Summary: St. Stephen's School is a co-educational, non-denominational, boarding, and day school, enrolling students from age 14-19 in grades 9-12 and for a postgraduate year. Founded in 1964, St. Stephen's provides a demanding classical liberal arts education taking full advantage of its location in the historic center of Rome. The school is modeled on the American independent school tradition and offers a rigorous program based on well-rounded and comprehensive preparation by each student in six major academic areas: English, Foreign and Classical Language, History, Experimental Science, Mathematics, and Arts. Primary objectives are academic excellence, fellowship and cooperation among students and faculty, and the development of students as independent, responsible, and involved members of the larger world community. The curriculum prepares students for the American high school diploma, including a variety of Advanced Placements (AP) subjects, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) which allows students to enter universities worldwide.

Department Director Deborah Dostert

Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1

Average Class Size: 15

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 47

Number of AP Courses Offered: 7

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 90%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 29

Learning Support

• Learning Center
• Learning Differences Support
• Peer Tutoring
• Technology Center
• Writing Center

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Literature
• Poetry

History

• Classical History
• European History
• Medieval History
• United States History
• World History

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• French
• German
• Italian
• Latin
• Spanish
• Arabic

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics

Sciences

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics

Math

Computer Studies

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Music Appreciation
• Music History
• Music Theory
• Orchestra
• Recording
• Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Art History
• Dance
• Drama
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Studio Art
• 3-D Art
• Modern Dance

Special Programs

• Community Service
• Leadership
• Physical Education
• Robotics
• Student Council

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 32

Average Students Per Dorm: 2

Number of Girls Dorms: 18

Number of Boys Dorms: 14

Dorm Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

A mix of day and boarding students of diverse cultural backgrounds, representing over 50 different nations, make up our student body. Approximately one-third of our students are from the United States and Canada. Another third are Italian citizens. Our remaining students come from Asia and Oceania, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and various nations throughout Europe. This year's boarders (2022/2023) come from the USA, the UK, China, France, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Hong Kong, Australia, Belgium, Germany, and other parts of Italy. Boarding and day students flourish in a setting of camaraderie and support where they are engaged in the academic endeavor and creative study grounded in the pursuit of excellence. We strive to make students aware of their role at St. Stephen's and as contributors in a rapidly evolving, global society. Our students are encouraged to value their ideas and express their opinions with confidence. The varied cultural experiences they enjoy through service-learning offer important opportunities for continual growth and development.

Facilities

• Basketball Court
• Volleyball Court
• Tennis Courts

Other Facilities

• We use the hills of our neighborhood in the historical center as a track and field course with soccer pitches around the corner and a yoga studio across the street. On-campus facilities include a tennis court basketball and volleyball courts and a small soccer pitch.

Clubs & Organizations

• Chess Club
• Classics Club
• Community Service
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Dorm Proctors
• Environmental Club
• Food Council
• Foreign Language Clubs
• Gardening Club
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Club
• Investment Club
• Literary Magazine
• Math Club
• Model UN
• Newspaper
• Peer Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Photography Club
• Science Bowl
• Student Activities
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club

Summary: Performing arts at St. Stephen’s are represented by our Dance, Drama, and Music Departments. Our teachers, who are also professional performers, encourage students to develop their abilities and unleash their talent. Students acquire fundamental tools to explore and connect new ideas and gain practical applications for the classroom and beyond. Fostering creativity and innovation, performing arts give students a chance to experiment and expand their imagination while learning new skills. Our interactive program stimulates an appreciation for art in its many forms and provides a new lens through which students observe their immediate environment, as well as the world around them. Music Composer-pianist Richard Trythall enhances students’ musical appreciation by engaging them in a range of vocal and instrumental ensembles that respond to contemporary musical tastes while also exploring music from a wide range of eras and traditions. Dance Led by a professional choreographer and dancer, dance at St. Stephen’s underscores the importance of making students versatile, abstract and original thinkers, as well as performers in their own right. Students are encouraged to choreograph as well as to learn pieces choreographed by others. Drama Students are challenged to reach their potential through self-expression and imagination. Directed by professional actress and director Sandra Provost, the rigorous theatre program reinforces students’ confidence, boosting memory and the ability to articulate ideas. Creative Writing meets twice weekly to explore the writing process in the context of inspirational group and individual work focusing on poetry, short stories, and both fiction and non-fiction pieces. Sports We believe that healthy students make better learners. Whether students are engaged in team or individual sports, their overall growth, well-being, and cognitive abilities are supported by physical activity.

Arts Department Director: Richard Thrythall

Athletics Department Director: Fausto Di Marco

Notable Achievements: Mediterranean Cup Tournaments; National tournaments in Milan and Verona; International tournaments in Portugal, Scotland, and Lugano.

Arts

• Acting
• Art History
• Dance
• Drama
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Studio Art
• 3-D Art
• Modern Dance

Interscholastic Sports

• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Dance
• Handball
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Volleyball

Recreational Sports

Summary: St. Stephen's offers specialized career and college counseling services that prepare students for the future and aid in their college or university search process. Students and families are encouraged to become involved early on so that their academic planning is sound. We strive to work with students to highlight their individuality and their passions and provide strategic guidance throughout the application process to increase college admissions competitiveness for our students and help students make informed decisions about their college choices Our international student body applies to multiple education systems and matriculates to universities throughout the world whose admissions requirements vary widely. Consequently, students, families, and the college counselor must work together closely throughout the application process. How to avoid undue stress? Through serious self-reflection, conscientious research, and strict adherence to deadlines. At its best, preparing for the next stage of life should be exciting rather than stressful. Our students have the opportunity to meet with on-campus representatives from dozens of top universities in the United States, UK, and worldwide, allowing them to compare the various opportunities and set goals for their future.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile
75th percentile

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Notable Alumni