Deutsche Schule Bratislava vs École Française Internationale Bratislava

	D Deutsche Schule Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia	É École Française Internationale Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,716	Fees / year €6,690 - 8,140
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, SEN focussed, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 475	Pupils 343
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 17
Instruction language	Instruction language German	Instruction language French, Slovak
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Bratislava, Slovakia. Address: Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 85104 Bratislava. It is a private French–Slovak integrated school serving both French and Slovak communities.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary school), and Gymnasium (secondary school) are on a single campus. The school also offers a Ganztagesangebot (full-day program).	Stages Kindergarten (ages 2–5), Elementary (ages 6–10), Middle School (ages 11–14), High School (ages 15–17).
School type	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.	School type Private integrated school (French–Slovak).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support School psychology, special education, and study counseling are available.	Additional learning support Non-French-speaking students receive a targeted FLSco program in the last year of Kindergarten and in Elementary school. FLSco teachers help students acquire French and communicate, with small-group sessions (2–4 students) and regular progress assessments.
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).	Country affiliation Affiliated with France through the AEFE network.
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 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).	Fee details First-time (application) fee - First‑time registration (application) fee: EUR 700 per pupil. This fee is payable at registration and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month instalments) - Nursery school (maternelle): Annual tuition EUR 5,770. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 577.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,442.50 per instalment. - Primary school (école élémentaire): Annual tuition EUR 6,040. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 604.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,510.00 per instalment. - Secondary school / Collège: Annual tuition EUR 6,800. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 680.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,700.00 per instalment. - High school / Lycée: Annual tuition EUR 7,150. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 715.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,787.50 per instalment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Available payment frequencies: monthly (10 instalments), quarterly (4 instalments) or annual (single payment). - Monthly instalment due dates (10 instalments): 14 June, 14 September, 14 October, 14 November, 14 December, 14 January, 14 February, 14 March, 14 April, 14 May. - Quarterly instalment due dates (4 instalments): 14 June, 14 September, 14 December, 14 March. - Annual instalment due date (single payment): 14 June. - Confirmation of continuation for the following school year must be submitted in writing before 31 March; the first monthly instalment for the following year must be paid before 14 June. All fees are deemed paid only when credited to the Association's bank account. Payments are accepted by bank transfer or by standing order; cash payments are not accepted. Bank account details (IBAN/BIC) are published for fee payment. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable to this school (no boarding / internat provision listed). Other compulsory and routine costs - Annual school materials fees: - Nursery: EUR 80. - Primary: EUR 130. - Secondary / Collège: EUR 150. - High School / Lycée: EUR 150. - School meals (canteen): - Price per meal: Nursery EUR 4.80; Primary EUR 4.60; Secondary EUR 4.60; High School EUR 4.80. - Annual forfait (typical full‑year canteen charge): Nursery EUR 840; Primary EUR 805; Secondary EUR 805; High School EUR 840. - Badge renewal in case of loss: EUR 5. - After‑school / extracurricular (CP–CM2 club): hourly rate EUR 3; down payment per semester EUR 100. - Examination fees (one‑off, when applicable): DNB (3ème) EUR 40; Baccalaureate preparatory tests (1ère) EUR 200; Baccalaureate examinations (Terminale) EUR 400. - Other potential additional costs (charged separately): extra‑curricular activity fees, sports association fees, school trips/exchanges/stays, specialised services, and any transport costs if provided by a third party. These items are billed in addition to the tuition and routine fees. Refund and withdrawal rules - The registration fee (EUR 700) is non‑refundable. - To terminate enrolment for the coming academic year, the school requires written notice by the stated deadline for that year (the school specifies a withdrawal notification deadline). If a pupil ceases attendance under conditions other than timely written withdrawal, an additional charge equal to three monthly instalments of the annual tuition fee is payable, unless the departure is for an unpredictable and justified relocation to another city/country or for health reasons. Prepaid tuition paid in advance will be refunded pro rata for full months not attended after deduction of amounts due under the withdrawal rules. Temporary absences do not give entitlement to fee reduction. If the school is closed for reasons outside its control (for example public health measures), there is no legal right to obtain a refund of tuition (exceptions apply for canteen and after‑school care). Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or standing order (direct debit). Cash payments are explicitly not accepted. - Bank details for fee payment (as published for payer use): IBAN SK72 1100 0000 0029 4346 2074; Bank: Tatra banka, a.s.; SWIFT/BIC: TATRSKBX. Account and invoicing details are provided by the Association for the French School in Bratislava. Other practical fee notes - Family discounts: the school applies sibling reductions on tuition fees (10% on the second child, 20% from the third child) as specified in the school's financial conditions. - Registration, billing and re‑enrolment conditions require timely payment of the initial instalments as specified in the billing schedule and financial conditions; unpaid amounts can affect re‑enrolment and confirmation of place.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	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.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	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.	Food options The school has a canteen with meals prepared on site. The canteen is open to all students from Kindergarten to Terminale. For kindergarten: morning snack, lunch (no choice for the hot dish) and the afternoon snack. For elementary, middle school and high school: lunch includes a soup, crudités, a hot dish (two options) and a fruit. There are two meal modes: demi-pensionnaire (registered at the canteen) and externe (external).
