On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the St. Stephen’s Parents’ Committee invites parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to gather for a special evening of celebration and purpose at a Villa on the Appia Antica. This year’s gala is more than a social occasion—it is an opportunity to come together in support of a vision that will shape student life for years to come.
At the heart of the evening is a fundraising auction dedicated to the transformation of the school’s terrace and multi-use sports courts—spaces that will become central to how students learn, connect, and grow.
Investing in the Exceptional
A question often arises in independent schools: if tuition sustains the institution, why does philanthropy matter?
The answer is both simple and profound. Tuition ensures that St. Stephen’s can deliver the rigorous, high-quality education that defines its mission—supporting faculty, curriculum, and daily operations.
Philanthropy, however, is what allows the school to go further. It is what turns strong foundations into transformative experiences.
Through the generosity of its community, St. Stephen’s is able to invest in initiatives that extend beyond the operational budget—innovative programs, expanded opportunities, and spaces that inspire new ways of learning.
A Vision for the Future
The current campaign focuses on a reimagining of the school’s outdoor environment: a 785-square-meter transformation designed to integrate learning, recreation, and community life.
The new terrace will include an outdoor classroom, offering students the opportunity to engage with ideas in an open, dynamic setting. An expanded cafeteria space, complete with an outdoor kitchen, will create new moments for connection and shared experience.
Landscaped green areas and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces will invite students to pause, reflect, and interact in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
Complementing this transformation, the upgraded multi-use sports courts will support both athletic excellence and student well-being. With enhanced playing surfaces, improved infrastructure, and dedicated spectator areas, these spaces will foster teamwork, resilience, and school spirit.
As one student recently reflected, “There’s something special about being outside here—the light, the trees, the view of Rome. It makes school feel different, more alive.” It is precisely this sense of vitality that the project seeks to preserve and expand.
A Shared Commitment
The Parents’ Committee Gala is, at its core, an expression of community. It brings together those who believe in the enduring value of a St. Stephen’s education and in the importance of investing in its future.
Every contribution—whether through participation, advocacy, or philanthropy—plays a role in shaping the environment in which students learn and grow. These are not simply improvements to physical spaces; they are investments in experiences, in relationships, and in the daily life of the school.
As we gather on May 27, we do so with a shared purpose: to build something lasting, together.
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and impact—and be part of the next chapter of St. Stephen’s School.
For members and friends of the St Stephen’s School community interested in buying tickets, please click here.
