C.S. Lewis Bilingual High School vs Deutsche Schule Bratislava

	C C.S. Lewis Bilingual High School Bratislava, Slovakia	D Deutsche Schule Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €3,650 - 8,100	Fees / year €7,716
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 506	Pupils 475
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Slovak	Instruction language German
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Haanova 28, Bratislava, 85104, Slovakia. The school is located in Bratislava, Slovakia.	Location The Deutsche Schule Bratislava is located in Bratislava, Slovakia, on a modern campus near the city center. The address is Bárdošova 33, Bratislava 831 01. It lies in the tri-border area of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria.
Stages	Stages Five-year bilingual program with Freshman year through Super-Senior year (grades 1–5).	Stages Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary school), and Gymnasium (secondary school) are on a single campus. The school also offers a Ganztagesangebot (full-day program).
School type	School type Bilingual high school (gymnázium) offering a five-year bilingual English program.	School type The school is a German international school (Deutsche Auslandsschule) in Bratislava. It offers the Slovak language and literature Abitur and the German International Abitur (DIA). It follows the Baden-Württemberg curriculum and provides an eight-year gymnasium with a focus on multilingualism, natural and humanities sciences, and in artistic and athletic areas.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support School psychology, special education, and study counseling are available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation It is a German Auslandsschule (German international school). The Central Office for Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) funds eight teachers from Germany and provides support; Germany funds the school annually; it offers the Matura in Slovak language and literature and the German International Abitur (DIA); German quality standards are applied; regular Bund-Länder inspections from Germany take place; it collaborates with German institutions and companies in Slovakia (e.g., the German Embassy, Goethe-Institut, and DSIHK).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition and enrolment fees (2025/2026 academic year) - Enrolment fee (for new students): EUR 700. - Annual tuition (per student, first child): EUR 3,650 per year. - Annual tuition for the second and each subsequent child studying at the same time: EUR 3,050 per year. Families with two children therefore pay EUR 6,700 in total (EUR 3,650 + EUR 3,050). Tuition includes the cost of foreign-language textbooks. Per-term amounts and payment schedule - Standard payment schedule: two instalments each year. The first instalment is due 30 June (minimum 50% of the annual fee) and the second instalment is due 15 January (minimum 50% of the annual fee). It is possible to modify the payment schedule by individual agreement. - Example breakdown (minimum amounts per instalment): - First child (annual EUR 3,650): minimum EUR 1,825 due 30 June and minimum EUR 1,825 due 15 January. - Second child (annual EUR 3,050): minimum EUR 1,525 due 30 June and minimum EUR 1,525 due 15 January. Billing terms and payment instructions - Primary payment method: bank transfer to the school account (IBAN for tuition payments: SK13 1100 0000 0026 2505 8017 at Tatra banka). Parents must use the correct variable symbol generated for them and enter the student's full name as the purpose/reference of payment. Individual arrangements on instalments can be made by agreement. Boarding / Dormitory - Boarding is available through the school's cooperation with an external dormitory (BilGym Zázemie floor at Vranovská). The dormitory floor is provided for Bilgym students and is located approximately 20–30 minutes from the school. Requests for accommodation are made at registration or in writing by the deadline indicated during enrolment; the school's designated contact for dormitory arrangements is Katarína Morávková. Arrangements and payments for boarding are handled with the dormitory management. Other costs and routine additional charges - School meals: lunches are provided by an external caterer. The published price per lunch ticket (as of 1 October 2022) was EUR 2.86. Parents pay meals by bank transfer to the caterer's account (IBAN listed for meal payments) and are asked to keep a positive credit in the school meal booking system; a suggested monthly standing order amount is EUR 35.34 (approximately 19 meals per month). If a meal is not cancelled in the booking system before the daily cut-off, no monetary or material reimbursement is provided. - ISIC student card: the ISIC stamp (renewal/license) used for discounts costs EUR 13; first-year students receive the stamp as part of the ISIC arrangement at registration. Subsequent renewals are handled via suppliers as described by the school. - Textbooks: the cost of foreign-language textbooks is included in the tuition. - Uniforms and similar fees: there is no published school uniform charge listed among the school's routine fees. (Other optional or occasional charges such as field trips, extracurricular activities, exam fees or study-abroad administration may apply and are handled separately.) Study-abroad tuition treatment - If a student studies abroad for one semester, the full annual tuition is charged; if a student