Choosing a school is about much more than finding the right academic program. It is about discovering an environment in which young people are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their own perspectives, and grow into confident, thoughtful individuals. At St. Stephen's School, these aspirations have guided generations of students since the School's founding in 1964.
On Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM, St. Stephen's will welcome prospective students and families to its historic campus on the Aventine Hill for an Open House offering an opportunity to experience the School's academic life, educational philosophy, and international community firsthand.
Rooted in the American educational tradition and enriched by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, St. Stephen's offers an approach to learning that places intellectual inquiry, personal responsibility, and independent thought at its center. With an average class size of 11, students benefit from close relationships with teachers who encourage them to challenge assumptions, pursue their interests, and engage with ideas beyond the confines of a prescribed curriculum.
Few educational settings offer the possibilities of Rome. At St. Stephen's, the city's extraordinary historical and cultural heritage is woven into the academic experience, inviting students to explore the connections between past and present, theory and practice, and the classroom and the wider world. From archaeological fieldwork and historical research to the sciences, literature, and the arts, learning frequently extends into the city itself, fostering habits of observation, critical inquiry, and discovery.
Equally distinctive is the community that has developed within the School over six decades. Bringing together students from more than 70 nationalities, St. Stephen's offers an environment in which different cultures, languages, and experiences are part of everyday life. The relationships formed here, among students and between students and teachers, are central to an education that values individuality while cultivating a genuine sense of belonging. Whether through academic collaboration, the arts, athletics, community initiatives, or boarding life, students are encouraged to discover new interests, assume responsibility, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
What ultimately distinguishes the St. Stephen's experience is the way these elements come together. Academic ambition is balanced by personal attention; independence is nurtured within a supportive community; and the richness of an international environment encourages students to approach the world with curiosity, integrity, and an appreciation for perspectives beyond their own. The result is an education intended not simply to prepare students for university, but to equip them with the intellectual confidence, adaptability, and judgment to navigate the opportunities and complexities of life beyond school.
The November Open House will offer families an opportunity to meet Head of School Maria Valentina Nunes, members of the faculty, and current students, whose experiences provide perhaps the most meaningful insight into the character of St. Stephen's. Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about the School's academic programs, day and boarding life, and the distinctive role Rome plays in the education of its students.
For families considering an international education in Rome, the occasion offers something particularly valuable: the opportunity to look beyond academic programs and university destinations and experience the atmosphere, relationships, and sense of purpose that define a school community.
Open House | Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM
St. Stephen's School
Via Aventina 3, Rome
We look forward to welcoming prospective families to St. Stephen's and sharing the qualities that have shaped our School for generations.
