Primary Discovery Morning
Join a special morning where your child can experience our Primary classroom first-hand! Discover how young learners build key foundations while engaging in fun, interactive learning activities!
What our discovery morning looks like:
1-hour class exploration designed for students entering Primary
30-minute question and answer time with our experienced Primary teacher
Personalized campus tour with the Admissions team
Our Primary Discovery Morning is open to all interested families with Kindergarten-aged children. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Primary class at ICSV .
Founded in 1986, the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV) is the only K-12 English-speaking Christian school in Vienna.
We serve over 340 students from Primary (age 5) through Grade 12, offering an American curriculum and the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. Our academic program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, not just academically, but in life.
With small class sizes that allow for individualized learning experiences, and students from over 65 nationalities, we offer a truly international education. Our approach is built around the belief that every student is uniquely created with God-given potential and deserves to be seen, loved, and supported. Guided by highly qualified teachers, students receive a holistic education grounded in Christian values such as integrity, respect, excellence, and service.
Outside the classroom, a wide range of extracurriculars, athletics, and community service opportunities allows students to discover their interests, build character, and grow leadership skills.
Located in one of Europe’s most livable cities, ICSV offers families a close-knit school culture in a global capital. We invite you to take the next step and become part of a community where students are empowered to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 41 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Nationalities
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Number of students
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340
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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65
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Most common nationality
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American and Austrian
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Ratio of local students to international students
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Around 20% of our students are local.
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Languages
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes. All our English classes are taught by native English speakers and our German as a foreign language classes are taught by German native speakers.
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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The school has an extensive Student Support Services department that provides English Language Learner instruction for non-native English-speaking students who need to raise their level of academic proficiency in English. Students who require ELL services should apply and enroll as early as possible, as our ELL capacity is limited. All incoming middle and high school students must have sufficient academic English language skills to be eligible for our program. Supplemental Fees are charged for these services.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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German for K-12,
IB Spanish in Grades 11 and 12
French, and Mandarin through IB Pamoja in Grades 11 and 12
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Classroom
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Max. number of students per class
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Kindergarten/Primary: 15 students
1st to 3rd Grade: 18-20 students
4th to 5th Grade: 20 students
6th to 12th Grade: 20-22 students
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Average number of students per class
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16
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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At ICSV, technology is integrated throughout the curriculum to enhance our students’ overall learning experience with innovative tools and resources. We emphasize teaching students how to use technology responsibly and effectively in an increasingly digital world.
Elementary school classrooms are equipped with iPads or Chromebooks for specific activities and research projects. Beginning in Elementary school, students attend a computer class designed to develop essential technology skills, including typing and ethical technology use.
In secondary school, many courses utilize digital resources, allowing students to engage with various online platforms for assignments and research. Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy requires students in Grades 6-12 to bring their own devices to school, ensuring they can access the necessary tools for their studies.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes, we offer distance learning when the country is in lockdown.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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Our holistic education is rooted in Christian principles and goes beyond academics to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and ethical development of every student. While students study core subjects like Math, English, Science, or Social Studies, they also participate in weekly Chapel sessions and attend Bible classes four times a week as part of our curriculum. We teach from a Christian worldview, emphasizing values such as respect, integrity, service, and kindness. These values promote character development and benefit all students, regardless of their faith.
Our teachers are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically and become socially responsible while caring for their spiritual and emotional well-being. By teaching life principles that extend beyond the classroom, we help shape students who care for others and contribute to their communities.
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How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?
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At the International Christian School of Vienna, we welcome students from all faith backgrounds and cultures. Students do not need to have a Christian background to apply. We are proud to be an international community with students from various nationalities, cultures, and religions, which creates a diverse learning community that enriches our students’ educational experience. Our school is committed to ensuring that every student is valued as a unique individual created in the image of God.
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Academics
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External examinations or assessments available
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At ICSV we administer the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment in Grades 1-10, Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) in Grades 10 and 11 (GL Assessments), PSAT in Grades 10 and 11, WIDA Model in Grades K-12 for students requiring English support only, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma - IB exams. Students have the opportunity to register for either the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or Advanced Placement (AP) exams, both facilitated at ICSV and independently prepared for.
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Results in these examinations
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The school has enjoyed a 100% IB Diploma pass rate during the last few years. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 100% of our candidates successfully passed the IB Diploma with an average score of 33, surpassing the global average of 30.32 points.
For the most recent scores, please check our latest Annual Review booklet available on our website at https://www.icsv.at/about-us/annual-reports
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Elementary School:
An estimated amount of time to be spent on homework each night is:
Primary: 0-10 minutes
Grades 1-2: 0-30 minutes
Grades 3-4: 0-45 minutes
Grade 5: 0-60 minutes
Middle School: An estimated amount of time to be spent on homework each night is 2 hours.
