Policy

Overview

Danube International School Vienna (DISV) is a school that aims to be a world leader in international education and that is ‘striving for excellence, engaging minds and exciting learners’. In order to achieve our aims we offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organisation to students aged from three to eighteen.

We are a non-sectarian, non-denominational school that welcomes students of all nationalities. In our admissions policy, we aim to maintain the diversity of students and encourage the multicultural atmosphere within the school. We welcome potential students who are motivated, internationally minded and academically capable of benefiting from our academic programmes.

Conditions

If there is a place available a student will generally be accepted, subject to certain common sense conditions. Mainly this is that the student will be able to benefit from being educated at the school without disadvantaging other current students. However, students with disabilities or special care needs that meet the academic criteria for entry, may be admitted subject to an assessment of their needs and any related risks. Unfortunately, the school is not wheelchair accessible. Parents whose children do require extra care should contact the school for further information.

For example, the language of instruction is English. Therefore, for entry to Grades 11 and 12, when students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, we require a certain level of competence in the English language, since all examination level courses are taught in English. The English Language Development (ELD) coordinator will test students to establish their competence. (This competence requirement does not apply to younger students.)

Similarly, an applicant with special educational needs history (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, medication intervention) will meet with the learning support department for assessment in order to establish that DISV can offer a valid educational programme to that student. For Grades 10, 11 and 12, we also need to ensure that students have the academic capability to be successful in the school programme.

Admissions priorities

The priorities for admission if a grade is oversubscribed are as follows:

1. Students with siblings in the school.
2. Students with a parent or sibling who had attended DISV.
3. International students.
4. Students with parents who are members of DISV staff.
5. Students for whom the alternative of an Austrian school is unrealistic (for example, someone having already attended English speaking schools and cannot speak German).
6. Students entering in September and committing to remain for at least one academic year.
7. Students with the earliest application date.

Entrance Age

A child may be accepted into a grade if he or she is of age before the 1st September. Students are assigned to instructional groups primarily on the basis of age. However, factors such as previous records, measured aptitude and achievement, physical and emotional development and other relevant details are also considered. The final decision rests with the Director. A six week trial period in the grade, to which the student is assigned, is mandatory.

Application Forms

We require all applicants to ensure that the application part A (see Appendix I – Application Form Part A) is completed and that the application part B (see Appendix II – Application from Part B) been given to their previous school for completion. The non-refundable application fee is payable at this time.

Student Records from Other Schools

The school requires student records in English or translated into English (if the language of the report is not understood by the school administration and leadership) from the applicant's previous school before any student is accepted. These records include reports, transcripts, results of standardised tests and any reports by a counsellor or psychologist. The School reserves the right to contact the applicant's previous school prior to acceptance.

Interviews

Whenever possible, the applicant will be interviewed by the Director or a Principal, prior to acceptance. In some cases, this may be a requirement.

Admissions Test

The school maintains an enrolment policy, whereby a standardised Cognitive Aptitude Test is given to applicants before admittance. However, in some cases, where the school has sufficient information from previous reports to make an informed decision, the test may take place purely for placement purposes.

Placement Tests

The Secondary School will utilise a Cognitive Aptitude Test to help place students in mathematics and English. The other languages (German, French or Spanish) in the school may require additional placement testing in order that students are placed in the appropriate teaching groups.

Decisions on Admission

After all the admissions procedures have been followed and application fee payments have been made, then the application will be considered. Decisions will be given in writing.

If, in the judgment of the school, an applicant meets all criteria and space is available, acceptance will be unconditional. However, under some circumstances, a conditional acceptance may be offered. The conditions of acceptance will be clearly stated.

An applicant is only guaranteed a place at the school once the non-refundable enrolment fee payment has been made.

The school reserves the right to deny admission or re-enrolment to any applicant if, in its opinion, there were reasons to believe that admission or re-enrolment would not be in the best interest of the applicant or the School. Please note that a re-enrolment fee also applies to students who have previously been in the school.

The school also reserves the right to postpone admission if a class is full or if the additional student will cause an imbalance in the class profile for reasons of gender, learning needs, nationality, language or culture. In these cases, the applicant is placed on a waiting list. The qualified applicants are then accepted subject to the above admission priorities.

Late Admissions

A student may be admitted to the School at any time during the school year (if places are available).

Cancelled Enrolment and Withdrawal

The parent and/or legal guardian must send notification by registered letter to the Admissions Office.  Please note that additional charges may apply.