St. Stephen's School - www.romeschools.org

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ST. STEPHEN'S SCHOOL

St. Stephen's School is an independent non-denominational and co-educational secondary school. Small by design, it enrolls boarding and day students for grades 9 through 12 and, in addition, offers a post-graduate (13th) year. The campus is located next door to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, diagonally across from the Circus Maximus, a short walk from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. St. Stephen's is easily reached by bus, tram and subway - all of which have stops within a block of the school. Its privileged location in the center of Rome provides unique cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for our students; class field trips and on-site lectures throughout the city are regularly scheduled in order to take advantage of the school's advantageous position.

The academic year runs from early September until June and is divided into two semesters. Classes are kept small. Our average class size is 13. The curriculum reflects the philosophy that "there is no substitute for a balanced and comprehensive preparation" in the six major subject areas: English language and literature, history, modern languages, mathematics (courses range from algebra to calculus honors), science and the arts. Sculpture, studio art, drama, dance, music appreciation and chorus play an integral part in the curriculum. St. Stephen's also offers Latin and a variety of history courses grounded on the classics. The academic program is modeled on American independent school traditions. In 1975, the curriculum was broadened to include the International Baccalaureate (IB). St. Stephen's is proud to have been the first institution in Italy to offer this rigorous program. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for a variety of Advanced Placement subjects. St. Stephen's is accredited by the European Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Of the 31 full-time and 14 part-time faculty members, 39 faculty members hold advanced degrees. Eight faculty members reside in the boarding department. At St. Stephen's we teach young people from approximately 33 different nations and cultural backgrounds. Every student is assigned to a faculty adviser who supervises progress and maintains close contact with the student and his/her family. Physical education is required yearly; teams compete with other international and Italian schools in soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and practice softball, tennis, track/cross-country, ultimate frisbee, and yoga. There are two school psychologists available for student guidance. A college counselor and extensive resources help students with their choice of university and with admissions procedures world-wide. In the past four years 95% of our graduates have continued their education at 4-year colleges and universities. Besides the US, Canada and the UK where the majority of our alumni pursue their studies, graduates are also enrolled, or have recently completed their higher education, in universities in: Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, and Australia - to name only a few.

Central to the school's philosophy is the exploration of Italy's cultural resources through regularly scheduled week-end excursions and activities (organized for boarding students) and two all-school trips (one per semester). Participation in the full extracurricular program is strongly encouraged. Students may choose from a variety of activities which include community service, (local and global) newspapers, yearbook, literary magazine, recycling, photography, theater and the Student Council. The latter works with the faculty and administration to plan social functions and to express student concerns regarding school issues.

St. Stephen's occupies two and one-half acres in the center of historic Rome. The school (a converted convent/villa) is constructed around a central courtyard in the typical Roman tradition. The newly refurbished lower floor houses four state of the art science laboratories, two art studios, a photo lab, and a digital classroom. The two upper stories house the boarding residence and faculty apartments, a computer room, classrooms and the Carter Library with its 14,000 volumes, an extensive collection of digital resources and English as well as foreign language periodicals. Classrooms are equipped with wi-fi, digital whiteboards and the entire school is wi-fi connected. Offices, a dining hall, a snack bar and an assembly hall/theater are located on the ground floor. The campus grounds include gardens, a terrace and courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis.

St. Stephen's seeks highly motivated students, interested in a challenging academic program, who wish to participate in a multicultural community in Rome and Italy. We admit students on the basis of an admissions test, records from previous schools and teacher recommendations. An interview with prospective students and parents is suggested. St. Stephen's welcomes campus visits from prospective students and their families. Students interested in the school may, if they wish, spend a day with us in class and meet with current students and faculty in order to gain a sense of life at St. Stephen's. Please see our website for up-to-date admissions information.