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LEAF Academy

Slovakia, Bratislava

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €24,900
Ages 14 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 130
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2016
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Slovak, French, German, English
Typical class size 12
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Cultural and Language, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

LEAF Academy is a boarding high school in Bratislava, Slovakia, opened in 2016. The academic building at Fraňa Kráľa 6 is historic and the on-site residential life is in the Astra Hotel on Prievozská. The campus supports 70 students with nurse and residential staff, wifi classrooms, a library and learning spaces. All classes are taught in English; a National Language and Slovak as Foreign Language program supports language development, with opportunities to study additional languages. The school offers a 4-year and a 2-year program, with Year 1 Grade 9 or Year 3 Grade 11 entry. An American-style curriculum intertwines rigorous academics with leadership, entrepreneurship, and character development; Year 3 and 4 include university-level Advanced Placement courses and AP Capstone Diploma is approved by The College Board. The campus provides university and career counseling in Years 3 and 4. A spectrum of clubs is available, run by students with staff supervision.

The Essentials

LEAF Academy has 130 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

LEAF Academy is located in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the center of the city on Fraňa Kráľa street (Fraňa Kráľa 6). The dormitory is in the Astra Hotel on Prievozská street, about 15 minutes by bus from the school.

Stages

LEAF Academy offers a 4-year high school program (Year 1–Year 4, Grades 9–12) and a 2-year program (Year 3–Year 4, Grades 11–12). Entry points are Year 1 (Grade 9) or Year 3 (Grade 11).

Type

Boarding school (co-educational international high school) with on-site residential life.

Country affiliation

Slovakia

Bus service

Boarding includes a public transportation pass for Bratislava; commuting between the residence (Astra Hotel) and the campus by bus is common (approximately 15 minutes).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Residential life is organized in three halls: one girls' hall, one boys' hall and one mixed hall. Students live in two-bed rooms and share a common bathroom and corridor with two other students. The dormitory is located on the 6th and 7th floors of the Astra Hotel in Bratislava, about 15 minutes by bus from the school. A nurse is available 24 hours a day and a dormitory supervisor is on call.

Food Options

Day program includes meals (lunch, fruit and snacks). Boarding program includes buffet-style meals (breakfast and dinner, including weekends).

House System

There are three residential halls: one girls' hall, one boys' hall and one mixed hall.

Governance and Ownership

LEAF Academy is governed by the Board of Governors under the LEAF Academy Statutes 2024. The Governors are volunteers whose combined experience provide effective oversight and they meet three times a year.
Fees

Annual tuition at LEAF Academy ranges from EUR 24,900 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees

- Registration (application) fee: EUR 100 (one-time).
- A deposit payment is used in the admissions process; deposits and other pre-enrolment payments are processed online (Stripe). The exact deposit amount is specified in the student agreement.

Annual tuition (by student type) and applicability to year groups

- Boarding students (annual): EUR 24,900. This boarding rate applies to students on the school's residential programme and covers accommodation and related boarding services in addition to tuition.
- Day students (annual): EUR 18,900. This day‑student rate applies across the Academy's year groups (including the 2‑year and 4‑year programmes).

Per‑term / per‑installment breakdown (calculated from the published annual fees)

- The school publishes a single annual tuition per student type rather than a public per‑term schedule. To help with standard budgeting, common instalment examples are shown below as straightforward arithmetic divisions of the published annual fee (these are illustrative calculations; the enrolment agreement/invoice sets the official billing schedule):
- If billed in two equal instalments (semester model):
- Boarding: EUR 12,450 per semester (EUR 24,900 ÷ 2).
- Day: EUR 9,450 per semester (EUR 18,900 ÷ 2).
- If billed in three equal instalments (three‑term model):
- Boarding: EUR 8,300 per term (EUR 24,900 ÷ 3).
- Day: EUR 6,300 per term (EUR 18,900 ÷ 3).

What the annual tuition covers and boarding specifics

- Day programme tuition includes: tuition and academic fees, lunch and snacks, books and learning materials, trips and experiential activities, clubs, access to gym and sports facilities, additional English language lessons, wellbeing counselling/workshops, externally assessed AP exams in Years 3 and 4, university/career counselling in Years 3 and 4, and Wi‑Fi access across the campus.
- Boarding programme additions included in the annual boarding fee: accommodation in twin rooms with en‑suite bathrooms, laundry service and detergents, buffet‑style meals (breakfast and dinner, including weekends), evening and weekend activities, and a public transportation pass for Bratislava.

