Middle School
Fostering Greater Responsibility and Independence
AOSR challenges each student academically, fosters a love of learning, and enhances a feeling of self-worth while offering a truly American International School environment here in Rome.
Nurturing Students during a transitional time
The individual needs, background, and developmental level of each student serves as the starting point for all Middle School learning activities.
The Middle School years are marked by tremendous change and growth in a student's academic, social, emotional, and physical being. We offer a safe, exciting, and challenging environment that guides our students during this transitional time. We prepare well-rounded students for the rigors of high school at AOSR or anywhere in the world.
Classroom without Walls
Middle School Coordinator
Originally a high school biology teacher and residential director in the United States, Sarah Ellyson’s first experience with Middle School students began at AOSR in 1998. She was inspired by the engagement, dedication and creativity that eleven year olds could apply when they worked collaboratively at school. Together they explored the various human body systems, Krebs Cycle, biofeedback loops and not only understood it, but they made a musical about it! From that moment, she was hooked on the dynamic Middle School world.
Ms. Ellyson returned to the United States to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin and then assumed a Dean of Student’s role within a boarding school for a number of years. In 2006, she had the opportunity to return to Rome and AOSR as the Middle School Coordinator. She is delighted to serve in this ideal role which facilitates social, educational, emotional and organizational structures to best support the AOSR student, family and faculty community. She collaborates with the Middle School Student Council to plan and orchestrate school events and also works closely with the school counselor to plan leadership, social and enrichment opportunities for students.
Ms. Ellyson serves on the Steering Committee for the European League of Middle Level Educators, which allows for great connections with initiatives and current trends for Middle Schools throughout Europe. She is active in AOSR’s initiatives for social awareness campaigns and enjoys spending weekend time gardening, walking her dog and exploring outdoors.
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Secondary School Principal
Mr. Jerry Duggan comes to AOSR from Cairo American College in Egypt, where he has been serving as High School Principal. He has worked previously in the United States, Panama, and Chile. Mr. Duggan has 32 years of experience in education, including 27 years in the classroom teaching English, speech and debate, drama, creative writing, electronic media production, and the IB courses of Literature, Language and Literature, and Theory of Knowledge.
Mr. Duggan earned his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude with distinction in English and a minor in Education, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching Humanities, from Colorado College. He holds a certificate in International School Leadership from ISL, based in Toronto, Canada.