About us

Direktor Mag. Andreas Schatzl

Welcome to the website of the Theresianische Akademie!

The 'Theresianum', as the school is generally called, with a mixture of affection and respect, is one of Austria’s oldest schools and can look back on a long tradition of providing top-class education. It is particularly important for such a flagship educational institution to maintain a balance between retaining traditional elements and bringing about constructive change. Tradition is by no means a static thing – as Gustav Mahler once so aptly put it, "Tradition is not to preserve the ashes but to pass on the flame".

Education is not merely about our academic development – it is much more than that. For me, education involves tapping into and developing the potential of a person’s external and internal world, as Fritz Reheis suggests in his book 'Bildung contra Turboschulen'. With its unique character, long-standing tradition and experience, the Theresianum – backed by the commitment of its teachers – helps young people to develop their own distinct personality as well as to investigate, explore and cultivate both themselves and the world around them. 

It follows, therefore, that we consider it essential to instil in our pupils a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements and to behave with tolerance, courtesy and humanity.  They should be able to make their way in life with self-confidence and courage, displaying fundamental values such as integrity, honesty, fairness and community spirit.

They should be able to fully develop their potential and thus become open-minded European citizens, ready and willing to take on positions of responsibility in society, as the school’s founder Maria Theresia intended.

I invite you to browse through the website and hope you enjoy learning more about our history, profile and educational concept. 

Dir. Mag. Andreas Schatzl