How Rome’s leading international school prepares students for the future

And it was surprisingly easy for the couple, who previously lived in Singapore, to make their choice. After visiting six schools in a day, there was one that stood out immediately: the American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR). 

“We both left with the same feeling that we liked the vibe, we liked how it felt very warm and like a big family. And that was really important to us,” says Joanna, whose sons Matteo, 11, and eight-year-old Luca have been attending AOSR since the beginning of 2023.

Strong values and state-of-the-art facilities 

Founded in 1947, AOSR instils a love of learning from a young age and equips students with the skills to succeed in the world. Educators help young people discover their strengths, while preparing them for admission to top colleges and universities.

The school’s values – such as commitment to excellence for every pupil and its principle of reinvesting all resources into student growth and campus life – shone through during Joanna and Stefano’s visit. 

They were impressed by what the school describes as its “future-ready” six-acre campus on Via Cassia that includes 55 classrooms, four science labs, two libraries and an American-style gymnasium.

There’s also plenty of outdoor space, from a brand-new soccer pitch to tennis and basketball courts. “For me, sports and the boys playing outdoors was important,” says Joanna, recalling her first impressions of the school.

With the recently opened Performing Arts Center and Middle School Commons, the non-profit AOSR has invested in facilities designed to nurture students and help them grow with confidence, from kindergarten to high school. 

“Since we’ve been here, it’s really lived up to all of the things that we initially had thought we wanted in a school,” says Joanna, whose husband Stefano is originally from Rome. 

International education that opens doors

A truly diverse school, AOSR’s more than 600 students represent over 55 nationalities. Around 70 percent of students come from international backgrounds and 30 percent from Italy.

Among them are the three children of Benedetta Mancini and her husband Marco Fantini, who are from Rome.

One reason they chose AOSR was to widen their children’s future opportunities.

“Me and my wife love to travel and work worldwide, so we know the importance of speaking English,” Marco explains. “We deeply believe that having such an education will open many doors to them.”

They were also drawn to AOSR for its American international curriculum.

“It has always been our childhood dream to attend an American school, so we decided to make our wish come true through our kids,” says Marco. 

English is the primary language of instruction at AOSR but students are equally encouraged to embrace Italian and other languages. Italian is integrated into the curriculum from elementary through high school.

Singapore-born Joanna appreciates that students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures – from local families to those arriving from all over the world. “It’s an international school, but you have the Italian language happening in the classroom,” she adds. 

With Rome on the doorstep, learning extends beyond the campus. Joanna notes that her eldest son has already been on a school day trip to the Colosseum and an overnight trip to Pompeii.

A view of Rome’s colosseum. Learning extends beyond the classroom at AOSR. Image by lolsanches from Pixabay

“I keep emphasising to them that it’s a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in Rome,” she says. “But at the same time, to be exposed to all the international cultures and their classmates, and to also understand and learn about their cultures, too. 

“So they get a lot from being in Rome and being in Italy, but also from being exposed to all these different nationalities and traditions in the classroom.”

Explore life at the American Overseas School of Rome

Dedication to students and learning 

Joanna, a Board Director of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business Alumni Association, appreciates the AOSR approach to learning, which encourages independent-thinking and creativity.

One of her highlights has been seeing her eldest son Matteo present his final project for Grade 5. Working in teams on a UN Sustainable Development goal, the students carried out their own research, interviews and planning. 

Arts are also high on the agenda at AOSR. For instance, a musical production of Madagascar saw pupils encouraged to sing, dance and act. 

“I really saw the dedication from the school,” says Joanna, adding: “I was shocked in a great way, like I was impressed at the level of the production.”

The school is always in close contact with parents. Joanna says she appreciated the support from teachers when deciding whether to advance their younger son Luca, who had started in a lower grade mid-year to ease the move from abroad. Moving him up a grade proved the right choice.

“He’s so happy,” says Joanna. “I was very grateful to the school that they helped, they guided us through that process.”

Preparing students for what’s next: learn more about AOSR’s academic programme

Strong community spirit

Ask any of the families and they’ll no doubt say the heart of AOSR is its strong community. 

“We love the BBQ and the Games Days,” says Marco. “It is important to strengthen the social moments with the school community, this is not common in Italian schools.”

That’s a sentiment shared by Joanna, who says the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is “the only really active one in all of the international schools in Rome”.

Serving on the PTO committee has allowed Joanna to help plan traditions like Oktoberfest, Winter Fest, and the long-running Mayfair. 

Regular events like ‘Popcorn Days’ and ‘Friday Barbecues’ also bring parents, teachers and students together in a social setting.

“It’s really given me an opportunity to get involved with supporting school events and activities, and to really get to know other parents,” says Joanna.

Luca and Matteo at Matteo’s 11th birthday celebration in his classroom at AOSR. Photo courtesy of Joanna Ng

What stands out most to Joanna is the diversity of the parent network – from diplomats and embassy staff to families working in health, military or business – all contributing their time and energy to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Italian parents, she adds, even organise language classes and outings to help newcomers settle into life in Rome.

Find out more about AOSR’s vibrant international community

Walter Balducci, Marketing, Communications and Advancement Manager, said: “At AOSR, the family-school connection is at the heart of everything we do.

“Our diverse community, with families from over 55 nationalities, creates a rich environment where students grow not only academically but also through the strong sense of belonging and support that surrounds them.”

It’s this thriving learning community at AOSR – combined with an international forward-thinking curriculum – that parents believe is setting their children up for future success. 

“Our kids are global citizens and I think the school experience is helping them to get there, one step closer,” Joanna says. 

Explore day to day life at the American Overseas School of Rome