Admissions Policy

We consider each application carefully, and admissions decisions are based on a composite of information including age of the applicant, his/her prior academic performance, comments from references, and the interview with our PYP/MYP/IB coordinator. 

Primary School assessments are conducted by the Head of Primary School or PYP Coordinator and involve observation in core subjects and social development. Secondary School assessments include an assessment day/trial day or interview and ability testing in English and Mathematics. Assessments for Secondary School students are conducted by the Head of Secondary School or MYP/DP Coordinator.

AMADEUS Vienna serves the educational needs of the internationally-mobile community worldwide. Admissions are open to all students who, in the school’s opinion, will benefit from a challenging international English-language education with a focus on the Arts which prepares them for higher education and a life of challenge, change and purpose.

AMADEUS Vienna admits students whose academic, personal, social and emotional needs can be met by the school’s programme and services, and who can be fully integrated into a mainstream classroom subject to availability at the time of admission.

The type of student we search for is the best articulated by the students themselves. They say: 

‘If AMADEUS Vienna were a person, they would be:  

• Open-minded, diverse, international. S/he is someone who saw the world, a traveler, who saw good and bad.  
• Passionate, creative, imaginative, reflective. S/he is connected to both arts and music and keen to learn.  
• Fun, Inspirational, risk taker. S/he is not afraid of challenges, but he could also be boring. We are not perfect. 
• Likes to communicate, is a good communicator. S/he speaks two or more languages.  
• Smart, critical thinker, curious. S/he has his own opinions.  
• Friendly, non-judgmental, caring. S/he welcomes new people into his life.  
• Unique, balanced, colorful. S/he brings something special to the community.’

(AV Student leadership Team, 2019)

Decisions with respect to initial grade placement, promotion, retention, and continued attendance at AMADEUS Vienna is determined by criteria specific to the age and development of the student.

Annual re-enrolment is contingent upon successful school performance.

Students who are receiving additional support will be reviewed at specific intervals to determine if AMADEUS Vienna can continue to provide for their needs. All students receiving Learning Support will have an annually reviewed Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Placement based on the Date of Birth is reflected below:

The Head of Primary and Head of Secondary will only approve applications for enrolment and grade placement when all requested documentation is complete. Students are placed at a grade compatible with their age, development, and previous school performance. The first priority is to place a student with the age peer group. Occasionally the School may decide that a student’s best interests will be served by a placement a Grade Level above or below that of their age peers. The School’s decision on Grade Level placements is final.

The AMADEUS Vienna Learning Support Department is able to support a limited number of students. One class can fit in maximum one full time 1:1 SEN specialist.

We can assist and provide for students with mild learning disabilities.If a student requires additional support (including but not limited to: external assessments, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, a personal assistant or tutors) services are at the parents’ expense.

In order to understand if a child needs learning support, all previous and existing documents and evaluations of the student’s special needs must be submitted with the application.

We align our decision making with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Generally we expect our students’ proficiency to match the English levels below.

For students who have been assessed as requiring support during the admissions process AMADEUS Vienna provides additional English instruction. If necessary, students may be required to take an intensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) course for approximately the first two months of the school year. The decision is made by the Head of Section and the EAL Coordinator. Information is shared with the family at the time of application.

Based on students’ current proficiency level in English, students are placed in Intensive, Intermediate or Basic EAL programme.

EAL programme placement is based on various components such as:

• admissions English tests (written and online assessments)
• recommendation of previous school
• several other diagnostic testings that have been designed and tailored to AMADEUS Vienna students by our EAL Department, as needed

Entry requirements are summarised below:

AMADEUS Vienna strives to provide a diverse and cultural experience to all of our students. To achieve this, we encourage all nationalities to apply to our school.

In order to create a balance among our student body, AMADEUS Vienna has a maximum of 20% of each nationality per class.

After having processed all applicants, siblings of AV students are given priority over other applicants.

If there is no space available in the appropriate class, you may submit your application and pay a non-refundable Application Fee on EUR 300 to hold a place on the waiting list.

AMADEUS Vienna reserves the right to ask that a student be withdrawn if: 

1. The student’s best interests cannot be met 
2. The student’s behaviour is determined to jeopardise the welfare of the school community 
3. Educationally significant information is withheld from the School 

After receiving a withdrawal notification from the family, the family is required to meet with the Head of School for the exit interview. At the end of the interview the Head of School will determine whether the withdrawal is approved.