studies abroad for the entire school year, half the annual tuition is charged. Study-abroad arrangements are processed through the school's study-abroad coordinator. Refunds and cancellations - Meals: if a meal booking is not cancelled before the system cut-off, no monetary or material reimbursement will be provided. - Enrolment/tuition refunds and adjustments: instalment flexibility and any exceptional fee adjustments are arranged individually with the school's administration or school board; standard tuition refund terms are not presented as a fixed public tariff. Parents should follow the school's enrolment and payment instructions and contact the school's administration for any refund requests or special arrangements. Fee payment options and contacts for payments - Tuition payments: bank transfer to the school IBAN SK13 1100 0000 0026 2505 8017 (Tatra banka). Use the variable symbol provided by the school and enter the student's name as the payment purpose. - Meal payments: bank transfer to the caterer's meal account IBAN SK15 1100 0000 0002 9400 27069; follow the meal-booking/credit procedures in the school meal system. - For dormitory accommodation enquiries contact the school representative who coordinates with the dormitory: Katarína Morávková (email provided by the school). (End of fee overview.)	Fee details Application / Admission fees and deposit - One-time admission fee (Aufnahmegebühr) per child: EUR 1,500. - Kindergarten reservation fee (optional, payable in advance to reserve a place): EUR 500; this is credited against the admission fee at enrolment (if used). If the reservation is cancelled more than one year before the planned start date, 50% (EUR 250) is refundable; no refund if cancelled within one year. - One-time refundable deposit per child: EUR 1,000 (returned without interest when the child leaves, less any claims). Annual tuition (by year group) — amounts and breakdown - Base annual tuition (Basissatz) for every year group (Kindergarten, Vorschule, Grundschule Klassen 1–4, Sekundarstufe / Gymnasium Klassen 5–12): EUR 7,716 per year. - Monthly equivalent: EUR 643 per month (calculated as 12 monthly instalments of the annual tuition). - Per half‑year / per school term (school half‑year): EUR 3,858 (6 months of the annual tuition; the school treats each started school half‑year as payable in full). Sibling, loyalty and employee discounts (examples and structure) - Sibling discount examples applied per child (illustrative values shown in the school's schedule): 2 children — 15% discount per child (monthly example EUR 547 / annual EUR 6,564); 3 children — 25% discount per child (monthly example EUR 483 / annual EUR 5,796). - Loyalty (Treuerabatt): after eight years at the school (beginning in the 9th year) a loyalty discount of 5% applies for Grundschule and Gymnasium; example reduced figures are published (monthly EUR 611 / annual EUR 7,332 for a single child with 5% loyalty). - Employee children: special employee rate for full‑time employees' children is EUR 153 per month per child. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods accepted: cashless bank transfer in EUR to the school's account (IBAN: SK97 0900 0000 0051 3169 0040; SWIFT/BIC: GIBASKBX). Tuition is invoiced and must be paid by bank transfer. - Payment timing options (parents choose one of the following): - Single annual payment due by 15 September; or - Two instalments: 50% due 15 September and 50% due 15 February; or - Twelve monthly instalments: each instalment due by the 3rd day of each month. - If a pupil is admitted during the school year, tuition is charged pro rata starting from the month of commencement; reductions for a started month are not available. The school treats each started school half‑year as payable in full. - Late payments: after two weeks in arrears the school issues a reminder. Each reminder incurs a reminder fee of EUR 10. Late‑payment interest is charged at 0.05% per day on the outstanding sum. Continued non‑payment may lead to legal action and contract termination. Cancellation, refunds and related fees - Admission fee refund: if the school withdraws from the enrolment contract because the child does not demonstrate sufficient German language level in the entry assessment, the paid admission fee is refunded. - Reservation fee refund (kindergarten): 50% refunded if reservation cancelled in writing more than one year before planned start; no refund if cancelled within one year. - Cancellation of an application (Stornierung) by the applicant: a cancellation fee equal to one month's tuition is payable; the admission fee is offset against that cancellation fee. The board may waive this fee in hardship cases. - Deposit refund: the EUR 1,000 deposit is refunded without interest when the child leaves, subject to deduction of any outstanding claims. Boarding / accommodation - No boarding or school accommodation charges are provided in the school's fee regulations; the school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional billing items - The Schulgeldordnung explicitly lists the admission/reservation fee, deposit, tuition and related charge rules, reminder and cancellation fees, and discounts. Additional items commonly billed separately (and typically charged outside the annual tuition) include extracurricular course fees, school‑trip charges, school lunch / catering and specific programme costs; those items are handled and billed separately from the base tuition. Specific amounts for such extras