Minorities and ethnic groups
Schools for minorities and ethnic groups are operated in the provinces of Burgenland (Croatian and Hungarian) and in Carinthia (Slovene). More details.
Organisational variations and alternative structures in primary education
Waldorf schools, rooted in anthroposophy, exist in all of Austria's provinces as alternative schools.
Other alternative schools operate according to the principles of Freinet, Rebecca Wild and others.
The educational principles of Maria Montessori are not taught in special schools, but are implemented in several mainstream institutions.
Less common variations
Austrian pupils may undergo general compulsory education at public schools or at schools enjoying public-law status. Alternatively they can attend a private school not enjoying public-law status, or they may be taught at home, if private tuition is at least equivalent to that offered at a corresponding school.
The board of education must be notified of private tuition arrangements within one week after the end of the previous year of instruction.
Children being taught privately must take exams at the end of the school year to demonstrate that they have attained the educational goals of the school they would have to attend otherwise. If they fail this exam, private tuition will be disallowed in the following school year, and the child will have to finish compulsory education at school.
International schools
There are several private, foreign-language schools in Austria, some of which enjoy public-law status.
- English is the language of instruction in the following three schools:
- The Vienna International School or United Nations school caters to children from the age of five and takes them to the international baccalaureate (13 years in total).
- The American International School follows the US model and offers education up to grade 12.
- The Danube International School has modelled its curriculum and organisation on the Vienna International School.
- The Lycée Français de Vienne is Vienna's francophone school.
These international schools and the Lycée provide suitable educational options for the international community.
Legislation references
- Act on School Education for Ethnic Minorities in Burgenland
- Minority Schooling Act for Carinthia
- Private Schools Act
- School Organisation Act
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