Other costs and fees

- Health insurance and visa costs: Health insurance and visa support are not included in the published annual tuition and are listed as additional costs for international students. International students may incur visa application fees, mandatory health insurance premiums, and related International Office support/service charges.
- Registration / application: EUR 100 (one‑time).
- Examination and external assessment charges: Externally assessed AP exams for Years 3 and 4 are referenced as included in the day programme package; any additional external exam fees or late registration charges (if they apply) are handled according to assessment provider rules.
- Uniforms and dedicated uniform fees: No separate uniform charge or compulsory uniform fee is listed among the published inclusions for the day or boarding tuition. (No separate uniform cost is published in the Academy's public fee information.)
- Miscellaneous and optional costs: airport transfers (where listed as included for certain packages), programme‑specific trips, personal expenses, optional extra‑curricular charges not listed among standard inclusions, and any third‑party charges (for example, private medical services or optional extra travel) would be additional to the annual tuition.

Scholarships, tuition reductions and financial aid

- The Academy offers limited tuition reductions: partial tuition reductions of 40% or 60% are available to a limited number of admitted students on merit and assessed household need. Additional one‑year merit scholarships or support may be available in exceptional cases. Eligibility is assessed during admission and requires household financial information.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The Academy issues invoices and requires payment according to the enrollment agreement and invoice terms. A deposit and/or pre‑payment process is used for international payments; deposits are taken through the Academy's online payment facility (Stripe). Exact invoice due dates, instalment options, late‑payment penalties, and any payment deadlines are specified in the student agreement and the school's Terms and Conditions / enrolment paperwork.

Payment methods and processing

- Online card payments (credit/debit) are processed via Stripe for deposits and online payments. The Academy uses Stripe for payment processing; parents may also receive invoices and payment instructions as part of the enrolment agreement. Arrangement of any alternative payment channels (for example, bank transfer or invoiced bank payment) is made through the school's invoicing and admissions process.

Refunds and withdrawal

- Refunds, withdrawal notice periods, cancellations, and any associated charges are governed by the Academy's Terms and Conditions and the Withdrawal Form included in the school's enrolment documentation and payment agreement. The enrolment agreement and the provided Terms and Conditions / Withdrawal Form establish the specific refund deadlines, proportions (if any) refundable on withdrawal, and administrative conditions.

Summary (concise)

- Annual tuition (boarding): EUR 24,900; annual tuition (day): EUR 18,900. Registration fee EUR 100 (one‑time). Boarding benefits and a long list of academic and pastoral services are included in the relevant annual fee; health insurance, visa costs and certain third‑party charges are additional. Deposits and online payments are processed via Stripe; the enrollment agreement and invoice set the official billing schedule, instalment options and detailed refund/withdrawal terms.
Academics

LEAF Academy teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.

Curriculum

LEAF Academy offers a 4-year and a 2-year high school program. An American-style curriculum intertwines rigorous academic preparation with the intentional development of leadership, entrepreneurship, strong moral values and self-awareness through programs of Entrepreneurial Leadership, STEM, Central European Studies and Character Development. Entry points are Year 1 Grade 9 or Year 3 Grade 11. The 4-year program spends the first two years on an internally developed curriculum; Year 3 and Year 4 include university-level Advanced Placement courses. LEAF Academy is approved by The College Board to offer the AP Capstone Diploma program. AP courses offered include AP 2-D Art and Design; AP Art History; AP Biology every other year; AP Calculus AB/BC; AP Chemistry every other year; AP Comparative Government and Politics; AP Computer Science A; AP Computer Science Principles; AP English Language and Composition; AP English Language and Literature; AP Environmental Science every other year; AP European History; AP French Language and Culture; AP German Language and Culture; AP Human Geography; AP Microeconomics; AP Macroeconomics; AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism; AP Physics: Mechanics; AP Psychology; AP Research; AP Seminar; AP Statistics. AP Capstone Diploma program is included.

Higher Education Progression

After graduating, LEAF Academy graduates become part of a large, diverse network of LEAF programs alumni. Careers and University Guidance Counselors help students evaluate options, plan, prepare, and embark on their journey after LEAF Academy. The LALA Guidance program focuses on identifying students interests, talents, skills, and work preferences, and guides them through career planning; providing information on careers, internships, GAP Year, AP course choices, admissions testing and scholarship opportunities; assisting students with the search for higher education options worldwide and supporting university planning and applications through the Start platform, which aligns with Gatsby Benchmarks.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a Character Development program that builds self-awareness, leadership, and values. The program includes a Character Seminar to explore personal strengths, motivations, and ethical perspectives. An Advisory Program assigns each student to an Advisory Family with a staffulty member who provides ongoing guidance and serves as a link to parents. Self-Discovery Seminar offers a safe space to reflect on well-being, life-skills, and relationships. Seminal Readings gathers the community to examine important issues through literature and film, fostering discussion and reflection. Advisory, residential staff, and teachers work together to support students' academic and personal growth.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

All classes are taught in English. Additional languages can be pursued through elective language courses. The curriculum includes a National Language and Slovak as Foreign Language. Slovak as Foreign Language is offered as part of the program. Content in Central European Studies is taught in English, with some content available in students' native language; students may pursue learning additional languages if they wish.

