
St. Stephen's School
Secular, Founded 1964
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
St. Stephen's School is a non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational American international day and boarding school located in the heart of Rome. It provides a rigorous college-preparatory education for students, blending the American high school curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the motto 'Mens, Voluntas, Gratia,' emphasizing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and social responsibility. It aims to cultivate minds capable of navigating complexity and acting with empathy and ethical courage. The educational approach is rooted in a synthesis of rigorous academic traditions, fostering independence and a global perspective.
Programmes
The school offers a four-year high school program that balances six major academic disciplines: English, modern and classical languages, mathematics, experimental science, humanities, and the arts. In the final two years, students participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which includes compulsory subjects, the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course, the Extended Essay, and Creativity-Action-Service (CAS). Italian nationals may follow a specific study plan approved by the Italian Ministry of Education to ensure their IB Diploma is recognized locally.
Outcomes
Graduates of St. Stephen's consistently pursue higher education at prestigious colleges and universities worldwide. The school's International Baccalaureate program has a strong track record, with an average diploma score of 35 points and instances of students achieving perfect scores of 45. Alumni have gone on to hold leadership roles in various professional fields globally.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a community wellness counselor and pastoral tutors to support student well-being. Additionally, the school offers financial aid and scholarship programs for students who demonstrate strong potential for academic and personal growth, with dedicated staff available to guide families through the application process.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does St. Stephen's School offer?
- St. Stephen's School offers IB Diploma.
- Is St. Stephen's School a day or boarding school?
- St. Stephen's School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does St. Stephen's School hold?
- St. Stephen's School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is St. Stephen's School co-educational?
- St. Stephen's School is a co-ed school.
- Where is St. Stephen's School located?
- St. Stephen's School is an international school in Rome, Italy.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The admissions process involves submitting an online application with a non-refundable €200 fee, followed by an admissions test and an interview. The school evaluates cognitive potential rather than acquired knowledge, and for international applicants, testing can be arranged remotely. Enrollment is finalized upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit, health documentation, and final transcripts.
Calendar
The school operates on an annual academic cycle, with specific application deadlines, such as January 19th for the upcoming year. Detailed information regarding school events and the academic calendar is accessible through the school's online portal.
About the campus
Located at the foot of the Aventine Hill in Rome, the campus is housed in a historic villa that was formerly a convent. The school is situated near major cultural sites, including the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum. The facilities support a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including laboratories and spaces for the arts.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of student clubs and activities designed to foster creativity and engagement. These include service-oriented programs and the Creativity-Action-Service (CAS) component, which is a mandatory part of the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Sports and arts are also integrated into the student experience to promote holistic development.
- Maria NunesHead of School
Maria Nunes joined St. Stephen's as Head of School in July 2026. She brings a lifetime of experience in international education and is committed to deepening the school's academic program and strengthening its boarding community.
Jill MutiHead of SchoolJill Muti is the Head of School at St. Stephen's.
Courtney BullockAssistant HeadCourtney Bullock serves as the Assistant Head of School.
- Nadia El-TahaDirector of Teaching and Learning
Nadia El-Taha is the Director of Teaching and Learning.
Viktorija PodagelyteDirector of Student Life, Classics, Core 9Viktorija Podagelyte is the Director of Student Life, Classics, and Core 9.
Monica BardenDirector of School Culture and Student EngagementMonica Barden is the Director of School Culture and Student Engagement.
Mike MottolaHead of BoardingMike Mottola is the Head of Boarding.
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IB Diploma