Meridian Bilingual Primary School vs Vienna Elementary School
Meridian Bilingual Primary School and Vienna Elementary School are both in Vienna, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes, and Meridian Bilingual Primary School also offers Cambridge (Primary). Published annual fees are close, at €13,044 for Meridian Bilingual Primary School and €11,700 - 15,840 for Vienna Elementary School. Meridian Bilingual Primary School takes pupils from 3 to 10, and Vienna Elementary School from 2 to 18.
The Meridian is located at Himmelstraße 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria. It sits in Vienna's Grinzing area, in a charming old building in the leafy Cottage district. The school is a private primary school with German and English from the first day of school.
Location
The Vienna Elementary School campus is located in Vienna's 18th district (A-1180 Wien). The campus comprises three buildings connected by the Elementary School playground and is close to Türkenschanz Park and Sternwarte Park. It is about 15 minutes from Vienna's historic city center and is easily accessible by public transport; trolleybuses 9, 40, 41, and 42 stop nearby, and Bus 10A and Gersthof Train Station (S45) are within walking distance. The Preschool and High School entrance is at Paulinengasse 16, and the Elementary School entrance is at Lacknergasse 75.
Stages
Stages
Preschool course for 5-6 year olds with bilingual English support; there is English for children 6-9 years as well. Primary school follows the Austrian curriculum and includes Cambridge Primary Curriculum as part of the all-day program. Meridian was the first school in Vienna to be certified as a Cambridge Primary School.
Stages
Kindergarten & Preschool; Elementary School (Grades 1-4); European School Junior High; European School Senior High
School type
School type
Private non-denominational primary school offering the Austrian curriculum with Cambridge Primary Curriculum.
School type
International school with bilingual education (English and German)
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Flexible forms of learning; personal support; strong community.
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Austria
Country affiliation
Austria
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious background; non-denominational.
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
All-day school with integrated German and English instruction and care from the first day of school.
School day structure
Schedule examples show blocks starting at 8:30 with classes such as 8:30-9:30 (English), 9:30-10:30, and 11:00-12:00, followed by 12:00-13:00 (Lunch). Example 1 includes 8:30-9:30 English and 11:00-12:00 disciplines like German, Religion, Music, and Art, with a lunch block 12:00-13:00.
Bus service details
Bus service details
—
Bus service details
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees & upfront payments - Application (processing) fee: EUR 250 (one-time); this fee is non‑refundable. - Investment contribution (one-time): EUR 1,750; due on signing the education contract when the child is finally admitted. The investment contribution is not refundable and not transferable. For families with multiple children, the investment contribution is charged for the first two siblings only. - Security deposit (caution): EUR 500; held while the child attends and refunded (without interest) when the child leaves, after offsetting any outstanding claims.
Tuition fees (2026/27) — billing options and amounts - Monthly payment (12 instalments per year): EUR 1,152 per month. - Two instalments (per semester): EUR 6,705 per semester (2x per school year). - Full-year advance payment (single payment for the school year): EUR 13,341. - Lunch & snack (mandatory): EUR 251 per month (charged 10 times per year). Lunch and snack are obligatory for all pupils.
Tuition fees by year group - The published school fees are presented as the standard charge for the private primary school program. The above tuition figures apply to the primary‑school place (the school's published primary fees). Specific per‑grade differentials are not listed separately in the published primary‑school fee schedule.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing options: monthly (12x), per semester (2x), or single full‑year advance payment. - Monthly payment requirement: a direct‑debit mandate (Lastschrift‑Einzugsmandat) is required for families choosing monthly instalments. Early and late supervision (from 08:00 and until 17:10, Fridays until 16:00) is included in the published fee. Multichild discount: 10% for the second child and 5% for each additional child.
Boarding - The school is an all‑day day primary school offering full‑day supervision and does not operate as a boarding school.
Other costs and additional charges - Mother‑tongue instruction and extra optional offers (additional language support or extracurricular programmes) are charged separately and are not included in the standard tuition. - School clothing / uniform: school clothing is available through the school's online shop; clothing costs are charged separately. Early/late supervision and the standard midday meal are covered in the price noted above.
Refunds and cancellation - Application/processing fee: non‑refundable. - Investment contribution: not refundable and not transferable. If a pupil leaves the school, the security deposit is returned (without interest) after settlement of any claims.
Fee payment options - Monthly instalments require a direct‑debit mandate (Lastschrift). The school publishes the billing cycles (monthly, per semester, full‑year advance) and requires payment according to the agreed billing cycle. For details about accepted payment instruments for the non‑monthly cycles, contact the school's administration.
