How many primaries in Rome
Rome has around 18 schools running an international primary phase in English in 2026. The mix splits broadly across four programme types. Five British curriculum primaries cover Reception through year 6, at St George's, Southlands, Britannica, The New School and Castelli International. Seven IB Primary Years Programme primaries, including Marymount, Rome International School and the bilingual Acorn House, sit alongside. Three American primaries, led by Ambrit, run a US elementary calendar. The remaining three are bilingual Italian-English settings serving families committed to a permanent Italian life. For the curriculum framework see our curriculum index and the city's full curriculum hubs.
Cohort sizes vary widely. The largest primary year groups sit at St George's with 40 to 45 children across two parallel forms, Marymount with 28 to 36 in single-form entry, and Ambrit with 22 to 26. The bilingual settings are smaller still, typically 14 to 18 per year group. Smaller forms appeal to families who want close pastoral knowledge of their child. Bigger forms suit families who value subject specialism and a broader peer pool.
Italian language is delivered everywhere from year 1, usually two to four hours a week. Bilingual schools push that to a fifty-fifty split throughout primary. Families planning a long Italian life lean towards bilingual; families on a three to five year posting lean towards English-medium with Italian as a second language.
Fees and the loading question
Rome primary fees follow three tiers. The lower tier, EUR 9,200 to EUR 11,800 a year, covers bilingual primaries and Castelli International. The mid tier, EUR 11,800 to EUR 16,200, captures Ambrit, Southlands lower primary and Britannica. The premium tier, EUR 16,200 to EUR 21,800, is reserved for St George's primary, Marymount and Rome International School. Lunch typically adds EUR 900 to EUR 1,400 a year, transport adds EUR 2,400 to EUR 3,600 given Rome's traffic, and a capital contribution of EUR 1,500 to EUR 5,500 applies at the senior schools. Read the broader fee landscape in our Rome fees guide. The fees comparison tool places Rome alongside Milan, Madrid and other European capitals.
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Illustrative example schools
The four schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each holds British Schools Overseas, Council of International Schools or equivalent accreditation.
St George's British International School at La Storta runs the largest primary cohort in Rome. Reception through year 6 with EYFS and the English national curriculum, paralleled by a Spanish bilingual stream. Extensive outdoor space rare in central Rome.
Rome International School in Quartiere Trieste delivers the IB Primary Years Programme from age 3 to 11, with a strong central-Rome catchment and an unusually international cohort spanning embassy and FAO families.
Marymount International School in the Cassia corridor offers a Catholic-ethos IB Primary Years Programme. Strong creative arts and a long-running music programme, with American calendar.
Ambrit International School in EUR runs a US elementary primary from kindergarten through grade 5, with an internationally diverse cohort and a focus on inquiry-led learning.
Where primary families live
Primary families in Rome cluster around four catchments. Cassia, La Storta and Olgiata for St George's, Marymount and The New School, with villa stock, garden space and short bus rides. EUR, Casalpalocco and Axa for Ambrit and Southlands, with newer-build housing, parks and an easier commute. Quartiere Trieste, Salario and Parioli for Rome International School and Britannica, with mid-rise apartment buildings, walkability and short metro hops. Trastevere, Monteverde and Aurelio for families using Britannica or the bilingual settings, with elegant apartment stock and a Vatican-adjacent feel. For the wider picture see our best areas for expat families guide. The cost calculator bundles rent, fees and transport into a full picture.
Admissions and the year 3 question
Applications for September 2026 entry opened across Rome primaries between October 2025 and January 2026. Year 1 and year 3 are the most competitive intakes at the premium British and IB schools, both aligned with natural transitions out of nido and materna settings. Year 5 sits below capacity at most schools and is the easiest entry point for mid-cycle relocators. Premium British schools close year 1 by mid-February. The IB primaries close year 3 by mid-February. American primaries on a different intake calendar accept rolling applications into March. Late applicants land on waiting lists, which clear through May and June as corporate and diplomatic relocations confirm.
Documentation matters in Italy. Schools require a transcript from the previous school, a vaccination record, a translated birth certificate and a tenancy contract registered to a parent. For our editorial pick across all the strongest schools see the best international schools in Rome guide and our hub on Rome IB schools.
Frequently asked questions
How many international primary schools are there in Rome?
Rome has around 18 schools running an international primary phase in English, covering year 1 to year 6 or its American grade 1 to 5 equivalent. The mix includes British, IB Primary Years Programme, American and bilingual Italian-English provision.
Which year group is the most competitive intake?
Year 1 and year 3 are the most competitive intakes at the premium British and IB primaries in Rome. Both align with natural transitions out of Italian nido and materna settings. Year 5 sits below capacity at most schools.
How much do primary international schools in Rome cost?
Annual fees run from about EUR 9,200 at smaller bilingual primaries to EUR 21,800 at the most premium British and American primaries. Median year 3 tuition in 2026 sits near EUR 13,400, before transport, lunch and capital contributions.
Do Rome primaries teach Italian?
Yes. Every international primary in Rome teaches Italian from year 1, usually two to four hours a week. Some bilingual schools run a full half-half English-Italian split throughout the primary phase, which suits families planning to stay in Italy long term.
When should I apply for a Rome primary place?
Applications for September 2026 entry opened across Rome international primaries between October 2025 and January 2026. Year 1 and year 3 close earliest, typically by February. Late applicants land on waiting lists that clear through May and June as relocations confirm.