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The school is an AEFE-conventioned establishment (part of the AEFE network). It was founded by the Association for a French School in Bratislava (Association pour une école française à Bratislava).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details EFIB delivers a schooling in cycles from kindergarten to the baccalauréat, aligned with the French national education programs. The curriculum runs from maternelle (cycle 1) through elementary (cycles 2–4), then collège and lycée, with progression organized to cover the full range from early years to lycée. Knowledge and skills to be acquired from ages 6 to 16 are formalized in the socle commun across five domains, with the languages domain comprising four objectives evaluated across disciplines. The lycée prepares students in three years for the baccalauréat and for entry to higher education, and students enrolled at EFIB or in other French-language schools abroad are admitted to the lycée without entrance exams, based on the assessment of the class council. The DNB is awarded at the end of collège and the baccalauréat at the end of lycée; the baccalauréat is the first university degree in France and opens access to higher education. EFIB offers a distinctive program in Slovakia enabling students to follow a French curriculum from kindergarten through the baccalauréat while also preparing for the Slovak maturita; a program supports welcoming non-French-speaking students.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) attests knowledge at the end of collège and is earned by combining 400 points for the socle commun with 400 points from five exam papers, for a maximum of 800 points. A bonus of 10 or 20 points may be awarded for an additional subject (ELCE or Slovak) if learning goals are met or exceeded, and a student passes with at least 400 points in total. The Baccalauréat counts 40% of the final grade from continuous assessment and 60% from five exam papers; a final average of at least 10/20 is required to be admitted, with possible mentions: Assez Bien (over 12 to under 14), Bien (over 14 to under 16), Très Bien (over 16 to under 18), and Très Bien avec les félicitations du jury (18+). The diploma records the final mention and the terminal specialty studied in Terminale.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression EFIB is the only school in Slovakia offering a program aligned with French education. It enables students to follow a continuous French curriculum from Kindergarten to the Slovak maturita and the French baccalauréat, within a single institution. The baccalauréat opens access to higher education, and the school's dual French‑Slovak pathway supports progression to universities in France, Slovakia, and beyond.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning KiVa anti-bullying program is in place. KiVa is a bullying-prevention program developed by the University of Turku in Finland, based on decades of research, with materials and tools to help schools address harassment. The program has three pillars: Prevention, Intervention, and Monitoring. It provides prevention lessons for the relevant year groups, school-wide activities addressing bullying, informing students, parents, and staff, a structured intervention model, team training, and annual questionnaires to monitor progress. KiVa was implemented at EFIB in October 2023. For inquiries, kiva@efib.sk.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) EFIB is an inclusive school offering a quality education for students from Kindergarten to High school, taking their singularities and their special educational needs into account. It welcomes students who undergo long-term medical treatments, have learning difficulties not related to a learning disorder, are not Francophone, are intellectually precocious or high potential (identified by a professional), have learning difficulties related to one or more professionally diagnosed learning disorder, or have a disability. EFIB provides special attention from teachers and education assistants and supports them throughout their schooling. Arrangements and adaptation measures recommended by the French Ministry of Education are implemented in class, and such arrangements can also be applied during DNB and Baccalauréat exams upon request from the family and notification to the Strasbourg rectorate.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English instruction is strengthened from CE2 as part of the Cycle 2 program. The Cycle 2 program follows the French national education program with the exception of Slovak language teaching and the strengthening of English instruction from CE2.