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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.
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
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.
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does St. Stephen's School offer?
The school offers two complementary pathways: the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It was Italy's first institution to offer the IB.
What age range does the school serve?
St. Stephen's serves students aged 14 to 18 in a four-year high school programme. It is a secondary-only school without primary or middle school divisions.
Does the school offer boarding?
Yes. Sixty boarders are housed in three locations around the campus with Wi-Fi, communal facilities, a snack bar, and a lounge. Rooms are secured by access control systems separate from the main school building.
What are the tuition fees?
Day student tuition is EUR 33,652 per year. Boarding incurs additional fees. There is a non-refundable EUR 300 application fee and enrolment deposits of EUR 5,000 for day students or EUR 7,500 for boarders.
What are the school's IB results?
Six students achieved perfect scores of 45 points on the IB Diploma, the highest scores in the school's history. Graduates go on to prestigious universities worldwide.
What languages can students study?
The school offers 10 languages: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian. English is required as a first language in the IB programme.
What learning support is available?
The Learning Center uses an inclusionary model to support students with exceptionalities. Services include study skills support, tutoring, the Writing Center, social/emotional counselling, and individualised Learning Plans.
How does the school handle safeguarding?
St. Stephen's is committed to rigorous child protection procedures and fully complies with Italian and US law as well as Council of International Schools recommendations.
What facilities does the school have?
The 2.5-acre Aventine Hill campus has four science labs, a robotics and iLab facility, two art studios, digital classrooms, a 14,000-volume library, basketball and volleyball courts, and a theatre.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Need-based financial assistance aims to make education accessible for students who would not otherwise have the means. The school has historically supported admitted families with demonstrated financial need.
Where is the school located?
St. Stephen's sits on Via Aventina 3 in central Rome, at the foot of the Aventine Hill near the Circus Maximus, Forum, and Colosseum. It is the only English-language day and boarding high school in central Rome.
What counselling services are available?
Two school counsellors are available Monday through Friday for appointments or drop-ins. The Learning Center also provides social and emotional counselling, and boarding students receive additional wellbeing support.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
Activities include arts programmes connected to Rome's heritage, modern dance, Pilates, yoga, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field. The IB CAS programme and Extended Essay also foster leadership skills.
When was the school founded?
St. Stephen's School was founded in 1964 as a non-profit, non-denominational American international school. It has operated continuously for over 60 years in the heart of Rome.
