Services.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language support is provided; ESL services are included under Direct Services in the Learning Center.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing and counseling services are available to all students throughout the year. The two school counselors meet with students by appointment or on a drop-in basis during school hours. The Learning Center provides social/emotional counseling as part of its services. Boarding students receive a wellness and emotional support program delivered by two professional counselors who meet with boarders weekly or in group sessions.

Safeguarding
St. Stephen's School is committed to rigorous child protection procedures and protocols and fully complies with Italian and US law as well as Council of International School recommendations.
Parent Experience

History
St. Stephen's School, Rome, has operated since 1964 as a non-profit and non-denominational, co-educational American international day and boarding IB World School. It is located at the foot of the Aventine Hill, near Rome's imperial sites. The school builds its program on the classical heritage of Italy and offers the American independent college-preparatory curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The institution serves both day and boarding students in a single community.

Community
The school maintains an active community with a What's On/Calendar and News in Focus section that highlights upcoming events. The site features The St. Stephen's Times with articles about events such as International Day, Lunar New Year celebrations, Annual Science Day, and initiatives like Tackling Food Waste and Building Community. The Boarding Community welcomes boarders and emphasizes a unique experience that blends academics, personal growth, and an international environment. The school hosts a range of cultural events and student life activities throughout the year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is two and a half acres on the Aventine hill in Rome. It accommodates 295 day and boarding students and 70 faculty and staff. The facilities include modern classrooms and labs, pleasant dormitories, a dining hall, a theater, and a lounge for boarders. The Edward C. Carter Library houses 14,000 volumes and a broad range of digital resources, including English and foreign language periodicals; classrooms are equipped with digital whiteboards. The campus offers basketball and volleyball courts, modern dance, Pilates and Yoga facilities, gardens and a terrace, with soccer and track and field within a ten-minute walk.

Sports Facilities
Basketball and volleyball courts are on-site. Modern dance, Pilates, and Yoga facilities support fitness and movement programs. The campus includes spaces for athletics, and soccer and track and field are within a ten-minute walk from the school.

Academic Facilities
The school has four state-of-the-art science laboratories and a robotics and iLab facility. It has two art studios and digital classrooms. The Edward C. Carter Library holds 14,000 volumes and a broad collection of digital resources and periodicals in English and other languages. Classrooms are equipped with digital whiteboards, and there are administrative offices on campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The library, sports, and music facilities support extracurricular life. The campus includes a media centre and a music room. Basketball and volleyball courts support on-campus athletics, and modern dance, Pilates, and Yoga facilities support movement activities. The cortile (courtyard) and gardens provide social spaces for student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St. Stephen's School provides a dual-path academic program consisting of the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The four-year American program balances English, modern and classical languages, humanities, science, mathematics, and the arts, with electives. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year curriculum for 11th and 12th grades, with six subject groups and three cross-curricular programs: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity-Action-Service, and the Extended Essay. The school's IB program has produced strong results and prepares graduates for admission to universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Arts at St. Stephen's develops analytical and visual expression and treats art as a vital everyday language anchored in Rome's artistic heritage. Courses connect ancient to contemporary practice, fostering creativity while considering historical, social, and aesthetic perspectives. The IB arts program encompasses 2D and 3D Art, Music, Performing Arts, Photography, and Theatre.

Cultural & Language
St. Stephen's is an American, international school committed to global citizenship and multicultural exchange. English is the language of instruction, with Italian and French offered as optional first languages within the IB framework. The school emphasizes world citizenship and multicultural experience across its student body.

Social & Hobbies
Student life includes a range of clubs, sports, and cultural activities. The school offers a vibrant boarding community that combines academics with social experiences, and sports such as varsity basketball are active. Cultural events like International Day and Lunar New Year celebrations foster community and cross-cultural friendships.

Community & Service
Creativity-Action-Service (CAS) is integrated into the IB Diploma Programme, and service is part of the school's core IB framework. The school emphasizes community engagement and global citizenship as part of its ethos.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and career development are supported through College Counseling, which guides university admissions and professional planning. The IB program's CAS and Extended Essay also foster leadership, research, and independent learning as part of a rigorous core.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The boarding community provides a close-knit, supportive environment for personal growth in the heart of Rome. Boarding life is described as a ‘nuclear family' experience, with a strong sense of community and opportunities for social and cultural engagement. The school supports athletics and cultural events, including basketball and celebrations such as International Day and Lunar New Year.
Languages

Language Provision
The school is the only English-language day and boarding high school in central Rome. Languages offered total 10: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian. In the IB Diploma Programme, English is required as a first language, with Italian and French optional as first languages. The four‑year track leading to the American High School Diploma centers on English and Modern Languages as core disciplines.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
Stage 1: Submit your Application. Complete the online Application Form. Pay the 200 euro non-refundable fee. Submit all forms and documentation required on the checklist before January 19th, 2026.
Stage 2: Attend an In-Person or Virtual Open House. Choose from in-person options on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 2:30–4:30 pm; Friday, November 28th, at 2:00–4:30 pm; or online on Wednesday, January 7th, from 16:30 CET.
Stage 3: Take our Admissions Test and Interview. We offer three in-person testing opportunities for day applicants on Monday, November 3rd, from 2:00 pm–5:00 pm; Wednesday, December 3rd, from 2:00 pm–5:00 pm; and Saturday, January 17th, from 9:00 am–12:00 pm. The test measures cognitive potential and requires no preparation. Boarding applicants will have an interview with Boarding Faculty. After testing, schedule an interview with a member of our Admissions Committee. The Admissions Process is that completion of the application does not automatically guarantee enrollment; all documents must be received before the application can be processed; files are reviewed by an Admissions Committee which makes the final decision; timelines vary by grade and application volume. Enrollment is contingent on deposit, submission of final transcript, health form and medical insurance attestation (for boarders), and submission of the original enrollment contract.

Scholarships
Need-based financial assistance aims to make a St. Stephen's education possible for students who would not otherwise have the means to participate. The School has historically supported admitted families requiring financial assistance as part of its commitment to accessible education for talented students across socio-economic levels. In 2022-2023, St. Stephen's contributed over €500,000 to 15% of our student body.
School Events
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