are not part of the base Schulgeld figures above and are charged as incurred. Fee payment options (practical details) - Required currency: EUR. Payments are made by bank transfer to the school's designated account (IBAN and SWIFT/BIC shown above). The school offers three payment schedules (annual, two instalments, or monthly) and requires cashless transfer; parents must choose and adhere to one of the schedules. Reminder fees and late‑payment interest apply for missed payments. Key administrative deadlines (billing and contract termination related) - For school (Vorschule and Grundschule/Gymnasium) termination by parents: notice may take effect 31 August (end of school year) or 31 January (end of first half‑year). Termination to take effect 31 August must be submitted in writing by 31 May; termination to take effect 31 January must be submitted in writing by 31 December. The tuition for a started half‑year is payable in full. If you require the central numeric items above incorporated into a database field format, they are contained in the sections here (admission fee, deposit, annual tuition, monthly equivalent, half‑year amount, reservation and cancellation fees, reminder/late fees, discounts and employee rate).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school cooperates with Bilgym Zazemie dormitories on Vranovská; a Bilgym floor has been allocated and reconstructed for Bilgym students; dorms are 20–30 minutes from the school.	Boarding arrangements Hort – comprehensive after-school care from 08:00 to 17:30. After lunch, Hort staff supervise the children as they complete their homework in their class groups. In the afternoon, children may participate in activities or clubs offered by the Hort; spaces are provided for various activities. The program aims to create a living and learning space where children feel comfortable, can play, rest, and form social contacts while fulfilling their duties.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Dress code; students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Meals are provided by Tomáš Mészároš – PINO, s.r.o., prepared in the school kitchen. Meals are served 11:15am–2:15pm. Lunch tickets cost 2.86 EUR as of 1 October 2022. Meals are booked through the Edupage system by 23:59 the previous day; payment is via bank transfer to IBAN SK1511000000002940027069 with the student's name; a standing order of 35.34 EUR is suggested; refunds are not provided for meals not cancelled; the provider may refuse service for non-payment.	Food options Lunch is ordered via EduPage. Classes 1–12 have three daily meal options; parents in classes 1–2 place the orders for their children, while students from class 3 can order themselves. Orders for the following week can be placed Wednesday 12:00 to Friday 12:00; field trips may require lunch packages (LPR = schnitzel, LPS = cheese). A chip card confirms selections; if forgotten, a printed order is available at the reception, and kitchen staff can assist with any problems.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership School Management (MG) is led by the principal Mgr. Peter Figel with deputies for academic processes and education. Department heads include Jana Kerekretyová, Dušan Jurčo, Ján Ban, Michaela Velanová, Alica Žuravová, and Zuzana Anettová. The C. S. Lewis Bilingual High School was founded by the C. S. Lewis Schools Association, established by Cirkev bratská (Brethren Church); the Bratislava branch, in cooperation with Cirkev bratská, established the association, which is the founding organization of Bilgym and CES Narnia.	Governance and ownership The school is operated by the Verein der Eltern der Deutsch-Slowakischen Begegnungsschule Bratislava, known as the Deutscher Schulverein. The association was founded on March 14, 2005 as Verein zur Gründung und Förderung der DSB and renamed on November 5, 2009 to Verein der Eltern der DSB; it is the legal owner and sponsor and is responsible for the economic and legal framework and for funding the school's operations. The board, consisting of 5–7 members, meets at least once a year to approve the budget and implement the resolutions; all board decisions are made in consultation with the school leadership. The association's statutes can be downloaded.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a five-year bilingual program in English and Slovak that enables students to study subjects in English while meeting the Slovak Ministry of Education graduation requirements and earning language certificates recognized in the EU and the USA. In Freshman Year, English classes total 13 hours per week with aims including intensive language preparation and adaptation to the bilingual high school system; course work includes English Language, Speaking/Public Speaking, Literature and Writing, and Global Studies, with optional after-school language support if needed and a year-end Summer Semester Test (SST) that accounts for 30% of the English grade. From Sophomore to Super Senior Year, English instruction is reduced to 4–6 hours per week; Sophomore Year includes English and American Literature, and an end-of-semester English language project that counts for 20% of the final English grade. Junior Year continues English study with British Literature, and an Aptis test at B2 level is administered at year end. Senior Year uses Ready for C1 Advanced for maturita and CAE preparation, and graduates complete English at C1 level and may register for a vocational or general C1 state language exam in cooperation with the Language School at Palisády 38.	