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Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction
St. Thomas's International School in Viterbo, Lazio, serves learners aged 2 to 14 with an international curriculum and a historic campus set in a medieval town. It is an accredited IB PYP school, with English as the main language and Italian lessons for all students. Early Childhood follows Reggio Emilia, with English-taught classes; four inquiry units per class and Atelier sessions in music and art. Primary School comprises five grades with an English-speaking homeroom teacher; six units of inquiry plus subjects, with Italian mathematics and specialists in Italian, music, visual art, drama and PE. Middle School (grades 6–8) follows the Italian state curriculum, with many subjects taught in English and Cambridge exams offered; Spanish is an additional language. The campus blends historic architecture with green spaces, a kitchen garden, a calm library and a nutritionist-designed dining program; ASAP activities enrich the curriculum, and Ambrit International School in Rome broadens opportunities.
Via S. Giovanni Decollato, 1, 01100 Viterbo VT, Italy
The Essentials
St. Thomas's Viterbo International School has instruction in English, Italian.
Location
Via San Giovanni Decollato, 1, 01100 Viterbo, Italy. The school is located in Viterbo. Visits are organized by appointment.
Stages
Early Childhood: From 2 to 6 years old; Primary School: From 6 to 11 years old; Middle School: From 11 to 14 years old.
Type
International school
Fees
Annual tuition at St. Thomas's Viterbo International School ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 6,300 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration Fee
- A non‑refundable registration fee (quota di iscrizione) of EUR 650.00 is payable at the time of enrolment.
Tuition fees (annual and instalment options) — by year group
- Nursery & Reception - Annual tuition: EUR 5,000.00. - Payment options: single annual payment: EUR 5,000.00; two instalments of EUR 2,600.00 each; four instalments of EUR 1,355.00 each.
- Prep - Annual tuition: EUR 5,500.00. - Payment options: single annual payment: EUR 5,500.00; two instalments of EUR 2,850.00 each; four instalments of EUR 1,500.00 each.
- Primary - Annual tuition: EUR 6,050.00. - Payment options: single annual payment: EUR 6,050.00; two instalments of EUR 3,140.00 each; four instalments of EUR 1,640.00 each.
- Middle School - Annual tuition: EUR 6,300.00. - Payment options: single annual payment: EUR 6,300.00; two instalments of EUR 3,250.00 each; four instalments of EUR 1,700.00 each.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The registration fee must be paid at the time of enrolment; for advance enrolment the registration payment deadline for the next school year is specified by the school. - The annual tuition may be divided into monthly instalments. Monthly instalment payments are due by the 5th day of each month (or the next working day if the 5th is a holiday). Accepted payment methods include bank transfer, cheque, debit card (bancomat) and cash. Electronic invoicing is used for instalments. - Late payment penalties: a delay of more than 7 days incurs a penalty equal to 5% of the monthly instalment; a delay of more than 15 days incurs a penalty equal to 10% of the monthly instalment. These charges are automatically added to the electronic invoice for the instalment. - Following formal acceptance of a place, families must complete enrolment and pay the required fee within the period indicated by the school (the school's enrolment procedure sets a 15‑day window after receiving written acceptance).
Boarding
- St. Thomas's operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- School lunch (canteen) service: annual flat rate and instalment options are published for the canteen. Current published amounts for the canteen service are: - Single annual payment: EUR 1,002.00 (payment by 31 August). - Two instalments: EUR 527.00 by 31 August and EUR 527.00 by 31 January. - Daily use option: EUR 7.00 per day. Meals are bookable/modifiable through the electronic register. - Stationery, textbooks and educational trips are not included in the tuition and are charged separately. - School uniform with the school logo is required and is purchased from the school's designated supplier; families receive credentials to access the supplier's online store. Costs for uniform items are charged separately. - Late pickup service: a babysitting/late‑pickup fee of EUR 10.00 applies when a child is collected more than 10 minutes after the designated pickup time (service availability and cut‑off times are specified in the school regulations).
Refunds and early withdrawal charges
- The registration fee (EUR 650.00) is non‑refundable. - No refunds are provided for absences due to illness, holidays or other family reasons. - In the event of early withdrawal of a pupil during the school year, a fee equal to a percentage of the remaining annual tuition becomes payable: - Single child: 30% of the remaining annual tuition. - Two children enrolled: 25% of the remaining annual tuition. - Three or more children enrolled: 20% of the remaining annual tuition.
Fee payment methods (summary)
- Accepted methods for school tuition and instalments: bank transfer (bonifico bancario), cheque (assegno), debit card (bancomat) and cash (contanti). Electronic invoicing is used for instalment billing; penalties for late payment are added to electronic invoices. Canteen fees have specified single or two‑instalment schedules and a per‑day option.
Academics
St. Thomas's Viterbo International School teaches IB (PYP), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 2 to 14.