Fee details
Fees (2025/2026 academic year)
Application fees - Kindergarten & Preschool: €1,080. - Elementary School: €0 or €1,080 (both values are shown). - Junior High: €610 or €1,160 (both values are shown). - Senior High: €0 or €1,160 (both values are shown). - Application fees on the school application form are specified as non‑refundable.
Tuition fees (per semester and total per year by school level) - Kindergarten & Preschool: - Semester 1: €5,620. Semester 2: €5,620. - Annual tuition (both semesters combined): €11,240. - Material fee per semester: €110. Fieldtrip fee per semester: €120. - Elementary School (Grades 1–4): - Semester 1: €5,620. Semester 2: €5,620. - Annual tuition (both semesters combined): €11,240. - Material fee per semester: €110. Fieldtrip fee per semester: €120. - Junior High: - Semester 1: €7,320. Semester 2: €7,320. - Annual tuition (both semesters combined): €14,640. - Material fee per semester: €170. Fieldtrip fee per semester: €120. - Senior High: - Semester 1: €7,920. Semester 2: €7,920. - Annual tuition (both semesters combined): €15,840. - Material fee per semester: €210. Fieldtrip fee per semester: €120.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is charged on an annual basis and may be paid in two instalments at the beginning of each semester. Bills are issued by email and payment is to be made after receiving the bill. Payments should be transferred to the school bank account (IBAN and BIC provided by the school).
Bank account / payment details - Bank transfer details provided for payments (example bank details shown for transfers): IBAN: AT90 1200 0100 2246 5644; BIC: BKAUATWW; UniCredit Bank Austria AG. Payments are expected by bank transfer to the school account as billed.
Boarding fees - No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable.
After‑school and additional programme fees - Toddler programme (2–4 year olds): Early Years Sports and Early English Club — €300 per semester. - Kindergarten & Preschool after‑school: - Lunch: €1,160 per semester (Monday–Thursday); example breakdown: €290 per semester for 1 day/week, €580 for 2 days/week, etc. - Homework Club: €1,220 per semester (Monday–Thursday); example breakdown: €305 per semester for 1 day/week, €610 for 2 days/week, etc. - Selected activity fees (per semester): Fun Dance €280; Choir €280; Football €280; Les Petits Français (2h) €650. Instrument lessons: €37 per half hour (guitar, piano). - Elementary School (Grades 1–4) after‑school: - Lunch: €1,200 per semester (Monday–Thursday); example breakdown: €300 per semester for 1 day/week, €600 for 2 days/week, etc. - Homework Club: €1,180 per semester (Monday–Thursday); example breakdown: €295 per semester for 1 day/week, €590 for 2 days/week, etc. - Selected activity fees (per semester): Football €280; Fun Dance €280; Choir €280; Spanish Club €330; German as a Second Language €330; Chess Club €330. Instrument lessons and vocal coaching: €37 per half hour. - High School after‑school: - Lunch: €1,200 per semester (Monday–Thursday). - Homework Club: €780 per semester (Monday–Thursday); example breakdown: €195 per semester for 1 day/week, €390 for 2 days/week, etc. - Selected activity fees (per semester): French Club €330; Spanish Club €330; Math Support Club €330; German as a Second Language €330; Coding Club €330; Chess Club €330. Instrument lessons and vocal coaching: €37 per half hour.
Other costs - Material fees (per semester) and fieldtrip fees (per semester) apply and are listed with each school level (examples: Material fee €110 per semester for KIGA/Elementary; €170 for Junior High; €210 for Senior High; Fieldtrip fee €120 per semester for all listed levels).
Refund information - The application fee is stated as non‑refundable on the school application form.
Fee payment options - Bank transfer to the school account using the provided IBAN/BIC is the payment method specified. No alternative payment methods (for example, credit card) are listed.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has an online shop for school clothes with polo shirts, hoodies, jackets, and caps.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
The VES Lunch Program provides healthy warm meals supervised by the VES team, working with BIO MENÜ; 99% of the meals use ingredients from local Austrian farmers. Students have a choice of regular menus, vegetarian, no pork, gluten-free or lactose-free options. Lunch time is 13:00-14:00.
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Meridian is a private non-denominational primary school not part of the City of Vienna's VBS program. It is financed exclusively by school fees and was founded on 28 May 2020 and officially recognized by the Vienna Education Directorate. Meridian was the first Vienna school certified as a Cambridge Primary School in 2023/24 and was granted Öffentlichkeitsrecht in 2021/22.