Curriculum details The school provides Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary) and Gymnasium (secondary), with a Ganztagesangebot (full‑day program) on a single campus. The pedagogical concept promotes holistic, individual development and community life from kindergarten through Abitur, grounded in democratic and ethical values. The school offers a double qualification: Abitur in Slovak language and literature and the German International Abitur (DIA); the eight‑year Gymnasium follows the Baden‑Württemberg curriculum with emphasis on multilingualism, natural and human sciences, and arts and sports. Since September 2021, EIVA (Eigenverantwortliches Arbeiten) enables asynchronous learning on Tuesdays for classes 8–12; in 5–7, the first to fourth periods are free work time with teachers acting as learning guides. On EIVA days, 5–7 cover German, Slovak language and literature, English, and Religion; 8–12 cover German, Slovak language and literature or Slovak as a foreign language, English, French, and History, with Geography added from grade 8, Economics from grade 9, Ethics from grade 10, and Biology and Mathematics from grade 11. There are spaces for language certificate courses (English, French, Spanish, Italian) or clubs, and the learning environment is designed as open learning spaces with flexible furniture and learning landscapes.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school maintains international partnerships for higher education, including Minnehaha Academy (USA) and Montana State University (USA) as partner institutions, and Erasmus+ exchanges. Montana State University offers 115 programs across five colleges. Bilgym Future Counselling provides college guidance, workshops, and alumni insights to help students plan for life after Bilgym.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The school offers scholarships to talented and gifted students. Thanks to donors, about 10 new scholarships are offered each year, and 41 students currently receive financial support through Bilgym scholarships.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school runs a mentoring program that supports students' holistic development. It is coordinated by Zuzana Kotvanová. First Year: Students meet with their class mentor weekly in a group setting and may participate in Peer Mentoring with an older student. Second Year: Mentoring becomes mandatory; students meet their mentor twice a month. Upper Grades: Mentoring is voluntary; students can choose mentors from among teachers or external mentors. Mentors focus on guiding the student's development, exploring options, and encouraging reflection rather than giving ready-made solutions.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Special Education Counselor. The counselor is Veronika Kern Sinová.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers a five-year bilingual program that enables students to study subjects in English. Graduates complete the program in line with the Slovak Ministry of Education requirements. The program also aims to help students obtain language certificates accepted in the EU and the USA. In the Freshman Year, weekly English instruction totals 13 hours, covering Course Book – English Language, Speaking/Public Speaking, Literature and Writing, and Global Studies. From Sophomore to Super-Senior Year, the weekly English hours reduce to 4–6 and culminate in language-focused assessments and certificates.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school provides psychological support through a dedicated team of psychologists. The head of the support team is Zuzana Ocenasová. Other psychologists include Zuzana Kotvanová, Radoslav Blaho, and Vanda Hoјnojšová. A Special Education Counselor and a Pedagogical Assistant are part of the support structure. These professionals support students' mental wellbeing and learning in a nurturing environment.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The Kindergarten is open to all children, even if they have no German language knowledge. It is part of Deutsche Schule Bratislava with a Vorschule and offers full-day care for children aged three to six. About 110 children attend the Kindergarten, organized into four kindergarten groups and two preschool groups, with 21 educators and additional support from a school psychologist and a pedagogical-psychological counselor. The Kindergarten is a multilingual environment where children from several nations learn German, and it cooperates closely with the Primary School to prepare children for school; German is the language of communication in the Kindergarten and Vorschule. The program is integrated within Slovakia's private school network and includes the international program “Wir lernen Deutsch,” approved by Bratislava's State Pedagogical Institute.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Deutsche Schule Bratislava features a modern, well-equipped gymnasium and specialized teaching spaces, with learning landscapes and additional differentiation rooms. The campus provides a modern campus built on contemporary pedagogical principles. The all-day care runs from 08:00 to 17:30, with supervision after lunch and opportunities for after-school activities. In the Hort, the afternoon offers time for free play and activities such as football, movement games, gymnastics, art, and music.