High School: An estimated amount of time to be spent on homework each night should be less than 2.5 hours. Additional homework for high school honors and IB courses is permissible.
Students enrolled in honors and IB classes should expect a heavier homework load, including homework during the summer and over breaks. The teacher will determine homework expectations and communicate those to students and parents.
Homework is not assigned over Fall Break, Christmas Break, Energy Break, or Easter Break.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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There are usually 1-2 students who prefer to take a gap year after graduation, the rest attend a higher educational institution after graduating
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Student support
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes, ICSV offers a Learning Support (LS) Program.
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Learning support offered
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ICSV offers instructional support to students with a variety of mild to moderate learning challenges. Enrollment in the Learning Support Program is based on individual student needs, program capacity, and availability of the required support. Students with diagnosed learning challenges are provided with Individual Learning Support Plans, outlining their specific goals and accommodation needs. Learning Support may also include assistance within the classroom or in a small group setting. On occasion, ICSV is able to provide individualized support via one-on-one time with a learning support professional. Supplemental Fees are charged for these services.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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ICSV provides individualized education, which means the gifts and/or challenges of every student are being addressed individually and corresponding accommodations or modifications can be provided upon consulting with the school administration. This process includes an evaluation of the provided application documentation, and placement test results and if applicable, personal interviews.
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Student access to education psychologist
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Our Learning Support Department Head and school counselor are available for student questions of all kinds. There are also other educators on staff who are available to be approached by students with their personal questions or concerns. For educational psychologists providing assessments and diagnoses of learning disabilities, our school counselor and Learning Support Department Head refer students out for that service as it lies outside their purview.
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Admissions
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Entry evaluation for students
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Yes. ICSV welcomes students from many different school systems worldwide, so all prospective students complete age and grade-appropriate admissions testing to help us determine their academic needs and enrollment eligibility.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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As part of the admissions process, a standardized Cognitive Aptitude Test, known as CAT4, is conducted to evaluate the cognitive skills of applicants and determine their grade level placement. This test cannot be prepared for, and it helps us to place students appropriately.
Non-native English-speaking students complete an in-person English language assessment at our school. This assessment helps the admissions committee evaluate the student’s English proficiency in writing, listening, speaking, and reading. If taking the English assessment in person is not possible, students can alternatively submit recognized international English language certificates, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English. Please note that no other English certificates are accepted when in-person testing cannot be completed, and the results must be less than one year old at the time of the application review.
Students with identified learning needs are required to provide a psycho-educational report and/or their most recent IEPs. Additional in-person testing at ICSV is required to ensure that we fully understand their learning needs and can determine the availability of appropriate support within our program.
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Waiting list
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Yes. Once we reach capacity in a grade level or within our Student Support Services, such as the English Language Learner (ELL) program or Learning Support (LS), students may be placed in our waiting pool. Only students who qualify for acceptance after completing the admissions process including admissions testing can be placed in the waiting pool.
We encourage students who may require Student Support Services to apply as early as possible, as spaces are limited.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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ICSV has a rolling admissions policy, meaning that applications are processed throughout the school year, and students can be accepted as long as vacancies are available. Prospective families who think that a move to Vienna or ICSV may be possible are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible (ideally as early as October). This allows families to gather application materials early.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes, if capacity allows.
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School day
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School start time
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30
Thursday (Late Start Day): 8:55
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School finish time
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Elementary School: 15:20
Secondary School: 8:30 – 15:25
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Supervised care before/after school
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We open our doors to students at 7:50 AM from Monday through Friday. During this time, students are supervised until their classes begin.
Students in Primary through Grade 5 can participate in our After School Care Program from 15:45 - 17:00. The program includes a variety of activities such as indoor games, playground time, homework support, and snacks provided by the school.
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School provided lunches
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Yes, the International Christian School of Vienna offers a quality lunch program in partnership with the catering service Kulinario, providing students with meals in our school cafeteria.
The lunch program offers a small or regular three-course menu or a sandwich choice. The three-course menu typically includes a soup of the day, a main course, a salad, and dessert or fruit. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available every week. Parents can view our weekly lunch menu, including nutritional and allergen information, on our website.
The lunch program operates with a cashless prepaid lunch card system. Participation in the lunch program is optional, and students can also bring their own lunch from home. Our cafeteria is equipped with microwaves to heat food if needed. All students, whether they choose our lunch program or bring lunch from home, join their peers for a shared mealtime experience in the cafeteria.
Grades 7 to 12 students may leave the school campus for lunch on designated days, provided they have parental permission.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Our school offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options every week. Nutritional and allergen information for all weekly menus can be found on our website.
