Primary, secondary education in Rome 2024

The history of education in Rome dates back to the era of classical empires. The Romans were among the first to establish a formal education system, aiming not just to transfer knowledge from parents to their children but to cultivate a well-rounded, informed citizenry. Today, this educational tradition continues in Italy's capital, offering both expatriates and locals a robust selection of public, international, and bilingual schools.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

Primary education in Rome is designed to provide a solid foundation in core subjects such as Italian or English language, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Students are encouraged to actively participate in classroom discussions and hands-on learning activities. From the outset, the importance of arts, music, and physical education is emphasized to foster creativity and overall development.

Secondary Education in Rome: A Two-Phase Approach

Secondary education in Rome is divided into two key phases: middle schools and upper secondary schools.

• Middle Schools in Rome typically span three years, during which students receive a comprehensive education in history, geography, literature, foreign languages, mathematics, science, physical education, and technology.
• Upper Secondary Schools offer students several pathways depending on their interests and career aspirations. There are humanities-focused courses preparing students for university studies in literature, philosophy, or law, and technical courses in areas like information technology or tourism.

• Public Education in Rome is free from primary school through university level and is accessible to foreigners. Expats planning long-term residency often opt for public schools, which are well-regarded and generally preferred by Italians over private institutions.
• Private Schools in Rome often receive government funding, meaning they must adhere to specific curricula and educational standards set by the government. Unlike public schools, private schools may follow a particular religious or pedagogical philosophy, such as Catholicism or the Montessori method.
• International Schools in Rome vary in curriculum, educational philosophy, and language of instruction. Some follow the British National Curriculum (e.g., St George's and New School), the American curriculum (e.g., American Overseas School of Rome and Marymount International), or offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from primary levels (e.g., Rome International School and Ambrit).

Inclusive education is a key focus in Italy, ensuring that children with disabilities can receive appropriate education integrated with their peers. Rather than segregating children with special needs, schools of all types—international, public, and private—offer various support systems. Many primary and secondary schools in Rome employ specialized staff—therapists and special education teachers—to help students adapt. Schools also collaborate closely with parents and external support services to create tailored educational plans that address the unique needs of each child.

Reasons to Choose Schools in Rome

• Rome's schools boast a dedicated team of professionals passionate about their subjects and deeply invested in their students' success. Teachers in Roman schools strive to provide personalized attention and support, ensuring a high-quality education for every student.
• Schools in Rome are well-equipped with modern facilities, including science labs, computer rooms, libraries, and sports facilities, all of which allow students to gain practical experience and explore diverse interests.

Top Schools in Rome: A Tradition of Academic Excellence

Rome's commitment to academic excellence is long-standing, offering a wide array of rigorous courses designed to challenge students and prepare them for higher education.

List of Schools in Rome: Community and Parental Involvement

Primary and secondary schools in Rome encourage parental involvement in the educational process by regularly organizing events aimed at fostering a sense of community and cooperation, such as parent-teacher meetings and open house days.

Schools in Rome Ranking: Reflecting a Legacy of Quality Education The consistent commitment to high academic standards and comprehensive student support has kept Roman schools high in both national and international rankings, continuing a legacy of educational excellence that dates back to ancient times.