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Five-year bilingual program with intensive English language instruction; courses are taught in English to enable study of subjects in English and to pursue language certificates accepted in the EU and USA. In the Freshman year, English classes total 13 hours per week, covering Course Book – English Language, Speaking/Public Speaking, Literature and Writing, and Global Studies; in subsequent years Sophomore to Super Senior, English lessons are reduced to 4–6 hours per week. Students complete a Summer Semester Test (SST) at year end, which accounts for 30% of the English Language grade; in the junior year the Aptis English language test at B2 level is administered (weighting about 20% of the English grade); senior year focuses on higher-level English proficiency and maturita preparation with corresponding assessments. Students graduate in English at C1 level and may register for vocational or general state language exams in cooperation with the Language School at Palisády 38. The program supports studying subjects in English and aims to provide language certificates accepted in the EU and USA.	Academic facilities The school operates as a digital school with a 1:1 device program (laptop or iPad) and a smartboard in every classroom. It has its own school psychological team (a psychologist, a special education teacher, and a pedagogical assistant) and a pedagogical substitute for lesson coverage. From the fourth grade, there is one day per week of independent learning (EIVA day) and cross-classroom projects, with up to two hours per week of team-teaching in German, Mathematics, and English up to the eighth grade. The campus is a newly built facility designed according to modern pedagogical standards, with regular staff development opportunities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Mentoring program: launched in 2012–2013, with weekly class mentoring in the First Year, twice-monthly meetings in the Second Year, and voluntary mentoring in upper grades; mentors focus on holistic development and do not provide direct advice but help students explore options. The Eagle & Child is a student-led project to foster agile thinking and social entrepreneurship, offering on-campus space with home-made snacks and beverages and contributing to the school scholarship fund. School Clubs (as of 2017/2018) include Heyou, Debate Club, Running, Chemistry Club (uses the Chem Lab), Cooking Club (with cafeteria contributions to the scholarship fund), Volleyball, Superar, Cafe, Theater, Art Club, Creative Writing Club, Informal Creative Writing Club, Italian course, CS Lewis Hiking Club, Entrepreneurship Learning Community, EduBox, and Listening Sessions.	Extra curricular facilities In the Kindergarten, development is tracked through a portfolio created with the child, with observations documented as pedagogical diagnostics and discussed with parents. The programme emphasizes linguistic, personal, and holistic development, including natural science education, language development, music and arts, motor skills, and media education. Projects and activities include science observations, language projects with the Goethe-Institut Bratislava, multicultural projects with foreign schools in Bratislava, cooperation projects with the Primary School, health and safety initiatives, reading sessions, theatre, excursions, and after-school activities (football, movement games, gymnastics, art, and music). The Hort supports integration of non-native language children, helping them acquire vocabulary and build cross-classroom friendships. Additionally, there are individual support structures and opportunities for parental involvement through the after-school program.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Most of this year's graduates weren't born when the school was founded. A year-long program marks the anniversary, and events have included a kickoff with students, a reunion with alumni and former colleagues, and activities for parents. Already occurred events include September 2 kickoff with students; September 21 alumni reunion; October 19 academy for parents on parenting in the age of anxiety and depression—Challanges and Opportunities; October 26–29 following in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis with colleagues; and November 23 Narnia-Bilgym Conference for Parents Walking Together.	History DSB was conceived as a German-Slovak encounter school in Bratislava, located in the tri-border region of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. The project began in February 2005 after a meeting called by the German ambassador to Bratislava and the cultural attaché, with about 15 interested people. The association to establish and support the school, Verein zur Gründung und Unterstützung der Deutsch-Slowakischen Begegnungsschule in Bratislava, was officially registered on 14 April 2005. In May 2005 Elisabeth Lutz arrived as the first principal, and after renovations the school opened on 6 September 2005 with 22 students (17 in kindergarten and 5 in the first/second class). Today 460 students attend the DSB, from kindergarten to Abitur, on a single campus; the school offers a double qualification: Abitur in Slovak language and literature and the German Abitur (DIA), following Baden-Württemberg curricula in an eight-year gymnasium pathway; the modern campus was opened in the 2022/2023 school year and the school holds the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule seal, awarded again in 2023.
