On Thursday, September 3, St. Stephen's School officially welcomes students back to campus with a comprehensive two-day Orientation Program designed to help every student begin the year with confidence, connection, and purpose.
The opening of the academic year also marks an exciting milestone as Maria Valentina Nunes welcomes students for the first time as Head of School. Throughout Orientation, she will meet with every grade level to share her vision for the year ahead and officially welcome both new and returning students to the St. Stephen's community.
Orientation has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that students reconnect with friends, build relationships with faculty and advisors, and become familiar with the academic and student life opportunities that await them.
For our newest students in Grade 9, the first day focuses on building a strong foundation. Students will meet their advisors, be introduced to peer mentors, learn about student life, athletics, service learning, and wellness, and begin forming the relationships that will support them throughout their St. Stephen's journey.
Students in Grade 10 will reconnect with classmates while participating in sessions focused on leadership, wellbeing, and community engagement before meeting with advisors to prepare for the year ahead.
Our Grade 11 and 12 students begin Orientation with a community welcome before participating in grade-specific sessions focused on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, wellness, advisor meetings, and, for seniors, college preparation, senior expectations, and Extended Essay planning.
Throughout the two days, students will also connect with many of the people who make the St. Stephen's experience unique, including the Student Life team, advisors, librarians, college counselors, wellness staff, service learning coordinators, athletic leaders, and faculty mentors.
The second day of Orientation extends learning beyond the classroom.
Students in Grades 9–11 will participate in grade-level experiences across the region, designed to strengthen friendships, encourage collaboration, and build a sense of belonging before academic classes begin. From stepping into ancient Roman history with the Gruppo Storico Romano, to outdoor adventure in Fregene, to environmental and team-building activities along the Aniene River, each experience reflects St. Stephen's commitment to experiential learning and community building.
Meanwhile, Grade 12 students will spend the day participating in dedicated workshops focused on the Extended Essay and university preparation, helping them begin one of the most important years of their academic journey with clarity and purpose.
Classes officially begin on Monday, September 7, when students return to campus for the first full day of academic instruction.
As another school year begins, we look forward to welcoming both new and returning members of our community. Together, we embark on another year of intellectual curiosity, meaningful relationships, and the distinctive educational experience that defines St. Stephen's School—where Rome itself becomes an extension of the classroom.
Welcome back, and here's to an inspiring 2026–2027 school year.
