When I was looking at schools for our move to Vienna, I wished there were more reviews about them. That is why I find it important to write this one, for others who are searching for reviews like I was!
My children have attended this school for the past several years. I am overall happy with the school. A few teachers do go out of their way, which almost makes up for the ones who do not. Of course, it has its little annoyances like all other schools.
The director this past year and the last couple years have been great, although they have just hired a new one to start this next year.
The elementary school principle is quite fake in personality and prefers to argue than find a solution if something arises that is out of her comfort zone. Hence, this is why I can say I like the directors. They were more open minded and helped find solutions.
It also seems to me and many other moms I have talked with, that if you have a child who is either academically ahead or behind, they will stay stagnant. The school either does not have or will not go out of their way to have the resources needed to help the ones who are not on the same level achieve any higher success. Its almost a punishment if they are not at the same academic level as the others.
Communication does seem to lack in the whole school between parents and teachers unless they have "issues" with your child. Then you will hear about it.
They teach using the American curriculum. This may change a bit this year per rumors and have more Austrian combined. They have a German language program that is mandatory for all grade levels and I think this is great. Though it seems the younger ones do not get enough of the language on a daily basis.
They celebrate every major and a few minor American holidays. This can be frustrating if you do not celebrate them. They also incorporate some Austrian holidays and customs.
The PTA, or here they refer to it as the PTF, plays a huge part in the fund raising for the school. Things like halloween festivities, santa costumes, play toys, and also for bigger projects like theater curtains and play sheds. Why the PTF begs for money the entire year is beyond me when the tuition for the school is so high. Although many moms attend the PTF meetings and gripe, there is always the same ones running the different events. I must admit, some of the events can be fun though!
The middle and high school, I have not had too many issues with. The teachers seem approachable if an issue does arise. My biggest complaint for these grades is the use of a personal laptop the school provides, but will not take responsibility for things the children have access to during school hours. This includes downloading and playing games or movies and social networking during school hours.
This is a school where many wealthy children attend, so get ready to hear all year how so and so has and does this and that. Some of the children's attitude and clothing can be questionable without repercussions. Smoking cigarettes is a big thing in the high school. Although it is not allowed on the school campus, it happens directly off grounds and runs prevalent.
Although they have security, when the school is either getting ready to start or end and the kids are coming/going, the guards do not check ID, so basically anyone can go inside during these times and no one notices. This should change for safety reasons!
Like I said in the beginning, overall it is a great school, but it does have its kinks. I can honestly say I do not know how it compares to vienna international school. read more
