AOSR - American International school in Rome for Pre-K to Grade 12

About Us

The American Overseas School of Rome is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and was the first international school to be awarded MSA's prestigious International Credential.

Established in 1947, the American Overseas School of Rome blends a rich history with future ready learning. Grounded in rigorous and individualized curriculum, AOSR offers American and international educational excellence to Pre-K through Grade 12 students. 

Each year, approximately 575 students are inspired to succeed at AOSR. With one-third American, one-third Italian, and the remaining third from over 50 different countries, AOSR is a truly international school

We cherish the close bonds and warmth of our community, the unparalleled commitment of our faculty, and our enriching multicultural environment. The unique elements of AOSR ensure deep and lasting learning in and beyond the classroom. 

AOSR students benefit from our diverse selection of challenging coursework, the personal attention given in our small classes, and our comprehensive athletics, performing arts and co-curricular programs. Lifelong memories are created through our cultural trips, during which students experience the rich history and culture of Rome and Italy. The success of our alumni and their lifelong connection to AOSR speaks to the experience that our students have. 

AOSR is a member of RISA (Rome International Schools Association), CIS (Council of International Schools) and ECIS. AOSR fully offers both the IB International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the AP Advanced Placement Program. AOSR was the first and is the only international school in Rome to offer comprehensive coursework in these diploma pathways. 

American International School in Rome students

 

AOSR at a Glance

The Best of American International Education

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Our Mission

Our Mission

AOSR offers the best of an American-International education. We inspire our diverse student body to courageously meet the demands of a changing world.

Read about our Mission and Beliefs

Accreditation

Accreditation

The American Overseas School of Rome is the first international school to be awarded MSA's prestigious International Credential. AOSR is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. 

AOSR is a member of RISA (Rome International Schools Association), CIS (Council of International Schools) and ECIS.

Only School in Rome to Offer Extensive AP and IB Programs

Only School in Rome to Offer Extensive AP and IB Programs

AOSR is the only school in Rome to offer extensive AP Advanced Placement and IB Diploma programs, giving our students the opportunity of choice. We offer 19+ AP classes, 17 IB classes, and 92 high school classes. 

IB International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Since 1989

IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme since 1989

  • The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year rigorous pre-university course of studies for highly motivated students.
  • IB Diploma holders gain admission to prestigious universities in the US, Europe, and worldwide.
  • Equipollenza with the Italian "Maturità."
First School in Italy to Offer the AP Advanced Placement Program

The first school in Italy to offer the AP Advanced Placement Program

  • 18 AP courses in multiple subject areas allow high school students to earn college credit.
  • Elite universities in over 55 countries recognize and value the Advanced Placement Program for admissions. 
  • Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education as a valid entry requirement for Italian universities.
A Multicultural Community by Design

A Multicultural Community by Design

AOSR is home to an international student body of 575 students. We take pride in our international community

A Wide Selection of After School Activities

A Wide Selection of After School Activities

An AOSR education means having access to a world of activities outside of the classroom that nurture interpersonal relationships and a feeling of community. Our ASAs range from sports to arts to music to chess club. We value student voice and add new activities based upon student interest. 

Our After School Activities promote cultural awareness and foster collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork. 

Welcome from the Head of School, Dr. Kristen DiMatteo

Welcome to the American Overseas School of Rome.  As parents, choosing the best school for your child is an incredibly important decision. When you join AOSR, you are joining a truly international community that offers the most innovative, rigorous, safe and supportive learning environment in Rome.  At AOSR we seek to bring out the best in each student, every day.

By offering a challenging American international curriculum, AOSR firmly grounds our students in the classical foundations for success, while providing the flexibility to choose their own path of learning passion. Whether it be the sciences, mathematics, design and engineering, literature, fine arts or global politics, our curricular opportunities allow AOSR graduates to attend elite schools like Stanford University and the London School of Economics.  The opportunities AOSR offers our graduates are limitless.

AOSR firmly grounds our students in the classical foundations for success, while providing the flexibility to choose their own path of learning passion.

We know that students learn best when they feel safe.  AOSR boasts a comprehensive campus security system as well as safety protocols that address the wellbeing  and health needs of every student. In response to the current global pandemic, AOSR has implemented state-of-the-art prevention and safety measures to ensure safe in-person learning. 

AOSR faculty 'go the extra mile' to support students to achieve their best results, and also to instill a resilient approach to learning. We all remember that teacher who challenged us to do more and be more than we thought we could be.  Caring, inspiring, and dedicated to the success of each student; these are the teachers at AOSR.  

Like you as parents, we, as a school, are proud of our students and our alumni, of their accomplishments, and their contributions to our world.  

It is for these reasons, and countless others, that I am honored to serve the AOSR community.  

Respectfully,

Dr. Kristen DiMatteo

Head of School

Head of School, Dr. Kristen DiMatteo

About Dr. Kristen DiMatteo 

Dr. DiMatteo has served in seven schools, and held leadership positions in four international schools.  She earned a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University and Master’s Degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Syracuse University, and Appalachian State University.  Two of her four children graduated from AOSR, with one in 10th grade. Her husband Brett serves the school in the field of Technology and Innovation. As a family, they support AOSR Athletics, Arts, and Service programs.