Governance and ownership
VES is privately founded and established under Austrian law and registered with the Ministry of Education and the Viennese Public School Office for Education.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the Austrian curriculum in German and offers English according to the Cambridge Primary Curriculum as part of an all-day school. The program integrates German and English in the classroom and everyday school life from the first day of school. The Cambridge Primary Curriculum is included as part of the daily schedule, with a focus on English. Meridian was the first Cambridge Primary School in Vienna and was certified as such in 2023/24. The program prepares students for secondary school with German and/or English as languages of instruction, with a STEM focus. Voluntary creative and language programs enrich the offer.
Curriculum details
Elementary curriculum uses a personalized and integrated approach to learning, combining English-language arts with Deutsch (German) language study. The program presents content through an integrated thematic approach linking subjects to real life. Core subjects include Social Skills, Science (Life, Physical, Earth sciences; Processes of Science), Language (Communication, Reading, Language and Writing, Handwriting, Drama, Spelling), Deutsch (reading, writing, spelling, Sprachbetrachtung), Mathematics (numbers, operations, measurement, geometry), Social Studies (maps, history, geography, diversity), Physical Education, Art, and Music. Enrichment is provided for students progressing at a faster pace, while separate help is available for those needing support. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
—
Higher education progression
—
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
—
Gifted and talented
Enrichment is provided for students progressing at a faster pace; extra help is available for those experiencing difficulty.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
—
Academic calendar
—
Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The Meridian Bilingual Primary School supports social and emotional development by fostering multilingualism and cultural empathy. It aims for students to blossom in linguistic, cultural, and social identities and to become committed, responsible individuals who interact with others with empathy and respect. The immersion approach and native-speaking teachers enable students to access a second language playfully, building confidence and social engagement. The school promotes a multicultural experience and encourages open, respectful engagement with people and cultures.
Social & emotional learning
VES Vienna Elementary School is a social place and a home for children. The environment is designed to be non-threatening and enriching to help children develop confidence and lifelong learning. Shared experiences such as learning, singing, games and celebrations foster social growth. Bilingualism plays a central role in the educational program, reinforcing inclusion and mutual understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. The school emphasizes understanding, tolerance and mutual acceptance of children from different cultures, origins, religions and educational backgrounds.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
German and English are used in daily life from the first day; the school integrates German and English into teaching as part of an all-day program. Cambridge International Curriculum & ISCD Level 1 are part of the program. Each class has two native-speaking teachers—one English and one German—who support students across all subjects. The following subjects are taught in English from day one: Geography, History, Biology, Music, Art, Handcrafts, and Physical Education. The school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:35 pm, with extended morning, afternoon, and holiday supervision from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Extracurricular activities and excursions are taught in both English and German. The educational content follows the Austrian state curriculum for Primary Schools and is complemented by international components.
English as an additional language
Vienna Elementary Preschool uses an ESL submersion program to develop listening and speaking skills in English. Language offerings include English and German, as shown by theLANGUAGE: ENGLISH (& German) designation. The Elementary curriculum uses English as the language of instruction in most subjects, with German and Mathematics taught in German, and 1st Grade features an integrated language arts approach with English content alongside German language study. In practice, the 1st Grade curriculum includes a Deutsch (German) language component and English language arts, reflecting bilingual instruction. Overall, English-language instruction is primary, with German included as a core part of the program.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
—
Mental wellbeing
The mission emphasizes a learning environment where children can develop their learning styles without fear. It aims to build confidence through inclusive, supportive experiences and by allowing independent and creative work. The school priorities understanding, tolerance and mutual acceptance to support social and emotional development. Activities and celebrations, along with drama, music and presentations, contribute to a sense of community and belonging. Bilingualism is highlighted as a key element of the program, supporting inclusive social and emotional growth among a diverse student body.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school provides a safe, well-supervised and inspiring environment for acquiring new skills. Daily supervision runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, including studying aid, preparatory classes and additional extracurricular and leisure activities.
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The MERIDIAN School is housed in a charming old building in Vienna's Grinzing district. The classrooms are bright and equipped with modern equipment. Students benefit from spacious open areas and a thoughtful design that makes everyday school life pleasant and inspiring. The school operates as an all-day program, integrating German and English from the very beginning.
