Which school levels are currently offered?

At the current location, we offer primary school (0-4th grade). The secondary level 1 (5th to 8th grade) was started in September 2019.  We are planning to expand the school to the Matura level in the medium term.

What curriculum is used for teaching?

The Austrian primary school curriculum and the AHS curriculum, Gymnasium Unterstufe, are used at MCA.

The educational goal, teaching tasks, subject matter and didactic principles also correspond to this curriculum and are taught on a Christian basis in terms of content and methodology, as anchored in the school regulations of the "Free Churches in Austria" and the quality criteria contained therein. 

Will the IB programme also be offered in the future?

It is planned in the medium term.

What language is used for teaching?

Pupils are taught i German. English is considered a special focus and is also used in other subjects in addition to English (depending on the language competence of the teacher).

What is the deposit for?

A deposit (see Admission Contract) is payable on the occasion of the conclusion of this contract. The deposit serves to secure the claims of the school owner. It is to be replenished upon request and will be settled within three weeks after the end of the contractual relationship.

Does my child have to be a Christian?

No - our pupils come from a wide range of cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.  As a Christian school, it is important to us to incorporate Christian values into our daily school life.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes - We have decided as a school that pupils will wear a school uniform. For details please click here.

When can my child start at MCA? 

Admission is generally possible at any time, i.e. even during the year. 

What is meant by the open school entrance phase (0. class)?

If a child is of compulsory school age (born before 31.8.) but not yet ready for school, admission to the 0. grade can take place after the school readiness assessment. Children can also be admitted to MCA PRIOR (born AFTER 31.8.), provided that the school management declares the child to be ready for school.

Depending on their individual abilities, newcomers to the school have one to three years to be able to successfully master the curriculum requirement of primary level I.

At MCA, the school entry phase is run as a flexible school entry phase with a joint offer from the school levels of basic level I (pre-school level together with 1st and 2nd school level).

Is it possible to change school levels?

Pupils at MCA are also entitled to change to the next higher or next lower school level during the school year.

The school conference board decides on the change of school level based on the application of the parent or guardian or the class teacher." 

Does my child have homework?

Yes - However, our students have the opportunity to complete these exercises during the day in the designated "learning times". It depends on the school level and the child's willingness to perform whether all tasks can be done during the learning times. Remaining exercises are to be done at home; we also recommend regular reading and mental arithmetic (e.g. 1x1).

Does a pupil have a medical examination?

An examination takes place before entry into Year 1, in Year 4 and before sports weeks.

Does my child have to have a perfect command of the German language?

No - if the language competence in German is still insufficient, your child will receive intensive German support measures depending on the language level. Children with insufficient German language skills are additionally managed as exceptional pupils. This means that there is no need for an assessment for a maximum of two years. 

What English language skills does my child need? 

70% of our students either come from the international private kindergarten Arche Noah, which is located on the same site, or from an English-speaking environment. This means that most of our new students have a high level of English language skills. For admission to MCA, at least a basic knowledge of English is therefore a great advantage so that the children can follow lessons with an English focus as quickly as possible.  

What help does MCA offer for children with learning difficulties?

As often as possible, all teachers at MCA offer individual support lessons as an integral part of their teaching. If necessary, additional language or mathematical support is provided in the form of one lesson per week. In addition, teachers can offer private support lessons at the request of parents, depending on available capacity.

What are the school hours?

With regard to school hours, the school hours regulations applicable to general compulsory schools in the province of Vienna apply mutatis mutandis, with the following exceptions:

The semester holidays can be postponed to another date by the school owner.
The summer holidays can be shortened at the request of the school forum and the omitted holiday days sensibly divided between the two semesters.
At MCA, one additional day per semester is declared free of school; the grading conference is held on this day.
Up to six school-autonomous days are set per school year.
Classes are held from Monday to Friday. From the 0-8th grade it usually starts at 8.30 a.m. and ends at the latest at 3.30 p.m. in the primary school and at the latest at 4.30 p.m. in the secondary school.

Questions about lunch, snacks or allergies?

please click here

How can I get in touch with the teachers?

