St. Stephen's School Via Aventina 3, 00153 Rome, Italy +39 06 575 0605

ststephens@sssrome.it www.sssrome.it

School type	Co-educational Day & Boarding
Founded	1964
Status	Private
Head of School	Jill Muti
Language of Instruction	English
Co-ed Age Range	14-19 years
Number of pupils	300
Day fees per annum	€34,599 per annum
Boarding fees per annum	€57,141 per annum
Authorised IB Programmes	IBDP
Diploma Coordinator	Peter Rotundo
Associations	ECIS, CIS, NEASC, NAIS, IB, RISA

An International Education at the Crossroads of Culture and Inquiry

Nestled at the foot of the Aventine Hill, one of Rome's most historic and evocative sites, St. Stephen's School occupies a unique place in the educational landscape. Founded in 1964, the School is an international, non-profit, non-denominational high school that brings together day and boarding students from around the world. With approximately 300 students – 60 of whom are boarders – St. Stephen's maintains a close-knit community that balances academic rigor with a deeply personal educational experience.

From its earliest days, St. Stephen's has drawn inspiration from Italy's classical heritage while embracing the strengths of both American and international educational traditions. This dual foundation finds its fullest expression in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which sits at the heart of the School's academic mission. Students graduate with both a U.S. high school diploma and the IB Diploma, benefiting from a demanding, internationally recognized program that emphasizes intellectual depth, interdisciplinary thinking, and global responsibility.

As the first schools in Italy to offer the IB Diploma Programme, St. Stephen's has played a pioneering role in IB education for decades. Today, the School remains a leading IB World School, with graduates earning strong results with an average of 36 points and gaining admission to competitive universities across Europe, North America, and the world. The IB's emphasis on inquiry, reflection, and international-mindedness aligns naturally with the School's values and Rome itself as a place of study.

The School's small size fosters close relationships between students and faculty, an essential element in supporting the rigor of the IB. Teachers at St. Stephen's are scholars, artists, scientists, and writers who guide students through Higher Level coursework, the Extended Essay, and internal assessments. In small classes, students engage in sustained intellectual dialogue. Learning extends beyond the classroom, as Rome becomes a living laboratory that enriches every subject.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a defining feature of the curriculum and a natural extension of the IB philosophy. Students participate in field trips throughout Rome, extended academic travel in Italy and the Mediterranean, Model United Nations conferences, sports tournaments, and service initiatives. These experiences reinforce classroom learning while cultivating global awareness and responsibility. The boarding program further strengthens this dimension, creating a vibrant environment in which students live, learn, and grow together.

Our Values

The School's founding motto – Mens, Voluntas, Gratia – continues to guide its mission and resonates strongly with the IB Learner Profile. Mens represents intellectual curiosity and critical thinking; Voluntas reflects motivation and perseverance; Gratia speaks to integrity, cooperation, and commitment to community. These principles underpin the School's core values of care, scholarship, independence, integrity, and creativity.

Care is central to the St. Stephen's experience. Through advisory programs, counseling services, and peer mentorship, students are supported academically and personally as they navigate the demands of the IB. Diversity and inclusion are integral to community life. Through CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), students engage meaningfully with local and global communities, developing empathy and purpose.

Integrity is emphasized throughout academic and personal development. Clear expectations regarding academic honesty and ethical conduct are woven into IB coursework and student life. Students learn not only how to meet high standards, but why principled action matters.

Scholarship lies at the heart of the School's academic culture. Inquiry-based teaching, interdisciplinary thinking through Theory of Knowledge, and independent research through the Extended Essay cultivate intellectual confidence and independence.

Independence is fostered through student-centered learning and leadership opportunities. Students develop resilience, organization, and self-awareness as they balance ambition with well-being.

Creativity remains an essential dimension of learning. Through the arts, writing, performance, and interdisciplinary projects, students explore ideas, take risks, and develop their voices.

Signature Programs

Distinctive programs further enrich the IB experience. The Dr. Helen Pope Lyceum connects classical studies to contemporary inquiry through partnerships with leading cultural institutions. The LibTech Learning Hub supports research, digital literacy, and emerging technologies. Science students benefit from the Mary Lynn & Fred Gage Molecular Biology Program, while Introduction to Engineering emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning.

At its core, St. Stephen's School is a community shaped by inquiry and international mindedness. Rooted in Rome and guided by the IB, the School prepares students not only for university success, but for thoughtful, engaged, and meaningful lives in a complex global world.