A Timeline of the History of AOSR
History of the American Overseas School of Rome
The history of the American Overseas School of Rome is one of vision, determination, and community.
While AOSR was officially incorporated in 1947, newly shared accounts and historical documents from two of the school's original students, Paul Horwitz and Margaret Stern, reveal that the school's story began even earlier.
In the months following World War II, a small group of parents faced a difficult reality. Rome offered no suitable English-language education for their children. Rather than wait for someone else to solve the problem, they built a school themselves.
Working against extraordinary odds, they recruited teachers, found classroom space through the support of the U.S. Army, gathered textbooks and supplies, and welcomed 130 students when the Overseas School of Rome first opened its doors on October 14, 1946 at Foro Mussolini, today known as Foro Italico. The school operated as a parent-led cooperative before being formally incorporated the following year.
In 1947, the school moved to the Casino dei Principi at Villa Torlonia on Via Nomentana, today a museum. This historic villa became the school's home during a period of rapid growth and expansion before the move to Via Cassia in 1951, where additional space allowed the school to introduce a high school program.
One of the treasured photographs from this period, generously shared by Carole Satrina, shows the 1947 Overseas School of Rome staff standing outside the Casino dei Principi. Among those pictured are Lois Duggin, Lucia Torossi, Audrey Lanza, Nancy Burt, Peggy Henderson, Madeleine Brown Fabris, Mrs. Gasparotti, Ian Taylor, and school secretary Netti Rigaci. Together, these educators helped establish the academic foundation upon which AOSR continues to build today. Discover the AOSR Global Educators of Today.
Margaret Stern also preserved memories from conversations with longtime educator Peggy Henderson, who reflected on the school's early years with honesty and pride. Peggy recalled designing the original OSR logo by combining two symbols that represented the school's identity: the Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus, symbolizing Rome, and an open book, representing education. Margaret's recollections also remind us that the school's history, like that of many long-standing institutions, included difficult moments as well as achievements. Preserving these stories helps us better understand the people and decisions that shaped AOSR's journey.
The determination of those pioneering families transformed an idea into a thriving international school. They overcame financial challenges, multiple campus moves, and the uncertainty of post-war Rome. Their commitment established the values that continue to define AOSR today: courage, international mindedness, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are honored to preserve and share these first-hand memories. They remind us that AOSR was never simply a school. From its earliest days, it has been a community built by families, for families. Every student, parent, faculty member, and alumnus has helped write the next chapter of this remarkable story.
The Future of AOSR
Giving to AOSR means investing in the present and future of our students.
Your charitable support allows AOSR to offer unparalleled opportunities to our students who will shape the world of our future. Donations- of any amount- signify a belief in AOSR and our mission.
Supporting AOSR means making a lasting impact on our international community that you and your family will always be an integral part of. We are infinitely grateful to donors who create exciting opportunities and formative experiences for students now and for years to come.