Facilities overview
The school has two gym halls, including a climbing wall and gymnastic equipment (mats, balance beam, rings and bars). It has a large garden with a playground and a nearby park for recess, as well as a library, a Grade 4 Library, a music room, an art and craft room, a lunch room serving warm lunches, an accessible roof terrace, and a theatre.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
—
Sports facilities
The school has a gym hall with climbing wall and gymnastic equipment including mats, balance beam, rings and bars, plus a second gym hall.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The teaching follows the Austrian curriculum in German and English according to the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. German and English are integrated into lessons in the classroom and in everyday school life. The Cambridge Primary Curriculum is offered in addition to the Austrian elementary curriculum, with a focus on English. This bilingual approach supports secondary school preparation in German and/or English.
Academic facilities
The school has a library, a Grade 4 Library, a music room, and an art and craft room.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Voluntary creative and language programs enrich the offer and prepare children for secondary school. These programs extend learning beyond the core curriculum and support bilingual development within Meridian's all-day learning environment. They provide opportunities for language practice, creativity, and collaboration. The programs align with Meridian's aim to foster independent, confident learners.
Extra curricular facilities
Afternoon Activities include Homework Club, Football, Fun Dance, Choir, Spanish, Guitar, Piano, and Vocal Coaching.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
The site at Himmelstraße 11 in Grinzing dates back to the 14th century, with the Pöltinger Hof founded on this site around 1350. The core of the current building dates to the 17th and first half of the 18th century and was built as the Grinzing hunting lodge of Empress Maria Theresa (1730). Meridian Private Primary School Grinzing was founded on 28 May 2020. From the 2023/24 school year Meridian offers the Cambridge Primary Curriculum in addition to the Austrian primary curriculum, and Meridian was the first Cambridge Primary School in Vienna. The private primary school Meridian Grinzing was granted Öffentlichkeitsrecht in 2021/22.
History
Vienna Elementary School was founded in 2001 by Dr. Sigrid Schauberger to create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and creative work. The founder's welcome emphasizes awakening and maintaining curiosity while protecting and understanding prior knowledge. Bilingualism is central to the educational program, and the school uses interdisciplinary approaches including drama, music, language, visual arts, media education, rhythm, and dance, with presentations, lectures, theatre performances, and concerts. The school aims to prepare students for future living conditions by strengthening self-reliance and self-confidence.
Community
Community
Holistic education with a focus on personality, independent learning and a strong community - learning that inspires and connects. Flexible forms of learning, personal support, a strong community - for self-confident and independent learning in a relaxed atmosphere. Learning with Meridian means individual learning, creative methods, and independent thinking in a trusting and motivating learning atmosphere. The principal is Sonja Erdödy.
Community
The school is a social place as well as a learning place, a home for children, with a supportive school community. Joint activities and celebrations such as Carnival, Halloween, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, Christmas Fair, and Sleepover are designed to meet the goals of learning and cultural integration. Children from different cultures, origins, religions, and educational backgrounds are taught the basics of understanding, tolerance, and mutual acceptance.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
The VES Cercle (VES Club) is an exclusive gathering for meaningful encounters and powerful connections united by Vienna Elementary School and Vienna European School. It describes itself as a community that supports, uplifts, and grows across generations and hosts events such as Planter's Club. Tickets and Tables are available for events, with membership described as invitation-only.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school teaches German and English from the first day of school, integrating English across core subjects as part of an all-day bilingual program. It follows the Austrian primary curriculum and adds the Cambridge Primary Curriculum in English as part of the learning and care time. The school emphasizes a MINT Schwerpunkt (STEM focus) with cross-curricular mathematics, informatics, science, and technology projects. Project-based learning and individualized learning time are part of the program, and each class has at least two teachers with a maximum of 20 students.
Academic & intellectual
The school fosters curiosity and builds on students' prior knowledge. It emphasizes independent and creative work to promote pride in personal achievement. It provides a learning environment where children can explore their own learning styles without fear. It supports each student in developing their individual strengths.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
There are additional educational offerings in the arts, sport, and creativity. Extracurricular activities occur in German and English as part of the all-day program. Teachers with German and English mother tongues supervise these activities. The all-day program accommodates these activities alongside regular lessons.
Arts & creative
After-school programs include Football, Fun Dance, Choir, Spanish, Guitar, Piano, and Vocal Coaching. Homework Club runs until 16:00 from Monday through Thursday; other activities are one-hour weekly programs.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Extracurricular activities occur in German and English. English instruction is integrated into core subjects from the first grade as part of the Austrian curriculum. Voluntary language instruction is offered in Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and French. The Cambridge Primary Curriculum is provided in English as part of the program.