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing KiVa anti-bullying program supports student wellbeing by preventing harassment and creating a safe school climate. It includes prevention lessons, school-wide activities, informing students, parents, and staff, a structured intervention model, team training, and annual questionnaires to monitor progress. The program was implemented in October 2023.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school develops a Plan Particulier de Mise en Sûreté (PPMS) each school year to handle crises. The plan is validated by the French Embassy in Slovakia. It ensures the safety of students and staff while awaiting external assistance, in line with authorities' directives. The school conducts 4–5 safety exercises during the school year to prepare the community for different risks. These exercises form part of the civic education provided to students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
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.	Facilities overview EFIB hosts a Centre de Connaissances et de Culture (CCC), a resource center for documents, culture and pedagogy. It provides quiet spaces to read magazines, comics, albums, documentary works, novels and poetry; it also gives access to printed and digital resources such as textbooks, dictionaries, documentaries, encyclopedias and more. Students can use a computer to research, complete school work and strengthen digital skills (Parcours PIX). The CCC is accessible to every student from collège outside teaching hours, including lunch break or after-school hours (15:00–17:00), and to all classes (excluding maternelle) when accompanied by a teacher or educator. It is also a venue for exhibitions and for meetings of guest speakers or student council sessions. The campus includes public green spaces in front of the entrance as part of a revitalization project that promotes biodiversity and sustainability.
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.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities EFIB emphasizes an eco-conscious academic environment, with the environment and sustainable development at the center of the school's work. EFIB earned the international EFE3D certificate (level 1) in June 2022 and participates in the Eco-School network, earning the Eco-School certificate in 2023. The school adapts its organization to these initiatives and promotes student engagement. The Kindergarten program welcomes children aged 2 to 5, including non-francophones, and focuses on language development and multilingualism as a foundation for later learning.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities The Sports Association at EFIB adheres to UNSS and the ZECO AEFE leagues; all middle school students can join the association and explore a different sport each month, including Canoe Kayak, Touch Rugby and Climbing. Members participate in the school cross-country, inter-school matches and Olympic and Paralympic Week, and are encouraged to practice officiating and multilingual reporting. EFIB also runs the KiVa anti-bullying program, implemented in October 2023, with universal lessons for each grade, staff training and ongoing monitoring to address bullying.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History EFIB was created in 2003 with eight students. In 2004 it received accreditation from the French Ministry of National Education and entered into a convention with AEFE. Enrollment grew to 94 students by 2006, and CNED supported the creation of the collège in 2007. In 2010 the school relocated to new premises, and in 2014 there were new Petržalka premises and the opening of a TPS class for about 200 students. The lycée was accredited by the Slovak Ministry of Education in 2018, first baccalaureate graduates appeared in 2021, and the school celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.
Community	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.	Community EFIB maintains an active community life with events and updates. An open house day was held on March 8, 2024. The school hosted the TÊTES FRAÎCHES contest in 2023 and published new documents on October 24, 2022. The Slovak Ministry of Education and the Institut Français have praised EFIB for its international program and for offering a pathway from kindergarten through the French baccalauréat, with an atmosphere described as welcoming and positive.