Community	Community Mission: We educate and lead every student to be able to think creatively and critically, to take responsibility for themselves, others, and the world, and to have the ability to create communities in the spirit of Christian biblical values. Vision: C. S. Lewis Bilingual High School fosters holistic growth. It is a place aimed at learning, cultivating thinking, innovation, intentional challenge, and support. We are people who know each other, engage in dialogue, and enjoy collaboration. In serving our surroundings and country, we discover our personal missions as part of a larger story. The school aims to be a safe space in which diversity is welcome. Together with the American writer Scott Peck we understand community to be a group of people that, regardless of their different world views or social backgrounds, are able to accept and overcome their differences, and are capable of meaningful communication and cooperation toward a common goal in a safe space.	Community DSB is a German-Slovak encounter school welcoming students from Slovakia, Germany and other countries, with most students bilingual from kindergarten. The modern campus opened in 2022/2023 provides learning spaces designed for the 21st century and a school culture based on respect and mutual regard. Because the school is a Begegnungsschule with students from many nations learning together, daily experiences help bring languages, traditions and culture closer to each other. Our students are cosmopolitan and multilingual from a young age, and German language and culture are valued alongside Slovak language and culture. The school holds the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule designation.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Elternbeirat represents the parents' interests at DSB and serves as the link between the parent community, the students, the school leadership and the Schulverein. It was elected for the 2024/2025 school year and is the main point of contact for questions, problems, suggestions and support; its goals include creating optimal school conditions, prioritizing the wellbeing of all children, and supporting the sustainable growth and development of the school. Parental involvement is encouraged; every parent, grandparent or caregiver can help, and the Elternbeirat invites ongoing participation and ideas. Projects include a weekly Parents' football match (Wednesday evenings, weather permitting) and school events such as lantern parades, Christmas celebrations, a school festival, and a summer festival. Contact: elternbeirat@deutscheschule.sk.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Debate Club and Entrepreneurship Learning Community are offered as extracurricular options. A mentoring program, launched in 2012–2013, supports students' holistic development across grade levels. First Year students meet with their class mentor weekly in a group setting and have individual meetings at least twice a year; Second Year mentoring is mandatory and occurs twice a month; Upper Grades mentoring is voluntary with mentors from teachers or external mentors. Mentors focus on guiding students' growth and potential, while teachers involved in the program have undergone training and ongoing professional development.	Academic & intellectual The school offers a double diploma: the Slovak Matura and the German Abitur (DIA). The campus serves students from kindergarten through Abitur on a single, modern site. The eight-year gymnasium follows Baden-Württemberg curricula and emphasizes multilingualism, the natural and humanities sciences, as well as artistic and sporting activities. The aim is to develop academically competent, discerning, and socially responsible young people.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Theater, Art Club, Creative Writing Club, Informal Creative Writing Club, and Listening Sessions provide expressive outlets. The Theater program offers opportunities for performances. Art Club focuses on visual arts and creative projects. Creative Writing Club and Informal Creative Writing Club give students space to write and share their work.	Arts & creative Artistic and sports activities are integral parts of the eight-year gymnasium program. The curriculum includes emphasis on artistic areas within the gymnasium. Students have opportunities to engage in arts alongside science subjects. The school provides education that includes artistic and sporting domains.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Italian language course is offered. The course is listed among extracurricular language options. It provides students with the opportunity to study Italian.	Cultural & language The school is a German–Slovak Begegnungsschule located at the tri-border area of Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. The school offers a double diploma: Slovak Matura and the German Abitur (DIA), with the eight-year gymnasium program following Baden-Württemberg curricula. The school emphasizes multilingual education and provides instruction in natural and humanities sciences, as well as arts and sports. The campus opened in 2022/2023 and carries the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule quality seal.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Running Club meets Thursdays at 3pm for students who run at different speeds. Volleyball is offered as a club. The CS Lewis Hiking Club invites students and staff to explore Slovakia outdoors, with day hikes, night hikes, and several day adventures. Listening Sessions meet every Friday at 4pm to listen to music and discuss it.	Social & hobbies Older students offer a range of afternoon clubs through the SMV, including a tutoring marketplace called 'Schüler helfen Schülern.' After-school care runs from 08:00 to 17:30, with homework supervision and a variety of afternoon activities. The program promotes social integration by helping non-native language learners build vocabulary and social connections.
