What Makes the American Overseas School of Rome a Standout Choice for International FamiliesSome schools just have a feel to them. You notice it right away. When I visited the American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR), it didn’t feel like a place where students were just getting through the day. It felt alive. Kids were engaged, teachers were connected, and the whole campus gave off a sense of purpose. A first grader proudly walked me through his art project made of recycled materials. A high school student was rehearsing a presentation on global economics. Everywhere I turned, learning wasn’t just happening. It was being owned.So what makes AOSR one of the most respected international schools in Italy? Here’s what I found. A Foundation Built on Global Learning AOSR has been part of Rome’s international landscape since 1947. Over the years, it’s built a reputation for delivering an American and international curriculum that’s both flexible and rigorous. But it’s not just about academics. The school’s philosophy is grounded in three main ideas: Learning should match the student. Teachers personalize lessons to support different learning styles, goals, and strengths. Students should be active participants. They learn by exploring, creating, questioning, and applying. Education should prepare kids for life beyond school. Critical thinking, digital literacy, and creative problem-solving are all part of the experience. These aren’t just fancy phrases. They’re visible in the classrooms, during student performances, in science labs, and on field trips. Whether you’re looking for a nurturing environment for your young child or a challenging high school for your teen, AOSR offers an education that’s well-rounded and globally focused. What School Life Looks Like Elementary School (Pre-K to Grade 5) In the early years, AOSR follows the Reggio Emilia approach. That means learning is driven by curiosity. Kids ask questions and follow their interests through hands-on activities. One class might be studying the way shadows move across the playground. Another could be building a mural that tells a story about their community. From Kindergarten up, students learn through a structured, inquiry-based model. Instead of starting with facts, teachers start with questions. A unit on ecosystems, for example, might include building a terrarium, writing a story from the perspective of a bee, and exploring local environmental issues. Art, music, technology, drama, PE, and Italian are all part of the curriculum. Most classes have around 15 students, which helps teachers give kids the attention they need. One parent I spoke to told me, “We’ve been here since our child was in Pre-K. It’s not just the academics that impressed us. It’s the sense of belonging. You really feel part of something here.” Middle School (Grades 6 to 8) These are the years when students start figuring out who they are and what they care about. AOSR encourages them to take ownership of their learning. Instead of traditional lectures, middle schoolers get a lot of hands-on, project-based work that ties together different subjects. They study core academics like math, science, and literature, along with foreign languages and electives in art, technology, and athletics. Field trips around Rome help connect what they’re learning in class to the world outside. Support is built in. Students who are new to English have access to EAL (English as an Additional Language) services, and those who need academic help can work with learning specialists. High School (Grades 9 to 12 and Postgraduate Year) By the time students get to high school, they’re given a lot of choice. AOSR offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and a full range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students can choose one path, switch between them, or build a program that suits their university goals and learning style. Some key stats: Over 20 AP classes offered Full IB Diploma Programme available Average class size of 17 Personalized college counseling and emotional support services Students graduate with impressive university placements. The Class of 2025 received offers from schools like the University of Cambridge, NYU, and the University of Hong Kong, with students accepted to universities in more than 13 different countries. Education That Goes Beyond Academics Arts Creativity is front and center at AOSR. Whether it’s painting, music, drama, or digital media, students have lots of opportunities to create and perform. The Performing Arts Center regularly hosts plays, concerts, and exhibitions. Sports AOSR’s Falcons compete in leagues across Europe. Students play soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, cross country, and more. Sports are taken seriously, but participation and sportsmanship matter just as much as winning. Extracurriculars The list of clubs and activities is long and diverse. Students can join Model United Nations (which has over 50 years of history at the school), robotics, environmental groups, and debate teams. They’re encouraged to explore their interests or even start something new. Student Wellness AOSR puts just as much emphasis on well-being as it does on grades. Students have access to counselors, learning support, and psychologists. The goal is to make sure every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. A Truly International Community AOSR brings together families from more than 55 nationalities. Kids from diplomatic families, business professionals, researchers, and nonprofit workers all share the same campus. New students are welcomed through orientation programs and peer connections. The school’s admissions process is flexible, so families arriving mid-year can often find a place. Questions Families Often Ask Is AOSR the best international school in Rome?It depends on what you're looking for, but many families consider it their top choice thanks to the academics, community, and decades of experience. Can students choose between IB and AP?Yes, and they can even mix the two. This flexibility helps students tailor their studies to their strengths and university plans. Is AOSR accredited?Yes. It’s recognized by the U.S. Middle States Association and has been an IB World School since 1989. What languages are taught?The main language of instruction is English. Students also take classes in Italian, French, and Spanish. Italian nationals receive support to prepare for national exams. Where do graduates go next?Nearly all AOSR graduates continue their studies at university. Alumni have gone on to study in the United States, Canada, the UK, Italy, and throughout Europe. The Takeaway The American Overseas School of Rome doesn’t just prepare students for exams. It prepares them for life. From the moment you step on campus, you can tell it’s a place where young people are seen, supported, and challenged. Set in one of the world’s most inspiring cities, AOSR blends strong academics with a creative spirit and a diverse international community. It’s a place where students don’t just go to school — they grow into the people they’re meant to become.