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.	Parent teacher association The elections of parent representatives to the School Council take place in September. Each guardian has one vote, cast electronically via BALOTILO. We are a non-political slate of volunteer parents who aim to voice families' concerns to EFIB's governance, with members who speak French, Slovak, and English, and several having served on the Council before. Over the previous year, we actively participated in EFIB governance, met with the Head to address topics raised by families (school meals, guidance, teacher absences, Secondary class councils), helped organize the Primary School festival, and kept families regularly informed. Our slate covers all levels—Primary and Secondary—and seeks a safe, engaging, and motivating environment for our children. We thank you in advance for your engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual Aide à la réussite is a free service available to families of students from CP through CM2. It provides support for parents in tracking their child's schooling and offers a pedagogical approach that complements classroom teaching to help the student progress. There is one hour with the class teacher from Monday to Thursday, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, three French sessions per week and one Slovak session per week.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Centre de Connaissances et de Culture (CCC) is a resource hub for documents, culture and pedagogy; it offers access to magazines, comics, albums, documentaries, novels and poetry. It is accessible to collège and higher classes after school with supervision and during midday breaks; it also hosts exhibitions and welcomes external guests. It serves as a venue for meetings of elected student councils (Conseil des délégués) and the life council of the collège/lycée.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Parcours langues provides language pathways to support multilingual learning. The school emphasizes multilingualism as a core aspect of its educational approach.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Centre de loisirs operates during autumn, winter and spring holidays; participation requires pre-registration and is open to students from kindergarten through CM2; the program revolves around a theme and includes day trips. The Association sportive introduces a different sport each month (e.g., Canoë Kayak, Touch Rugby, Escalade) and involves students in school cross-country events, inter-school matches and the Olympic and Paralympic week, while encouraging arbitration and multilingual reporting. During breaks, Vie Scolaire staff supervise activities and offer homework help, contributing to social interaction and conviviality through year‑round events with student representatives.
Community & service	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.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional The Centre de Connaissances et de Culture (CCC) hosts meetings of elected student delegates and the life council at the collège and lycée levels. The sports association engages student leaders in organizing events and reporting on activities (e.g., cross-country, matches, and school events), and Vie Scolaire provides spaces for dialogue, mediation and student‑led initiatives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing KiVa is implemented to prevent harassment and intervene effectively, with age‑appropriate prevention lessons, school‑wide involvement and annual monitoring. The sports association promotes physical activity, teamwork and healthy habits, and the centre de loisirs offers themed activities and excursions to support well‑being. Vie Scolaire ensures student safety and supports breaks with homework help and convivial activities, reinforcing a positive school climate.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision French and Slovak are taught. French is the language of schooling and the staff master both French and Slovak. Non-French-speaking students are integrated at all levels; in the last year of maternelle and in elementary they receive targeted French-language support (FLSco). FLSco sessions are typically in small groups of 2 to 4 students and progress is regularly monitored by the class and FLSco teachers.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in French and Slovak. The teaching staff masters both French and Slovak to adapt learning to each student. A majority of non-French-speaking students are welcomed in the preschool, and non-French-speaking students are integrated at all levels of elementary school. Non-French-speaking students receive targeted French-language support (FLSco), typically in small groups of 2 to 4, with progress regularly assessed by the class teacher and the FLSco teacher.
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Reputation	Reputation
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Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions EFIB is a French-Slovak private integrated school in Bratislava serving children from Kindergarten through High School (ages 2 to 17). Kindergarten is for 2–5 years; Elementary 6–10; Middle School 11–14; High School 15–17. It is a member of the AEFE network and delivers education aligned with the French national education system, including the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) in collège and the Baccalauréat exam in lycée. The school welcomes non-French-speaking students through a special program. The address is Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 851 04 Bratislava, Slovakia. Prospective families can attend an Open Day (Open Day 2025) and there is an admission enquiry form on the site.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships AEFE scholarships are available for students who are French nationals and meet criteria including being at least 3 years old on December 31 of the school year, living in Slovakia with a parent, being listed in the Register of French citizens resident outside France, and being enrolled or in enrollment at EFIB. Scholarships cover all or part of the first-time registration fee, the annual fee, the school canteen fees, or exam fees. The scholarship must be renewed each year, and the application file is submitted to the Consular section of the French Embassy in Slovakia during January–February (or September for new arrivals). Contact: French Embassy in Slovakia (Consular section). Scholarship application form is available via the linked form. Address: École Française Internationale de Bratislava, Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 851 04 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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