To those of us who have had the great fortune and privilege to work and live in this unique and lovely school, the honor of offering you this overview of our beautiful location, our academic and boarding programs, and our talented and dedicated students and staff, is a challenging proposition to say the least. Only those who have had the opportunity to experience life and learning in this unforgettable and timeless city can truly understand what an international education in a boarding school can provide and how it can equip a student not only for the challenges of university but bring out hidden talents and further an understanding of our world which is truly global and universal.
Living and attending school abroad will challenge your beliefs, excite your senses, and broaden your mind like nothing else. For the thousands of students who have attended AIS-Salzburg over the years, I am absolutely certain that the events they experience here, the diversity of the students with whom they study, and the remarkable dedication of their teachers left a mark on them which they continue to carry today. It is the mark of wisdom, discernment, and fairness which can only come through experiencing life and study abroad within an internationallydiverse community.
I hope that you, too, have an interest in experiencing a challenging educational opportunity abroad, and I hope that this site and the information within gives you some solid information about what it might be like to be a student at our school. There is much to say about AISSalzburg because it encompasses all of life: learning; living, travelling and sharing experiences together; and preparing for the future ahead. It’s a lot to think about, but as every student in our school knows, life was never more interesting or challenging than while enrolled at AIS-Salzburg.
If asked to point out the most significant and distinguishing aspects of our school, I would direct your attention to the following facts:
Size:
The school is small with over 85% of our students full-time boarders. The school’s philosophy and mission—in our opinion—can only be achieved in a small community where everyone is familiar and comfortable, supervision is optimal, and trust and respect reign. Our maximum capacity is 125 students with just under 100 of these boarding in our dormitories. As a true boarding school, our pastoral care programs, calendar, expectations, and academic requirements are tailored to the needs and goals of the students in residence.
International:
Our student body is extremely diverse and it is not unusual for us to have over 25 nationalities represented within our community. There is no majority of any one nationality. The curriculum and diploma reflect the best of the private, American boarding-school tradition, and, therefore, nearly all of the full-time teachers as well as the resident staff members are US citizens, trained in pedagogy in American universities.
Academic Challenge:
As an American college-preparatory school, our curriculum and diploma reflect the best of the long tradition found in private schools in the US. All subjects of study will lead to coursework at the AP level by the 12th grade. It is typical that most students will graduate from AIS-Salzburg having taken between 4 and 8 AP courses and 4-6 AP examinations. As these courses reflect a level of work which is representative of firstyear university courses, the challenge is very real. Such a challenging academic program, we feel, can be offered in an environment where structure, assistance, and care are optimal.
International Diploma Recognition:
Through the AP program of courses and examinations, our graduates are fully qualified to attend universities and colleges around the world.
Care and Supervision:
AIS-Salzburg is proud of its tradition of excellent supervision and care. Although we are a small school community, our resident staff and faculty are separate and distinct; allowing them to focus on what they do best. Dorm Parents and Resident Assistants dedicate themselves full-time to the needs of our resident students outside of academic hours. The teaching faculty is dedicated solely to providing optimal, college-perparatory instruction in the classrooms. Our staff-to-student ration is below 6:1.
Salzburg, Austria:
This culturally and historically rich city of 150,000 provides the perfect setting for an international education. It is safe, at the geographic center of Western Europe, and welcomes visitors from around the world throughout the year. Whether you are a fan of Mozart, fascinated by the majesty of the Alps, or just want to experience life surrounded by interesting people, ideas, history, and culture, Salzburg has to be put at the top of your list.
Admissions:
Because of the diversity of students who apply to our school, our admissions standards generally provide accommodation and flexibility, provided the applicant (1) is academically talented and dedicated with an excellent foundation of skills as proven by previous school records, (2) can demonstrate the necessary level of English required for the desired grade level, and (3) can demonstrate a strong interest in contributing positively to an international school and community. There is no application deadline other than the point when acceptances have filled the school’s dormitory places (usually in early June).
If you feel that our unique and challenging school is the right place for you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our administration and office staff are all long-term members of our community with over 20 years of experience at AIS-Salzburg on average. We know from experience that not every private school is the right one for every student. We believe that honesty and openness is the key to appropriate representation of our school and would be more than pleased to provide you with the reliable information you require at any time.
The American International School-Salzburg is an independent, coeducational, private boarding and day school which serves students from around the world. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized as a private school by the Austrian Ministry of Education. AIS-Salzburg is a member of the European Council of International Schools, the Association of Boarding Schools, the Association of American Boarding Schools in Europe, and the College Board. Visitors are welcome to our campus at any time. We look forward to your visit and would be pleased to show you our remarkable school and help you reach your high academic goals. We’ll meet you in Salzburg!
Paul McLean
Headmaster
Felicia Gundringer
Administration