What bilingual actually means in Rome
Rome has six dedicated English-Italian bilingual schools, plus bilingual streams within several of the larger international schools. The distinction between dedicated bilingual schools and bilingual streams matters because the daily language mix and the long-term curriculum pathway differ significantly. True bilingual schools in Rome deliver roughly 50:50 instruction in English and Italian across the week, with subjects taught alternately in either language rather than one language being a foreign language class. Bilingual streams within the larger international schools typically run 70:30 English-Italian, which is closer to an English-medium school with strong Italian provision than a fully bilingual model.
The genuine bilingual cluster is strongest at primary level. Ambrit International School runs a recognised English-Italian primary that prepares students for both the IB Middle Years Programme and the Italian state secondary track. Greenwood Garden School and similar early years providers offer dedicated bilingual nursery and reception classes. Above primary, the bilingual offer thins out, with most secondary-age students continuing in either a full English-medium IB or British curriculum school, or transferring to an Italian state liceo with English support.
For the bilingual education framework itself, including the cognitive benefits and language-acquisition research, see our bilingual schools curriculum hub. Bilingual provision sits alongside the city's IB schools, British curriculum schools and American curriculum schools as one of the four major options for binational families in Rome.
Fees and the Rome bilingual tiers
Bilingual school fees in Rome run from EUR 8,400 at the smaller English-Italian primary providers to EUR 16,800 at the bilingual streams within the larger international schools. That fee band sits comfortably between the Italian state system, which is effectively free for primary and secondary, and the premium international schools at Marymount, Rome International School and Saint Stephen's, where senior phase tuition sits between EUR 22,000 and EUR 28,200.
The lower tier, EUR 8,400 to EUR 11,200, covers dedicated bilingual primaries and early years providers. The mid tier, EUR 11,200 to EUR 14,400, captures Ambrit International School primary and the larger bilingual streams. The upper tier, EUR 14,400 to EUR 16,800, covers Core International School and bilingual middle school options at the international flagships. Capital contributions of EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,500 apply at most providers. Transport adds EUR 1,800 to EUR 2,800 a year if bus loops are used. Read the full loading mathematics in our Rome fees guide. The fees comparison tool shows bilingual tuition by year group across cities.
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Illustrative example schools
The four schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each delivers a genuine bilingual model rather than English-only with Italian as a second language.
Marymount International School Rome (bilingual stream) on Via di Villa Lauchli in Cassia offers a bilingual English-Italian primary stream that prepares students for either the school's IB Primary Years Programme and onward IB Diploma, or for transfer into an Italian state secondary at year six. Strong record on dual-language literacy, recognised by both English-speaking universities and the Italian maturita equivalence process.
Ambrit International School in Monteverde Vecchio runs a dedicated English-Italian bilingual primary on the IB Primary Years Programme framework. Younger campus feel, smaller cohorts, and a deliberately bilingual rather than English-with-Italian-support identity. Many families continue at Ambrit through MYP year four before transferring to Marymount or Rome International School for the Diploma phase.
Core International School in Salario delivers an Anglo-Italian bilingual model from early years through middle school, with the Italian state curriculum recognised under paritaria status. Students leave with both English fluency and direct entry to Italian state liceo for the senior phase.
Greenwood Garden School in Parioli is the established bilingual early years provider for binational families in central Rome, with English-Italian provision from age two through year two. Many graduates continue at Marymount, Ambrit or Rome International School for primary onward.
Where bilingual families live
Bilingual families in Rome cluster around three pools shaped by school location and language profile at home. Cassia, Olgiata and the Via Cassia corridor for Marymount and Saint Francis bilingual streams, with villa stock, garden space and a long-established expatriate community that supports playdates in both languages. Parioli, Pinciano and Salario for Core International School and Greenwood Garden, with elegant apartment buildings and walkable access to Villa Borghese. Monteverde Vecchio, Aurelio and Gianicolense for Ambrit International School, with leafier streets and a calmer pace.
The binational demand pool in Rome is unusual by European standards. Italian-English couples, Italian-American couples (often with US embassy or FAO ties), and Italian-French couples drive sustained bilingual enrolment. Many families are first-generation binational rather than expatriate, which gives bilingual schools a community feel distinct from the diplomatic-heavy IB and British schools. For a fuller view of where to live in Rome with school-age children see our best areas for expat families guide. The cost calculator bundles housing, fees and transport into a total relocation budget.
Admissions and maturita recognition
Bilingual school admissions in Rome for September 2026 entry opened across most providers between October 2025 and January 2026. Year one and year three are the tightest pinch points because most families want their child to start the primary phase or to enter Italian-medium teaching at a moment when the language gap is still manageable. Marymount, Ambrit and Core International School close their year one bilingual stream lists by late February, with priority for siblings and for children of binational families.
Maturita recognition matters more than families often realise. Bilingual schools that follow the Italian state curriculum under paritaria status qualify students automatically for the Italian maturita and direct university entry. Bilingual schools that follow an international curriculum (IB or English national curriculum) qualify students for Italian university entry through the standard maturita equivalence process, which all major Italian universities recognise but which adds a small administrative layer for families considering Italian state university routes. For our editorial pick across all the strongest international schools see the best international schools in Rome guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many bilingual schools are there in Rome?
Rome has six dedicated English-Italian bilingual schools, plus bilingual streams within several of the larger international schools. Bilingual provision is strongest at primary level, with fewer providers running a full bilingual model through to year 13. Some schools also offer Italian-French or Italian-Spanish bilingual streams.
What does bilingual actually mean in a Rome school?
True bilingual schools in Rome deliver roughly 50:50 instruction in English and Italian across the week, with subjects taught in either language rather than one language being a foreign language class. Ambrit and Marymount run dual-language primary streams. Other schools labelled bilingual offer 70:30 English-Italian, which is closer to an English-medium school with strong Italian provision.
How much do bilingual schools in Rome cost?
Annual bilingual school fees in Rome range from EUR 8,400 at the smaller English-Italian primary providers to EUR 16,800 at the bilingual streams within the larger international schools. Bilingual fees sit between the full Italian state system (effectively free) and the premium international schools (EUR 22,000 to EUR 25,800).
Does a bilingual school qualify for Italian university entry?
Yes, with conditions. Bilingual schools that follow the Italian state curriculum (paritarie status) qualify students automatically for the Italian maturita and direct university entry. Bilingual schools that follow an international curriculum (IB or English national curriculum) qualify students for Italian university entry through the standard maturita equivalence process, which all major Italian universities recognise.
Are bilingual schools good for monolingual English speakers?
Yes, particularly at primary level. Children acquire Italian quickly in a 50:50 bilingual environment and benefit from cognitive flexibility associated with bilingualism. Late arrivals from monolingual English schools are typically admitted comfortably in years one through three. Beyond year four the Italian language gap widens and a full English-medium school may be a better match.