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Uniform required
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No. At ICSV we believe in fostering individuality and promoting diversity among our students. While we do not have school uniforms, students are expected to adhere to our dress code which emphasizes modesty, academic attire, and neatness.
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Facilities
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Facilities at the school
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Our school building includes three science laboratories, a computer lab, and a library with both digital and print resources for the students. We also have separate music, art, and multi-purpose room which is used for school assemblies, concerts, and chapel. Our campus also features an outdoor elementary playground for students to engage in physical activity and outdoor play during recess. Finally, we have a cafeteria where students can purchase lunch and enjoy a meal with their peers.
ICSV is working on the expansion of its current facility through a new building. We have designed a new sustainable state-of-the-art facility with four science labs, a double gymnasium with a stage, multiple outdoor spaces for athletic events, and flexible learning spaces for students to collaborate with their peers.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Our sports facilities include an outdoor soccer field and basketball court as well as an indoor PE and weight room.
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About the school
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The International Christian School of Vienna is an international school that values excellence in academic education. The positive classroom atmosphere is a safe environment, promoting students’ learning and growth both emotionally and intellectually.
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Teaching approach of the school
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ICSV is an international school with a United States-based curriculum.
Modeling faith in Jesus Christ is the desire of each staff member at ICSV. The academic program and learning environment reflect this in many ways. As teachers guide students through rich learning experiences, they also strive to nurture the faith of their students.
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Elementary School | Ages 5-11
Our elementary school is made up of a culturally diverse group of students where understanding and respect are developed. The diversity in the student body is intentionally celebrated. ICSV emphasizes excellence in all areas of education. In the area of academics at the elementary level, MAP testing is administered each fall and spring to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student.
Elementary staff members desire to educate and mentor every student individually in order to meet their academic, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs through exploration, creative expression, and social interaction. Every student is uniquely created in the Image of God; therefore, individualized instruction is our aim. This is accomplished through a team of educators that works with both the students and their parents.
Middle School | Ages 11-14
Our Middle School program focuses on deepening students' foundational knowledge and skills in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and foreign languages. They can also explore fields of interest with arts, computer, life skills, and physical education classes. While academic skills are valuable, nurturing spiritual, social, and emotional well-being is equally important. We focus on cultivating a safe environment where students are seen and valued inside and outside the classroom.
High School | Ages 15-18
The International Christian School of Vienna offers a rigorous American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma for grades 11 and 12. As a school, we are committed to providing high-quality, individualized education where students graduate with an American high school diploma and optionally the IB Diploma Programme. Our academic program equips students with the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to succeed in university and beyond.
Curriculum
Bible & Chapel
As part of our Christian curriculum, students attend Bible class and Chapel. With our student body coming from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, we strive to create an environment where everyone can freely express their beliefs while exploring the truth of the Bible together.
German
While English is the language of instruction at ICSV, we offer German classes from Primary to Grade 12 for students with an excellent command of academic English. Students also learn about the Austrian culture and history.
After School Clubs
Learning does not stop at the end of the school day. Students from elementary to high school can join various after-school clubs throughout the year. Students can choose to participate in a variety of clubs, including math, sports, dance, art, climbing, chess, and more, helping them discover their interests and explore different skill sets.
Athletics
We believe that participation in sports offers excellent opportunities for exercise, fosters positive social skills, and provides invaluable life experiences.
Our athletes learn and apply the values of teamwork, self-discipline, time management, and delayed gratification to achieve their long-term goals. Through the teaching and mentoring of ICSV coaches, we lay the foundation for students to thrive in life. Beyond nurturing great athletes, we strive to cultivate powerful individuals who make a positive impact in the world.
Secondary students can participate in soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and golf.
Student Activities & Service Opportunities
We value community and service, and encourage student participation in community, social, and leadership activities throughout the school.
Students at all levels participate in student-led fundraising activities and service trips by partnering with local and international organizations. These activities are opportunities to learn leadership skills, develop strong Christian character, and serve others. Teachers and staff guide all activities and service opportunities. We believe in creating spaces that enable teachers and staff to foster close relationships with students, serving as positive role models during their formative years.
Our Facilities
Our school building houses 30 classrooms, separated between elementary and secondary classes. In addition to our sports facilities, we have a number of resources available on campus. These include a science laboratory, a computer lab, and a library with both digital and print resources for the students. We also have separate music, art, indoor PE, and weight room, as well as a multi-purpose room which is used for school assemblies, concerts, and chapel.
Our campus also features outdoor facilities, such as an elementary playground, a small soccer field, and a basketball court, providing opportunities for students to engage in physical activity and outdoor play. Finally, we have a cafeteria where students can purchase lunch and enjoy a meal with their peers.
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