Community & service	Community & service Through community service or volunteering we aim to focus on people and the world around us. Students commit to a symbolic 10 hours per year and engage in long-term, reflective activities. The service may focus on people, nature, or the community; the school provides space for reflection and facilitates contacts with organizations to support quality service. For long-term volunteers, the school offers guidance and reflection to help growth.	Community & service Education at the DSB is anchored in democratic values and social responsibility toward oneself, others, and the world. Older students take responsibility in teamwork and mentoring, reflecting the school's collaborative culture. The school maintains close cooperation with German institutions and companies in Slovakia, including the German Embassy, Goethe-Institut, and AHK.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The mentoring program supports students' leadership and personal development across grade levels. First Year involves weekly meetings with a class mentor and peer mentoring; Second Year makes mentoring mandatory with twice-monthly meetings; Upper Grades offer voluntary mentoring with mentors from teachers or external sources. Mentors focus on holistic development and guiding student growth rather than giving ready-made solutions, and teachers involved have undergone training and ongoing professional development. Entrepreneurship Learning Community is offered as an extracurricular club to develop entrepreneurial thinking and leadership.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is cultivated through the SMV and student-led initiatives like teaching and tutoring activities. The tutoring marketplace 'Schüler helfen Schülern' serves as a student-driven platform for peer support. The school's cooperation with German institutions supports professional development and quality assurance through regular inspections.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Running Club and Volleyball support physical activity. The CS Lewis Hiking Club invites students and staff to explore outdoors with day hikes, night hikes, and multi-day adventures. Listening Sessions meet every Friday to listen to music and discuss it. The Cafe club provides a social space for students to connect and unwind.	Lifestyle & wellbeing An after-school Hort runs from 08:00 to 17:30, with lunch supervision and homework help, and afternoons include clubs and other offerings. The school aims to be a living and learning space where children feel comfortable, with space for free play, social contact, and responsible participation. Open, flexible learning spaces create a focused, welcoming environment that supports well-being and collaboration.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction in the bilingual program; English language courses include English language, British and American literature; students undergo English-language testing (e.g., Summer Semester Test, Aptis) and can pursue English-language maturity exams (C1), with coordination for state exams through a partner language school.	Language provision In grades 5–7, German language, Slovak language and literature, and English are taught. In grades 8–12, German, Slovak language and literature or Slovak language as a foreign language, English, and French are taught. Language certificate courses are offered in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a five‑year bilingual program in English that enables students to study subjects in English and graduate according to the Slovak Ministry of Education, while also gaining language certificates accepted in the EU and the USA.	Bilingual teaching From kindergarten, students are raised bilingual, learning German language and culture alongside Slovak language and culture. The school is a German–Slovak joint school that unites kindergarten, primary school and gymnasium. In addition to the German Abitur, students complete a Slovak language and literature maturita. The school recognizes shared ethical values and respects the democratic beliefs of others.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The English bilingual program provides language immersion across the curriculum: Freshman year has 13 hours of English language classes per week; Sophomore to Super Senior years have 4–6 hours per week of English instruction; students graduate in English at the C1 level and may register for vocational or general English state exams.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
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Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Applications are due by February 20. List Bilgym as your first choice on the application. If the student has only one legal guardian or cannot obtain signatures, attach a Declaration on honor or a court decision to limit or suspend rights. 2. The school will open 6 Freshmen classes with 17 students in the 2026/2027 school year. If a successful applicant does not enrol on enrolment day, the place will be offered to other candidates. First round of entrance examinations for the five-year bilingual study programme is 23 March 2026; the second round for applicants unable to attend the first date is 30 March 2026. The entrance examination consists of a home assignment (essay), a written English language aptitude test, a written Slovak language aptitude test, a written mathematics aptitude test, a written general academic aptitude test, and a written individualized component. 