Cultural & language
Spanish is offered as an after-school program. The VES Club fosters community and exclusive gatherings for the Vienna Elementary School and Vienna European School communities.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school operates as an all-day primary school with lunch, supervised homework time, and options for morning/afternoon care and holiday programs. A wide sport offer is part of the program, including tennis, climbing, and football, with swimming lessons for all four grades from day one. There is a daily garden hour, and regular excursions and field trips. Extracurricular activities take place in German and English.
Social & hobbies
After-school activities include Football, Fun Dance, Choir, Spanish, Guitar, Piano, and Vocal Coaching. These programs meet weekly and provide social and hobby opportunities for students.
Community & service
Community & service
The school offers an all-day community where learning and daily life are closely connected. During meals, play and work, students learn to share, stand up for themselves, and prove themselves. Extracurricular activities run in German and English, supporting language and cultural exchange. The school environment emphasizes belonging and responsible participation within a close-knit community.
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lunch is provided as part of the all-day program. Supervised homework time is offered, with additional morning and afternoon care and holiday programs. There is a daily garden hour and regular excursions and field trips. A shuttle service runs from Wien Mitte to Grinzing in the morning and back after classes, and swimming is included in the sports program.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Physical activity is encouraged through Football and Fun Dance. Participation in music-based activities supports a healthy balance of physical fitness and creativity.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
German and English are taught. German follows the Austrian curriculum, and English follows the Cambridge Primary Curriculum as part of the all-day program. The Cambridge Primary Curriculum was introduced in addition to the Austrian curriculum from 2023/24. The bilingual program integrates German and English in everyday classroom life to prepare students for secondary schools with either language of instruction.
Language provision
Languages taught are English and German. English instruction covers language arts and other core subjects. German (Deutsch) is taught as a separate language subject across 1st–4th grade with emphasis on alphabet and sounds, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar, and language awareness. The program includes cross-language comparison between German and English.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school has German and English in class and in everyday life from the first day of school. German follows the Austrian curriculum and English is taught according to the Cambridge Primary Curriculum as part of an all-day program. From the 2023/24 school year, Cambridge Primary Curriculum was introduced in addition to the Austrian curriculum. The integrated German and English lessons in classroom and daily life support bilingualism and prepare students for secondary schools with either German or English as languages of instruction.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching is provided in English and German. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, while German (Deutsch) is taught as a dedicated language subject across the elementary grades. The elementary program spans 1st through 4th grade. German language instruction includes reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and language awareness.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
The school teaches in German and English from the first day of school. The Austrian curriculum is followed in German and English is offered according to the Cambridge Primary Curriculum as part of the all-day school. The school was the first in Vienna to be certified as a Cambridge School and offers the Cambridge Primary Curriculum in addition to the Austrian curriculum starting from the 2023/24 school year. The school is a Cambridge Primary School (first Cambridge International School in Vienna).
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Registration for the primary school is non-binding. All interested parties are contacted and invited to an information discussion.
Admissions
Application Procedure: The school welcomes applications from all students regardless of race, religion, language background or country of origin. A command of English is not a pre-condition for application. An application is usually preceded by a visit to the school and a meeting with the director. We will carry out a simple entrance placement test for all applicants. Please download and print the necessary forms for completion (This is a PDF file - you will need Adobe Reader to open it). Application Form (Kindergarten, Preschool, Elementary School). Application Form (High School). Also submit previous school reports (if applicable). If you find it difficult to download the files please call us and we are happy to mail or fax the forms to you.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Meridian Scholarship offers a tuition subsidy funded by a sponsoring organization for some students entering 1st–4th grade in September 2025. For the 2025/26 school year, the subsidized tuition is EUR 698 per month instead of EUR 1,087, with the subsidy covering the full time in primary school (subject to index adjustment up to the 4th grade or if the student leaves early). This scholarship is a one-time opportunity for children who value multilingualism and are able to use German and English at native-speaker level in a German-speaking and/or international environment. The application deadline is 31 March 2025 at 23:59. Requirements include reaching the compulsory school age (six years by 01 September 2025), general school readiness, and good German; English knowledge at an age-appropriate level is advantageous; a motivation letter must be attached/uploaded (or emailed to direktion@meridianschool.at). The subsidy provides a monthly grant of EUR 389 toward tuition (12 times per year), resulting in EUR 698 payable per month. The subsidy applies only to new students entering 1st–4th grade in September 2025 and lasts for the entire time at Meridian. Eligible families include those with German as mother/tuser language, German/English as home languages, German/other language as home languages, or those coming from bilingual German-English kindergartens; the child must have German and English as the languages of instruction from grade 1. Financial or social need is not a prerequisite, and no financial documents are required.