Curriculum
The school offers three learning stages: Early Childhood, Primary School and Middle School. Early Childhood follows the Reggio Emilia approach with three classes taught by mother tongue or bilingual English teachers; four units of inquiry per class support child-led, inquiry-driven learning and Atelier sessions focus on music and art. Primary School has five grade levels; each grade has a mother tongue English-speaking homeroom teacher and covers six units of inquiry plus English, mathematics, science and social studies; Italian mathematics classes strengthen the mathematics program; specialist teachers deliver Italian, music, visual art, drama and physical education. Learning in Primary is inquiry-driven, balancing inquiry with explicit instruction; five core skill areas—research, thinking, communication, social, and self-management—are developed; the program is conceptually framed around macro concepts and is transdisciplinary, with active parent involvement. Middle School has three grades (6–8) and follows the Italian state Middle School curriculum, with students completing public examinations; additional English hours mean most subjects are taught in English (including History, Geography, Science, PE, Music and Visual Arts); Grades 7–8 may study Cambridge English examinations at B1–C1; Spanish is an additional language; subjects include English, Italian, Mathematics, Geometry, Science, STEM, History, Geography, Technology, Technical Drawing, Music, Visual Art, Art History, Physical Education and Spanish; the curriculum includes interdisciplinary projects twice yearly.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes the social and emotional wellbeing of students and adults.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The inclusion class accommodates pupils with certified or subsequently identified special needs, assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The main language of instruction is English, and all students receive Italian language lessons; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided, and Jessica Saporito is the EAL Coordinator.
Mental Wellbeing
The wellbeing of students and adults is supported with an explicit emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing within the school community.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed through a Code of Conduct in which every member has the right to feel secure, be treated with respect and dignity.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Interested families must contact the administration to request the necessary documentation for admission. The administration will provide the required materials for admission. You should review the documents and prepare them for submission. This step initiates the admissions process.
2. Parents must send the material required for admission. The administration will acknowledge receipt of the documents. The submitted materials complete the initial admissions file. After submission, the school will proceed to the next step.
3. The administration, once the documentation has been received, will contact the parents to arrange an introductory appointment. The introductory appointment provides an opportunity to meet with school staff and discuss the program. The scheduling and details are arranged by the administration. This step moves the process toward formal evaluation.
4. Following the meetings at the school the school will reply in writing to the family communicating the acceptance or rejection of the application. The written decision confirms whether admission is approved. The family should review the terms and any next steps outlined in the letter. The outcome is communicated in writing.
5. In case of acceptance, the family, within 15 days of receiving approval, will enroll by paying the fee and completing the paper or digital form. Enrollment requires payment of the enrollment fee and submission of the required form. The 15-day deadline ensures timely processing and placement. The school confirms enrollment status after completion.
6. Students wishing to enroll in classes of primary school or higher may be required to take a test and/or interview in order to determine the level of didactic knowledge and proficiency in the English language. The test or interview serves to determine the level of academic knowledge and English proficiency. Results can influence placement in the program. The test/interview is part of the admission assessment.
FAQs
What curriculum does St. Thomas's International School follow?
The school is an accredited IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) school and the only accredited IB PYP school in Lazio outside Rome. Learning is child-centred, inquiry-based and conceptually driven across all levels.
What age range does the school serve?
St. Thomas's serves children aged 2 to 14 across three stages: Early Childhood, Primary School (6-11), and Middle School (11-14).
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition is EUR 5,000 for Nursery and Reception, EUR 5,500 for Prep, and increases for higher year groups up to EUR 6,300. A non-refundable registration fee of EUR 650 applies. Instalment payment options are available.
What is the Early Childhood approach?
Early Childhood follows the Reggio Emilia approach with classes taught by native or bilingual English teachers. Each class has four units of inquiry, and Atelier sessions focus on music and art.
What languages are taught?
English is the main language of instruction with native English-speaking homeroom teachers. Italian is taught as a subject, and EAL support is provided for students who need help with English.
Does the school offer learning support?
Yes. An inclusion class accommodates pupils with certified or identified special needs, assessed on a case-by-case basis. There is also an EAL Coordinator for English language support.
Is there a school uniform?
Yes, uniform is compulsory for all pupils. It features the school logo and can be purchased online, including polo shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, cardigans, and waistcoats.
Does the school provide meals?
Yes. A daily hot lunch is provided via a catering service with monthly menus prepared by a nutritionist. Nursery pupils also receive morning and afternoon snacks. Students may alternatively bring lunch from home.
Where is the school located?
The school is in a historic building within the medieval walls of central Viterbo, Lazio. The campus has rose gardens, olive trees, vineyards, and fruit trees, with the environment described as a 'third teacher'.
Is there a parent community?
Yes. A Parent Committee organises community events including Halloween celebrations, Carnival, family days, and an International Festival. Three formal parent groups support communication and involvement.
When was the school founded?
The school was founded in 2010 as Viterbo International School (VIS). It has grown to offer international education for children from two to fourteen in the ancient city centre of Viterbo.
What extracurricular activities are available?
The school runs an After School Activity Programme (ASAP) with three terms per year, each lasting 10 weeks, open to all students. Activities include arts, music, and creative projects.
What is the school's approach to wellbeing?
The school emphasises social and emotional wellbeing for both students and adults. A Code of Conduct ensures every member has the right to feel secure and be treated with respect and dignity.
