Our inquiry-based curriculum encourages your child to ask questions, explore ideas, and establish meaningful connections with their environment. Small class sizes allow teachers to understand the needs of your child, adapting lessons to fit his or her learning styles and supporting their unique pace of growth.
In a constantly changing world, families are looking for more than test prep or repeating text out of book. You want a school that helps your child build confidence, push their creativity, ask questions that help solve problems, and more importantly, you want a school where your child feels welcome and naturally collaborate with others, life skills that matter in any future. At AOSR, these values make up the everyday experience for your child, from hands-on classroom learning to outdoor play and cross-cultural friendships.
Our caring, international faculty brings deep experience and a genuine love for teaching your children. We work closely with you, our parents, because we believe school should feel like an extension of home—a place where your child is known, supported, and celebrated.
Core Curriculum
- English Language Arts: A balanced literacy program that nurtures confident readers and writers through engaging, student-centered activities.
- Mathematics: Using the Illustrative Math Program, students develop problem-solving skills and apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations.
- Science: Students engage in hands-on experiments, fostering a deep understanding of life, earth, and physical sciences, culminating in the Grade 5 UN Sustainability Goals Capstone Project.
- Social Studies: Students start by exploring the diverse cultures that shape their daily lives, building awareness of the international community around them. As they progress, they delve into ancient history, with highlights including overnight trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum that bring their learning to life.
- Italian Language: Whether they are beginners or native speakers, classes are tailored to their language level. Through stories, songs, games, and conversation, students build vocabulary, develop confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of Italian language and culture—an essential part of daily life in Rome.
Specialist Classes
In addition to the core subjects, students participate in:
- Art and Music: Promoting creativity and self-expression.
- World Languages: Enhancing cultural awareness and language development.
- Physical Education: Encouraging fitness and teamwork.
- Learning Support: The Learning Support Department assists students who qualify for the program and need additional academic support.
- The EAL Program: The EAL program supports non-native English speakers through personalized instruction and collaborative learning. Lessons focus on academic vocabulary, fluency, and critical thinking. Progress is regularly assessed to ensure students are prepared for higher-level learning.
A Transformative Educational Journey: Highlights of Elementary School at AOSR
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry is the cornerstone of our Elementary School curriculum. From reading and writing workshops to problem-based math and hands-on science experiments, students are encouraged to explore, question, and think critically.
Social-Emotional Growth
Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program helps students build empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills, ensuring their holistic development.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor activities on the sensory playground, outdoor classroom area, playgrounds, and extensive open green spaces around the campus embed nature into our students’ educational journey, enhancing their connection with the environment.
Sports & After-School Activities
Our After-School Activities (ASA) program offers diverse opportunities, including:
- Sports: Soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and more.
- Creative Arts: Drama, ceramics, and choir.
- STEM Programs: Robotics and coding.
Visit Us to Learn More
AOSR’s Elementary School sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning. To schedule a visit or learn more about our program, contact us.
AOSR’s elementary program combines American educational standards with an inquiry-based approach to learning. We use Common Core State Standards for literacy and math, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and internationally recognized frameworks for social studies. Through inquiry, students ask questions, investigate, and explore topics deeply while building strong academic foundations. The curriculum balances core subjects with specialist instruction in art, music, physical education, technology, Italian, and library skills, supporting both academic and personal growth.
AOSR emphasizes ongoing classroom-based assessment. Teachers use observation, classwork, projects, and formative assessments to monitor student growth throughout the year. Standardized testing is introduced starting in Grade 3 using MAP Growth assessments, which help track student progress over time. These tests are used as one data point to inform instruction and support individualized learning, not as a high-stakes evaluation.
Teachers at AOSR have the professional autonomy to adjust pacing, materials, and instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students while following the school’s curricular standards. This allows teachers to provide enrichment or targeted support as needed, while maintaining consistency in learning objectives across grade levels. The flexible approach supports differentiation, personalized learning, and student engagement.
AOSR serves a highly mobile, international community. The curriculum is designed to align with international standards, making transitions to other international or national systems smoother. Teachers are experienced in supporting students who enter at different times of the year or from varied educational backgrounds. Language support, cultural sensitivity, and social-emotional programs help new students integrate quickly, while transferable academic skills ensure that students can continue their education successfully if they relocate.
AOSR offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are developing English proficiency. The EAL program is integrated into the school day and focuses on both academic language and social communication skills. Italian is also taught as a core subject, allowing students to develop local language skills starting in Grade 1. For students who need additional language support, the school offers targeted instruction while keeping them engaged in the regular classroom environment as much as possible.
AOSR emphasizes open, ongoing communication between parents and teachers. Formal parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice per year, but teachers are accessible for meetings, updates, and discussions as needed throughout the year. Progress reports are shared regularly, and teachers, as well as our Elementary School Counselor, maintain close contact with parents to address academic, social, and emotional development. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life through events, volunteer opportunities, and the active Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).
At the American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR), elementary class sizes average 15 students per class from Pre-K through Grade 5, with two sections per grade level.