School attendance in Austria is compulsory for all children permanently residing in Austria, irrespective of their nationality, and lasts for nine years. Enrolment can take place at a public (free of charge) or private (fee-paying) school.
Education
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Regular primary school starts at 7:45am and usually finishes at 12 or 1pm, with lessons taking place continuously throughout the morning. Children can go home after school finishes or join an afternoon program (Nachmittagsbetreuung).
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Compulsory schooling in Austria begins in the September following the child’s sixth birthday. Children turning six after August 31st are not officially of school age until the following September. Before starting school, children must pass a school readiness test (Schulreifetest).
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After completion of primary school, children can join either a middle school (Mittelschule) or an academic secondary school (AHS or Gymnasium).
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Vienna offers numerous other initiatives encouraging children to learn either their mother tongue or promoting the early acquisition of languages.
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The Private (fee-paying) Austrian schools are usually less expensive than their international counterparts and they follow the Austrian curriculum. There are also currently 11 private international schools in Vienna, with their own curriculum in line with their mission and values.
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Special needs education in Austria is provided either through integrated education where children with and without special needs get the opportunity to receive a shared learning experience or in specialized schools.