Mental Wellbeing

Character Development emphasises well-being as part of leadership development. Self-Discovery Seminar provides a safe space to reflect on well-being, psychology, and life-skills. The Advisory Program assigns an Advisory Family to support student welfare and to provide a consistent point of contact with parents. Self-discovery and reflection are integrated into the four-year program through guided activities and discussions. The overall approach connects personal growth with academic and extracurricular pursuits to support resilient, values-driven leadership.

Safeguarding

Safety is the first priority of LEAF Academy. A dormitory advisor and a dormitory parent guide students in daily life away from home. Students stay in constant contact with teachers, residential staff, and coaches to build positive and healthy relationships. A nurse is available 24 hours a day, and a senior administrator is on-call 24 hours a day for crisis situations. The academic building has strict access controls, and residential life provides ongoing supervision to ensure a safe living and learning environment.
Parent Experience

History

LEAF Academy opened its doors in September 2016. The academic building is at Fraňa Kráľa 6 in Bratislava, and the residential life is housed in the Astra Hotel on Prievozská. The academic building is a historic structure with more than 100 years of history, and the campus includes a nurse on call and residential staff to support students. LEAF Academy is NEASC-accredited and operates in Slovakia with the consent of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and is recognized by the Slovak Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport. It is part of LEAF Organization.

Community

LEAF Academy supports a diverse residential and day-student community with after-school activities, clubs, sports, and weekend or offsite programs. Living and learning together with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures creates opportunities to grow, with residential and non-residential staff guiding students. The residence provides a nurse on call 24 hours a day and a dormitory parent to ensure safety and well-being. The campus hosts events such as Halloween parties, karaoke, and movie or game nights, and emphasizes social and cultural engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

LEAF Academy is an international boarding high school in Bratislava, Slovakia, with the academic building located at Fraňa Kráľa 6 in the city center. The historic academic building is more than 100 years old and features brightly lit classrooms, indoor lounges, and an outdoor terrace that leads to a small garden. It houses about 70 students in addition to staff and is equipped with wifi, wall-mounted writing spaces, projectors, Chromecast, printers, and a library. The on-site residential building operates in the Astra Hotel on Prievozská street, with one girls' hall, one boys' hall and one mixed hall; each hall has a kitchen, a study room, a common room and a laundry room. Students live in two-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, and there is a large conference room plus a 24-hour nurse on site; the dorm is about 15 minutes by bus from the school, and access is safeguarded by safety measures.

Sports Facilities

The day program includes access to the gym and sports facilities. Boarding students also have access to sports facilities as part of their accommodation package. Co-curricular offerings include sport-oriented clubs such as Yoga and Climbing Club, which supplement formal physical activity. Activities occur during regularly scheduled activity periods in the afternoon, after classes, and on weekends, on campus or off campus.

Academic Facilities

The academic building is located at Fraňa Kráľa 6 in Bratislava, in a historical building with more than 100 years of history. Brightly lit classrooms, indoor lounges, and an outdoor terrace lead to a small garden, and the building includes a library. It is equipped with wifi, wall-mounted writing spaces, projectors, Chromecast, printers, and a library. The campus is designed to meet hygiene and safety requirements for a conducive learning environment and it houses about 70 students in addition to staff.

Extra Curricular Facilities

A broad spectrum of clubs and activities is offered, including Photography Club, LEAF MUN Club, Tearoom, Slovak Spectator Club, SE Club, Yearbook Club, PR Content Creators Club, Graphic Design Club, Climbing Club, Cooking Club, Theatre & Drama Club, Digital Club, Debate Club, Yoga, LA Galaxy, Chess Club, Music Club, and Mushroom Hunting. Clubs are student-driven and registration occurs at the start of each term; activities run during the afternoon, after classes, and on weekends, both on and off campus, with supervision from staff and external experts.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

LEAF Academy offers both a 4-year and a 2-year high school program. The curriculum interweaves rigorous academics with leadership, entrepreneurship, and character development through programs such as Entrepreneurial Leadership, Central European Studies, and STEM. AP courses are offered across many subjects, and the school is approved by The College Board to offer the AP Capstone Diploma. In Years 3 and 4, students take AP exams and receive university- and career counseling. All classes are taught in English.