3. The results of the entrance examination will be published on 15 April. The results will be posted on the Bilgym site. Academic results from primary school and the home assignment will be taken into account during the appeals process. Applications for adjustment of admissions for applicants with special educational needs can be considered when a certificate from an educational-psychological counselling centre is provided. 4. Scholarships: In the upcoming school year we will again seek to award scholarships to additional students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study at our school. The school aims to offer scholarships to more students who are an essential part of the Bilgym community. The need-based scholarship process requires an application with the necessary documents, a personal interview, and committee consideration; submissions are due on the same date as school applications and should be sent to Katarína Morávková at bilgym.sk.	Admissions Step 1. Registration for Gymnasium is completed via the gymnasium registration form on the DSB website. Step 2. Admission is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's performance within the admissions procedure. For students coming from schools other than German schools, a trial day with tests in various subjects is part of the admissions process. Step 3. Admission uses internal criteria that include end-of-year grades (class 3) and behavior, mid-year grades (class 4), and tests in core subjects; German language skills, social behavior, readiness for the Gymnasium, and extra-curricular achievements are also taken into account. Step 4. Tests are conducted on designated dates; tests for students with special educational needs or health issues are adjusted as needed. Step 5. Applicants achieving at least 70% of the total points meet the admission requirements; ranking is by total points, and in a tie the school leadership prioritizes the applicant with limited working ability, then the applicant with better performance in classes 3 and 4. Step 6. The order of applicants is posted by code at the school entrance and on the school's site; acceptance letters are sent in writing, and guardians must confirm acceptance within five working days; there is a right to appeal within five days.
Scholarships	Scholarships We offer need-based scholarships. Donors have provided about 10 new scholarships on average each year since 2017/2018. Currently 41 students have their studies financially supported by donors or fully funded. In the upcoming year we would like to offer scholarships to additional students who would otherwise not have the chance to study. The need-based scholarship process requires an application with documents, a personal interview, and committee consideration; submissions are due on the same date as school applications and should be sent to Katarína Morávková at bilgym.sk.	Scholarships Stipendienordnung: The Parents' Association may award scholarships each year, depending on available funds, and the conditions for awarding, granting and revocation are governed by this scholarship regulation. The board may publish a call for scholarships each year and will specify the type of scholarship, criteria for selecting recipients, amount and payment method, duration, application procedures and deadlines, and the composition of the selection panel. The board is not obliged to award a scholarship and may cancel a call for applications. A scholarship contract is signed with the guardians of the recipient, and scholarships may be revoked for disciplinary reasons or other violations listed in the Parent Information for the awarding of scholarships. Changes to the regulation are made by the board. Stand: 17.07.2023. Elterninformation zur Vergabe von Stipendien (Social, Merit and Subject Scholarships): Begabten children from families that cannot afford the school fees or particularly high-achieving children may apply for a scholarship; the amount and number of scholarships depend on available funds and eligible applicants; no scholarship is legally enforceable; the school may grant up to 75% of tuition fees as a scholarship; eligibility is reassessed annually. Applications for the Social Scholarship require a program-specific application and supporting documents; selection is by a committee of at least three people including the DSB principal, a board member, the administrator, and the Parents' Association chair; the process is documented and decisions are by consensus. The Social Scholarship requires demonstrating low family income (thresholds are reviewed yearly) and showing at least 25% parental/self-financing of tuition; families must not have tuition arrears; annual reviews of financial need, performance and social conduct occur. The Merit Scholarship may be offered for exemplary students with very high academic achievement and outstanding social behavior; the selection considers teachers' recommendations and motivation letters; applications for next school year are due by May 15; the Stipend Committee meets in early September. The Subject Scholarships can be awarded for outstanding achievement in specific subjects; teacher recommendations and motivation letters are used in the decision; deadlines and documents are the same as for social scholarships. Documentation for the social scholarship includes data sheet, photos, copies of IDs, last utility bills, employer confirmation of payment status, proof of financial situation, academic records, motivation letter, and other relevant documents. Stand: 17.07.2023.
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