St. Stephens's School Rome
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Back to GatewaySt. Stephens's School Rome
Our academic curriculum offers students a thorough and demanding education aimed at readying them for the requirements of higher education and the intricacies of the contemporary world. This curriculum is meticulously crafted to nurture intellectual development, cultivate critical thinking abilities, and promote a profound comprehension of diverse subjects. It goes beyond mere grade attainment; it is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and perspective required to succeed in advanced education and make substantial contributions to society. It encourages them to embrace critical thinking, commit to lifelong learning, and become responsible global citizens.
All students at St. Stephen's School follow a four-year course of study leading to the American High School Diploma, which every graduate receives. The curriculum provides a strong academic foundation across the six major disciplines—English, Modern and Classical Languages, Mathematics, Experimental Science, Humanities, and the Arts—while encouraging students to pursue individual interests through a wide range of elective courses. Each student is expected to carry at least 5 full-time courses in Grades 9 and 10, as listed below.
In Grades 11 and 12, students may choose to undertake the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, one of the world's most respected pre-university qualifications. Students who meet all IB requirements graduate with both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma.
Students who choose not to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme continue to follow a rigorous academic pathway.
In 1975, St. Stephen's School proudly became the first educational institution in Italy to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. In recent years, the School has celebrated extraordinary achievements, with six students attaining perfect scores of 45 points, marking the highest IB scores in our school's history. As an integral part of the IB World School community, the International Baccalaureate has empowered St. Stephen's graduates to pursue knowledge and strive for excellence at prestigious colleges and universities worldwide.
At St. Stephen's, the IB Diploma Programme serves as a comprehensive two-year curriculum for students in 11th and 12th grades, seamlessly continuing the international education we provide in grades 9 and 10. Students engage in six distinct subjects representing various academic disciplines. They choose one subject from each specialized group.
The six compulsory classes are complemented by three cross-curricular structured programs: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Creativity-Action-Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay, which provide a holistic framework that nurtures critical thinking, fosters creativity, and encourages active engagement within and beyond the classroom.
The two-year Diploma Programme culminates in final examinations at the end of Year 12, with some students choosing to "anticipate" one or two exams in Year 11, demonstrating their advanced proficiency.
For additional reading about the International Baccalaureate Programme at St Stephen’s, please refer to the following resources.
Explore the cards below for an overview of our the academic departments at St. Stephen's.