Arts & Creative

LEAF Academy provides a broad spectrum of co-curricular arts and creative activities. Clubs include Photography Club, LEAF MUN Club, Tearoom, Slovak Spectator Club, SE Club, Yearbook Club, PR Content Creators Club, Graphic Design Club, Climbing Club, Cooking Club, Theatre & Drama Club, Digital Club, Debate Club, Yoga, Chess Club, Music Club, and Mushroom Hunting. Activities are student-driven and organized with staff oversight. Participation occurs during afternoons, evenings, and weekends, on- and off-campus.

Cultural & Language

All classes are taught in English. Additional courses in current affairs and literature are offered in students' native tongue, and students can pursue learning additional languages if they wish. The curriculum includes a National Language and Slovak as Foreign Language, ensuring language development alongside English.

Social & Hobbies

A wide range of clubs and activities outside academics is offered, including Photography Club, MUN Club, Tearoom, Slovak Spectator Club, SE Club, Yearbook Club, PR Content Creators Club, Graphic Design Club, Climbing Club, Cooking Club, Theatre & Drama Club, Digital Club, Debate Club, Yoga, Chess Club, Music Club, and Mushroom Hunting. Club activities occur during afternoon, evening, and weekend blocks, both on and off campus, and are student-driven with faculty supervision.

Community & Service

Co-curricular activities include volunteering possibilities during the week and on weekends, as well as community-driven events and service opportunities. Students can engage in clubs and activities that connect to public service and social impact as part of the LEAF community.

Leadership & Professional

Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) is a flagship program that develops entrepreneurship, leadership, design thinking, and collaboration through real-world projects. The Character Development program and an Advisory Program build self-awareness, values, and leadership skills, with structured mentorship and a home-like advisory family. Seminal Readings and a commitment to clear communication, ethics, excellence, and civic engagement underpin LEAF's leadership-oriented approach. The curriculum also includes university-level AP courses and an AP Capstone Diploma pathway, with university and career counseling available in Years 3 and 4.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing counseling and workshops are available to support student health and resilience. Boarding provides accommodation (double rooms in suites with private bathrooms) and five meals a day, plus laundry service and evening/weekend activities, with a public transportation pass for Bratislava. Day students have access to meals, clubs, and activities, as well as the school gym and sports facilities.
Languages

Language Provision

National Language is part of the program, and Slovak is taught as a Foreign Language. Slovak as Foreign Language is included in both the 4-year and 2-year programs. Elective language courses are offered. AP courses offered include AP English Language and Composition, AP English Language and Literature, AP French Language and Culture, and AP German Language and Culture.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit the online application for the 4-year or 2-year program. The Academy offers day study and boarding options for both programs. The assessment content and selection criteria are the same for both funding paths, and admissions decisions are made on merit. The standard application deadline is closed, capacity is limited, and an additional application window opened in the second half of March 2026 for international applicants.

2. Study readiness and English language test. Within days of submitting the application you receive an email with possible testing dates. Both tests are taken on a single date during a proctored online assessment.

3. Personality questionnaire. You receive an email with instructions and you will fill out a personality questionnaire, which will be revisited during the interview.

4. Scholarship. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, you will be asked to fill out a form which will be taken into consideration when offering scholarships. Scholarships are donor-funded, with a 40% or 60% tuition reduction available to about half of the top applicants. Slovak citizenship is a requirement for eligibility, and the process may include information about household income to assess need.

5. Review of results and interview invitation. Your test results are reviewed; you either will be rejected or you will be invited for an interview with a member of the admissions team.

6. Results and scholarship discussion. You will receive the final results; if offered a place, options for scholarship are discussed.

7. Enrollment and preparation. Congratulations, start getting ready for your next school year at LEAF Academy; onboarding includes next steps for enrollment and housing if applicable.

International admissions notes: Applications and selection are open from November to June, with a requirement to demonstrate financial means for visa purposes for non-Schengen students; two funding paths exist but the assessment and criteria remain the same and all decisions are merit-based.

Scholarships

LEAF Academy bases admission on merit and applies tuition to all students. A limited reduction in tuition is available, with a 40% or 60% reduction offered to approximately half of the top applicants.

Additional merit-based scholarships or other forms of support may be awarded to outstanding accepted students who cannot afford the reduced tuition. This aid is granted for one academic year at a time and is not guaranteed; continuation depends on the student's overall academic performance.

Scholarships are donor-funded, and information on household income and expenses is requested to assess eligibility. Scholarships are available only to Slovak citizens.
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