Question 1

From what age can children join OIS?

Accepted Answer

From age 3, in Nursery. The journey continues with Reception and primary school up to Year 6 (age 11). Pupils who attended our primary can carry on in the English club up to age 14.

Question 2

Are Early Years classes grouped by age?

Accepted Answer

Yes, classes are single-age: every child is with classmates of the same age. In Early Years, 3-year-olds are in Nursery and 4-year-olds in Reception: a 3-year-old is never in the same class as 5-year-olds.

Question 3

Does my child need to speak English already?

Accepted Answer

Every child is assessed through a meeting and, where needed, an entry assessment, so we can place them in the class that best suits their needs and abilities. Talk to the Head about it during your visit.

Question 4

When should we apply?

Accepted Answer

As early as possible: places are limited and we recommend pre-enrolling in January. Admissions for the 2026/27 school year are open.

Question 5

Which documents are needed?

Accepted Answer

The child's birth certificate, certificate of residence, vaccination record and Italian tax code (codice fiscale).

Question 6

How does the bilingual programme work?

Accepted Answer

Nursery, Reception and Year 1 are taught entirely in English. From the first year of Italian primary, subjects are taught in both languages: English and Italian 60/40 in the first two years, 45/55 in the last three. Every class has a native-speaker teacher for each language.

Question 7

Can children move on to an Italian school after OIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pupils complete the full Italian national programme and their progress is also checked with official exams, so afterwards they can attend an Italian school, state or private, or an international school.

Question 8

Is there a school bus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the school runs a bus service for Ostia, Ostia Antica, Infernetto and Casal Palocco.

Question 9

Are lunches provided? Who cooks?

Accepted Answer

Yes: lunch is prepared every day in the school kitchen by our cook.

Question 10

Is the uniform compulsory?

Accepted Answer

Pupils are asked to wear the school uniform every day. It can be ordered and bought from the school office.

Question 11

How do you support pupils with learning difficulties?

Accepted Answer

The school prepares a personalised learning plan (PDP), has an on-site coordinator and a team of tutors trained by the Italian Dyslexia Association (AID). The tutoring service is not included in the fees.

Question 12

How much are the fees?

Accepted Answer

You will find the fees and what they include in the “Fees and services” section of this page. For details such as instalments and discounts, ask the school office or at your meeting.

Stage	Annual fee
Early Years · Nursery and Reception	€ 0.000
Primary School · Year 1 – Year 6	€ 0.000
English Club · Year 7 – Year 9	€ 0.000
Enrolment fee (one-off)	€ 000

Enrolling your child at OIS

Enrolment in 3 steps

Meeting and visit

Entry assessment

Documents

Which class would my child join?

School bus, uniform and lunches

School bus

School uniform

Lunches

Fees and services

Included in the fees

Charged separately

Frequently asked questions

Come and see OIS for yourself