School in Ausserfern: Everything about educational options and school start

A new beginning for the whole family

The second Monday in September is a special day throughout Tyrol: the beginning of the new school year. The streets fill with children and their new school bags, families take the traditional first photos, and the bells ring again in the schools. It is a moment full of excitement and nervousness - especially for international families in the Ausserfern region, who may have to navigate the Austrian education system for the first time. This guide gives you an easily understandable overview of local childcare and school options, so you and your child can start the new school year well-prepared and full of confidence.

Early Childhood Care (0–3 years)

For families with young children, childcare in Ausserfern combines flexibility with tradition.

Child Caregivers (Tagesmutter/Tagesvater)
Licensed caregivers take small groups of children into their homes and create a familiar, secure environment. This option is particularly appealing to parents who value small groups in a family like surrounding.

Daycare Center (Kinderkrippe)
Daycare centers care for children aged one to three years. There are both public and private facilities. Public daycare centers usually require early registration and often prioritize working parents. Private daycare centers offer more flexibility but are usually associated with higher costs. In Außerfern, families have access to eleven public and private daycare centers in various communities.

Company Childcare (Betriebliche Kinderbetreuung)
Some larger employers in the region – especially in industry and tourism – offer childcare for their employees. This model is a popular support for working parents as it combines convenience with reliability. Ask about this at your employer.

Primary School-Volksschule (6-10 years)

At the age of six, children start primary school, which includes classes 1 to 4. Classes are usually held only in the morning. During this phase, the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics are taught. Primary schools emphasize playful, holistic learning that takes into account the special abilities and needs of each child.

In the Reutte district, inclusion and integration are practiced in all schools. With the support of dedicated school staff, all children learn with and from each other.

Lower Secondary School - Unterstufe (10–14 years)

At the end of the 4th grade, families – together with the teacher – must decide between two main paths: Secondary School or Lower School Gymnasium.

Middle School
Middle school is open to all levels of performance and prepares for both vocational training and further educational paths. Most middle schools offer the opportunity to experience one or more areas more in depth. In the Außerfern region, there is a wide offering of secondary schools.

• Untermarkt Middle School, Reutte – known as the "School in the Park"

• Königsweg Middle School and Sport Middle School – students can choose from multiple tracks ranging from sport to technology.

• Vils Middle School

• Lechtal Middle School

• Tannheimer Tal Middle School

• Ehrwald-Lermoos-Biberwier Middle School

Lower Level (Unterstufe) Gymnasium
Not to be confused with a sports hall, for children particularly interested in academics, the Gymnasium in Reutte offers a strong focus on core subjects. In later years, emphasis can be placed on natural sciences, languages, or artistic subjects.

Upper Secondary School (14–19 years)

In this phase, the range of educational offerings expands significantly.

Polytechnic School
A one-year pre-vocational program for 14–15-year-olds. The Poly combines general education with practical, career-oriented subjects and specifically prepares for an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship
A central component of the Austrian education system: Adolescents aged 15–18/19 learn a profession directly in the company and attend vocational school in parallel. The training usually lasts 3–4 years and culminates in a recognized professional qualification. Many companies in Außerfern are known for their excellent apprenticeship training – especially in the fields of crafts, tourism, and technology. Some apprentices also complete the Matura to keep the option of university access open.

Gymnasium - Reutte (Oberstufe)
Students who continue on the academic path can attend the Gymnasium until the age of 18. Upon completion of the Matura, they acquire the qualification to study at universities in Austria and internationally.

Vocational Schools

There are several excellent vocational schools in Ausserfern, most of which offer a route to further study at the university.

• Higher Technical Institute - Reutte (HTL)
  Focuses on technical and engineering education, with specializations such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or information technology. Graduates have excellent job prospects in the industry or the opportunity for university studies.

• Commercial Academy - Reutte (HAK)
  Offers a business-oriented education with focuses on business administration, law, accounting, and foreign languages. The Matura opens doors to careers in business, finance, or international trade.

• Higher Institute for Economic Professions - Reutte (HLW)
  Specializes in applied economics and practical training, with a focus on tourism, gastronomy, and social sciences – industries that play a central role in Tyrol. With Matura there is a possibility for further university studies.

• School of Arts and Crafts - Elbigenalp
  Nationally renowned: This specialized school educates students in traditional and modern wood carving, design, and applied arts, thus continuing the centuries-old craft culture of the Lechtal region.