Saint Francis International School is one of the smaller international schools mapped on our Rome city hub, serving children from early years to the end of middle school on a blended American and international curriculum. Founded in 1985 by its long serving founder, it is an independent, non denominational, co educational school that welcomes families of all backgrounds, and it positions itself as a community school for the international families of north Rome.
This profile is an independent reference page. GlobalSchoolGuide does not accept payment for coverage, and Saint Francis appears here because it is a real school relocating parents ask about, not because it paid to be listed. We researched the facts below from the school and public sources at the time of writing, and mark anything we could not confirm as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
Saint Francis teaches a blended American and international curriculum across the early years, elementary and middle school, in English, with Italian and Spanish taught as additional languages. Because the school runs only to age fourteen, the end of grade eight, it concentrates on the primary and lower secondary stages rather than examination courses for the final school years, which families should bear in mind when planning a continuous pathway through to a leaving qualification.
A distinctive feature is the option for pupils to sit the Italian State examinations at the end of grades five and eight, which keeps an Italian academic route open for families who expect to remain in Italy or who want their children to move into the Italian system later. Ask the school how the American and international elements are structured at each stage, and plan ahead for the move to a senior school at fourteen, whether that is an IB, British or American secondary in the city.
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Saint Francis International School fees
Saint Francis sits below the premium international tier described on our Rome international school fees guide, in keeping with its smaller, community school character and its focus on the primary and middle years rather than the more expensive examination grades. We do not publish a confirmed figure here, because the school sets and revises its own tuition each year and the published schedule is the only reliable figure, so treat any number on third party listings as illustrative until the school confirms it.
As with any school, tuition is only part of the budget. Expect a registration or enrolment charge on entry, and budget for lunches, trips, transport where used and additional activities. Use our fee calculator to model the full annual figure, and compare it against the wider city market in the Rome fees guide so you can see where a community school sits relative to the premium campuses.
Admissions
Saint Francis accepts applications across its early years to grade eight range, with the main intake in the autumn and in year places offered where space allows, which suits families relocating to Rome outside the usual cycle. Families are typically asked for previous school reports, and the school meets the family to confirm the right year group.
Because the school runs only to age fourteen, parents should also plan the onward move to a senior school in good time. See the Rome city hub for the city's secondary and sixth form options, including IB and American routes, so the transition at the end of grade eight is mapped out before it arrives.
Location and who goes there
Saint Francis is in the north of Rome, the residential band where much of the city's international community lives, on a purpose built site with a library, cafeteria, gymnasium, computer room, classrooms, sports courts and a green play area. As a day school for younger children, proximity matters, and families in the northern suburbs have the shortest journeys while those further south should factor in Rome traffic.
The intake is international and reflects the families who want an English language primary and middle school in a smaller setting. Parents often look at Saint Francis alongside other early years and primary options such as Greenwood Garden School and Acorn House International School, and the through school IB route at Rome International School. For the wider picture see our roundup of the best international schools in Rome.
Reviews
We do not yet have verified parent reviews for Saint Francis International School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended Saint Francis, we would value your first hand account. Share your experience through the school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better information.
Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does Saint Francis International School follow?
Saint Francis teaches a blended American and international curriculum in English, with Italian and Spanish as additional languages, for children from age three to fourteen. Pupils can also sit the Italian State examinations at the end of grades five and eight.
What ages does Saint Francis International School teach?
The school serves children from age three through to fourteen, the end of grade eight, covering the early years, elementary and middle school stages rather than the senior examination years.
When was Saint Francis International School founded?
The school was founded in 1985 and is an independent, non denominational, co educational school serving the international community in the north of Rome.
How much does Saint Francis International School cost?
Saint Francis sits below the premium international tier for Rome, reflecting its smaller community character and focus on the primary and middle years. We do not publish a confirmed figure, so confirm current tuition directly with the school.
Where is Saint Francis International School located?
The school is in the north of Rome, the residential area where much of the city's international community lives, on a purpose built site with a library, gymnasium and green play area.