Accreditations and Memberships

Established in 1947, the American Overseas School of Rome has a long tradition of providing a rigorous and well-rounded American international education to Pre-K through Grade 12 students.

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Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

The American Overseas School of Rome is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and was the first international school to be awarded MSA's prestigious International Credential.

Educational Memberships

AOSR is a member of RISA (Rome International Schools Association), CIS (Council of International Schools), and ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools). AOSR is also a proud member of:

  • MAIS (Mediterranean Association of International Schools)
  • ELMLE (European League for Middle Level Education) 
  • AAIE (Association for Advancement of International Education)
The College Board Advanced Placement (AP)

The American Overseas School of Rome was the first in Italy to offer the Advanced Placement AP Program, sponsored by the College Board and it remains an integral part of our high school curriculum.

AOSR offers 19+ different courses in many subject areas: Languages, Sciences, Mathematics, History, and Social Sciences. 

IB Diploma Programme

IBDP International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme since 1989

  • AOSR offers this two-year rigorous pre-university course of studies that meets the needs of highly motivated students.
  • Diploma holders gain admission to prestigious universities in the US, Europe, and worldwide.

Top Reasons to Choose AOSR

A High school student studies for exams. 

Rigorous Academic Programs

The AOSR curriculum follows international and American standards of excellence. From small group enrichment in elementary school, to course acceleration in middle school, to extensive AP and IB coursework in high school, AOSR students of high ability and motivation personally achieve academic success.

Academics

Teacher points to a globe

A Truly International Community

With over 52 nationalities, and an equal representation of American, international, and Italian families, AOSR is a multicultural community by design. Particular to AOSR is the deep sense of respect and appreciation that our students have for one another. Cultural traditions from near and far are shared, explored, and cherished in the classrooms and celebrated during events like our United Nations Concert, our annual Mayfair celebration, and AOSR's International Language Day.

Community

teacher with class

Experienced & Highly Qualified Faculty

Excellence starts with our faculty. The AOSR Leadership Team only recruits the most experienced, innovative, and caring professionals. Of our 85 faculty members, 75% hold advanced degrees and 75% are from English speaking countries. Our expert educators have years of international teaching experience from premier schools around the world, adding tremendous value to our academic, extra-curricular and service programs. AOSR teachers personalize learning for every child to ensure their success. 

Our Global Educators

Varsity student competes in a soccer match for the Girls Varsity Soccer team

Competitive Varsity Athletics

AOSR has a rich history of competitive Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, who participate in the DoDEA, Department of Defense Education Activity, European League. Teams frequently arrive in the top three in championship tournaments. AOSR hosts and visits international schools and Italian clubs across Italy. Over 50% of students at AOSR participate in athletics.

Athletics

AOSR middle school students perform Beauty and the Beast

Performing and Fine Arts

Located in a city of artistic treasures, AOSR values highly the study and creation of art in its many forms. Students pursue artistic endeavors at school, in clubs and organizations, and during after school activities. AOSR performance artists play in our Music Ensemble, sing in High School Chorus, and act in our theater productions such as the annual Shakespeare festival. Our visual artists create and learn through painting, photojournalism, and ceramics. AP and IB classes in the arts allow for university-level coursework.  

Performing and Fine Arts

An alumnus smiles at graduation

Alumni Success

Time spent at AOSR is unforgettable, and our rich alumni network stay in contact with the school and each other, wherever their paths may take them.  AOSR boasts an inspiring number of alumni who have earned the attention of the world, from Olympic athletes, to Grammy winning composers, to professors and published authors. This vast worldwide network that spans across 40 countries, remains deeply connected to this special place. Alumni testimonials note that AOSR was an indelible part of their formative years. 

Alumni Network

An engineering club student builds a creation in the design lab.

Clubs and Organizations

AOSR values student voice, leadership development, and character building. Our students grow through our offering of clubs and co-curricular activities including the National Honor Society, Student Council, Global Issues Network, Model United Nations, Habitat for Humanity, Robotics Club, Engineering Workshop, and the French, Italian, and Spanish Honor Societies. We see these groups as an integral part of our school Mission, and we know learning from these experiences develops leaders of the future. 

Clubs and Organizations

The AOSR historic villa from above 

Facilities for 21st Century Learning & Community Building

Located on  ancient Via Cassia, AOSR is surrounded by a natural reserve and offers the most complete facilities of any international school in Rome. 21st century learning, research,  and investigation happens in our state-of-the-art design, programming, science labs, and our robust libraries.  

Our campus is often called a multicultural oasis. Parents enjoy mingling at our coffee bar, and our community congregates on Fridays for BBQs at our iconic Booster Bar. On a beautiful Roman day, AOSR students can be found learning under our shady pine trees, or studying in our collegiate-style quad. 

Facilities

A student partakes in the gymnastics group for after school activities

After School Activities

An AOSR education means having access to a world of activities outside of the classroom. Activities offered range from sports to arts and music, and offerings are added quarterly based on student interests. The activities in the program are intended to help students to become culturally aware and to help them foster concepts such as collaboration, cooperation, and team work. They also nurture interpersonal relationships and a feeling of community.

ASA