Academics
High School
The goal of our High School at AIS Vienna is to help each of our students define success in a nurturing environment that supports educational excellence. Ultimately we prepare our students for the next step in their lives after AIS Vienna.
We offer the best in international education: challenging and diverse academic programs, fine arts and extra-curricular options, opportunities for community and school service and an environment which fosters cultural appreciation and respect for diversity.
Our 265 students from around the world gain the academic, social and leadership skills necessary to enhance and contribute to our global community. Our broad learning choices and diverse experiences lead to a US High School Diploma, with the majority of our Grade 11 and 12 students electing to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a rigorous two-year program recognized around the world.
We pride ourselves in ensuring that students have opportunities to pursue their interests and explore new ones. Our co-curricular program offers athletics, performing arts, community service, and globally-minded clubs. Students will travel within and beyond Austria to appreciate our wonderful host country and our unique place in Europe.
We have the utmost confidence our students are more than prepared for university in Europe, North America or anywhere in the world. With students and their learning as our top priority, experienced teachers and best educational practices, AIS Vienna is a great place to be.
Jarret Lambie
High School Principal
Programs
Every AIS Vienna graduate receives a U.S. High School Diploma that, because of our accreditation, is recognized by U.S. colleges and universities.
Students may also choose to fulfill requirements for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Click below to learn more:
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IB Mission Statement
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
AIS Vienna has been an IB World School since 1977, just 9 years after the IB Diploma Program began. We were the 72nd IB school to be authorized, now out of almost 5,000 schools worldwide. We are one of the most experienced IB schools in our region (Africa, Europe, and the Middle East) and the most experienced IB school in Austria.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Most of our students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a demanding course of study designed to provide international students with a diploma that is recognized by many universities throughout the world. The IB grew out of the need for an acceptable curriculum that would meet the requirements of diverse national systems. The IB Diploma consists of six examinations. Three of these are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). In addition, a student must complete:
TOK, a course examining the Areas of Knowledge: mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts through the core theme of “Knowledge and the Knower,” as well as optional themes such as “Knowledge and Language” and “Knowledge and Technology".
An Extended Essay, an independent research project of approximately 4000 words in one of the student's IB subjects.
CAS - Over 18 consecutive months, students satisfy 7 learning outcomes through consistent engagement with a variety of creativity, activity, and service experiences and at least one project.
Grades earned in each of the six examinations are added together to obtain a composite score. A minimum composite score of 24 points is typically required for the IB Diploma. There are some scores and certain combinations of scores, however, that may prevent a student from receiving the Diploma. In addition, many universities require more than the minimum 24 points.
For more information, see www.ibo.org.
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All AIS Vienna graduates receive the US high school diploma, the minimum requirement for which is 24 credits in grades 9-12, including:
English 4
Lab Sciences 3
Mathematics 3
Social Studies 3
Modern Language 2
P.E./Health 2
Related Arts 2
Electives 5
Other requirements and details are available in the High School Course Description.
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The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to earn university credits while in High School subject to the satisfactory completion of an AP exam and the policies of the university. Individual colleges and universities may (or may not) grant credit based on the student's scores or allow students to skip introductory courses.
AIS Vienna offers the International Baccaulaureate instead of an AP program. Some AIS Vienna students take AP exams upon completion of their IB courses. While the AP and IB curricula differ, students may elect to sit for an AP exam with the permission of the appropriate subject teacher.
For more information on the Advanced Placement program, please visit the College Board web site.
Counseling
The AIS Vienna High School Counseling Program is committed to working with students and families, providing a holistic approach with supportive services. Our objective is to address the needs of students in the four main domains that impact an international student- academic, socio-emotional, postsecondary planning and global-perspective.
Services are delivered to parents and students through classroom presentations, workshops, parent coffee presentations and individual meetings. Students are always welcome in the counseling office whether they just want to stop by to connect or if they want to meet one-on-one regarding any academic or social/emotional concerns.
High School Stories