Each term, parents are invited to a detailed interview together with the pupils. The learning progress is discussed together on the basis of the learning goal log and the learning goal log is signed by the parents. If necessary, detailed teacher-pupil discussions held in advance can also serve as preparation for this.

Appointments for parent meetings are made directly with the respective teacher.

Each teacher has his or her own school email account. Parents also communicate with teachers via SchoolFox.

Is there the possibility of extended afternoon care after school?

After the end of lessons, pupils have the option of attending the after-school care or one of the numerous courses offered at the school site. For this purpose, a separate registration contract has to be concluded or individual courses have to be booked directly with the respective leader.

Is it possible to use the afternoon care spontaneously?

Yes, in an emergency after immediate notification by telephone. 

Do you have any questions about performance assessment?

From grade 0 to grade 4, the performance of the pupils is assessed by means of a learning objectives protocol (LZP). At the request of the parents or guardians and from the 3rd school level onwards (annual report), grades are also awarded for performance assessment. The provisions of the Performance Assessment Ordinance (LBVO) apply accordingly. From the 5th grade onwards, young people always receive a grade report with a verbal commentary.

Which school can my child attend after grade 4 or grade 8?

Our school leavers attend many different secondary schools, such as:  
VBS Wendstattgasse (NMS), 1100 Vienna; VBS Draschestraße (bilingual grammar school), 1230 Vienna; Theresianum, 1040 Vienna, Sacre Coeur, European class, 1030 Vienna; Evangelisches Gymnasium, 1110 Vienna; also English-speaking schools abroad.
More and more of our students stay at MCA after grade 4 and continue their school career in our secondary school (lower level AHS). 

Are there any excursions, trips or project weeks?

Particularly in the science lessons as well as in history and the science subjects of the lower school, educational excursions are carried out on individual project topics (museum, city tour, forest nature trail, beekeeping, farm, ...). From grade 3 at the latest, project or sports weeks lasting several days (e.g. skiing course) take place.

Are there parking facilities directly at the school?

Parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the school. If students are brought by car, the turning ramp at the end of Fontanastrasse can be used as a kiss and drop zone. Nevertheless, cars cannot stay on campus during the day.

What additional courses can be taken after school?

The range of courses varies each year. We strive to offer students a diverse and varied programme of courses. Our experienced course instructors have been working with our school on an independent basis for years. Among others, the following courses are offered: English Club, Drama or Musical, Sports, Art and Music (guitar, violin, piano,...).

When does the academic school year begin and end?

Currently, the school year begins on the first Monday in September and ends on the last Friday in June or the first Friday in July.

Is there a Parents' Council?

Yes - please click here

Are there any scholarships?

Yes - please click here

What is the number of pupils in each class?

The number of pupils in a class varies depending on the age of the children and the composition of the class, but will not exceed 25. If a project requires it pedagogically, a class can also be divided into smaller groups or lessons can be taught across school levels. The class teachers are REGULARLY supported by a team of support and remedial teachers as well as by specially trained gifted teachers and thus our pupils are intensively accompanied in their learning development. Through these measures, MCA can offer a teacher:student ratio in the main subjects of 1:10 on average.

How does the school communicate with parents?

The traditional notebook has been replaced by digital communication via SCHOOLFOX. On the part of the management/secretary's office, information is also sent out promptly as an email. Via Instagram, we provide insights into the exciting everyday life at school. The individual classes also send out newsletters. In addition, there is a classic information board on the wall in the entrance area.

In general, direct, transparent and appreciative communication between all school partners is very important to us and we encourage everyone involved to work closely together. 

What opportunities are there for parents to get involved at MCA?

There is a school forum at MCA, which is made up of parent representatives, teachers and management. This platform is the hub of all interest groups and meets about quarterly or is convened at short notice in urgent cases.

In addition, there are many ways in which parents can support our students, the teaching team as well as the school administration with their gifts, skills and networks. We invite all parents and also grandparents to offer their time, ideas and talents depending on their capacity and possibilities. Current concerns and details for the coming school year will be communicated at the first parents' evening or at the beginning of the second semester.