Schools

Department of Defense Education Activity School

Like any military base, overseas, there is a Department of Defense Education Activity School for grades Pre-K-12th grade. DoDEA, as one of only two Federally-operated school systems, is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). The closest DoD school for Gaeta families is located on Naples Air Station (NAS) Support Site. This is base is approximately 1-1 1/2 hours away from the Gaeta area.

The DoD school provides a bus for children in grades K-12 that stops at various locations throughout the community of Gaeta*. The bus is a 50 passenger greyhound-like air-conditioned/heated bus with comfortable seating, as well as a working bathroom for any students to use along the way. The bus is equipped with seatbelts as well. The transportation of the children is provided to us with a licensed and experienced bus driver and adult monitor to watch over the children.

It is a long day for the children, starting from 6:30am approximate time for pick up (school starts at 8:20am) and arrives back to our community around 3:45pm** (school lets out at 2:20pm, bus leaves SS at 2:40pm). Despite the long ride, the kids seem to enjoy the social interactions they get to have before and after school on the bus. They can bring their own snacks and drinks for the bus ride and any electronics or materials such as books, games, or toys to play with.

From a parent in the community…

Some parents are hesitant at first to put their children onto the bus because of the long distance and time. As a parent of two elementary school children, who was worried and concerned upon arrival, I can relate. However, since we all live in separate parts of the community (no base housing) my children enjoy the interactions beyond school to be engaging with other American kids. They enjoy that social time, down time, and it helps them to be around other kids in their same situation. The School Liaison Officer is the primary point of contact between the military installation, the local schools and school districts, transitioning families and the community at large.

For more information you can contact the Naples/Gaeta School Liaison Officer, Annise Winslow at 39-081-811-6549 (COMM) Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays or email her with any questions/concerns at: Annise.Winslow@eu.navy.mil

Below are links for further information:

Naples/Gaeta School Liaison Officer Information
http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nsa_naples/ffr/support_services/families/child_and_youth_programs/school_liaison.html

Naples Elementary School
http://www.dodea.edu/Europe/Mediterranean/Naples/NaplesES/index.cfmNaples

Middle/High School
http://www.dodea.edu/Europe/Mediterranean/Naples/NaplesMHS/index.cfm

*Bus Stop locations may change from year to year depending on dependents locations/bus schedule

**Times are also subject to change

Homeschooling and Local Italian Schools

You may also choose to homeschool your children or send them to one of the local Italian schools. These options will be at cost to your family; the only funded option is the DOD school and bus. Please check back soon for a list and some information about local Italian schools.