Services and Resources

Schools

Budapest has a number of educational opportunities in the English language. There are three schools that offer instruction in the English language and use an essentially American curriculum:

• The American International School of Budapest (AISB)
• Greater Grace International School (GGIS)
• The International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB)

There are also a number of English language pre-schools in Budapest.

The following statements were provided by the schools themselves. The Embassy assumes no responsibility for their professional ability or integrity.

English Language Schools

American International School of Budapest (AISB) provides a rich academic and co-curricular experience for students from grades preK to 12. Enrollment is over 772 students, hailing from 57 nations. Academic achievement is high; standardized test scores averaging in the 70th percentile, with an average increase in achievement of four percentage points per year for students remaining at AISB for multiple years. SAT average is 582 (verbal) and 538 (math), exceeding the world SAT average score by more than 100 points. Seventy percent of juniors and seniors pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, with, historically, a 96% pass rate. Plus, ample opportunities for leadership and participation in clubs, activities, trips, and sports - both competitive and intramural - are offered to all students. As the only non-sectarian independent American curriculum school in Budapest, AISB offers an international education that prepares all students for continued study in the United States and abroad.
Tel.: (+36-26) 556-000; Fax: (+36-26) 556-003; Admissions e-mail: admissions@nk.aisb.hu; Admissions Officer: Ms. Gabriella Thomas.

Greater Grace International School (GGIS). Established in Budapest, Hungary in 1991 by Christian missionaries, GGIS is an English-speaking school nestled in the highly exclusive, wooded hills of Buda. Designed with purposefully small class sizes, GGIS (formerly known as GGCA) provides a personal and focused learning environment. For non-native speakers, we offer a highly effective, integrated ESL program. Through College Level Advanced Placement (AP) courses students have the opportunity to get a head start in their higher education. Community involvement, extra-curricular activities, a variety of after school programs, sport clubs, competitions, and field trips enrich the lives of our students. Our careful selection of teachers and promotion of the highest possible academic standards over the years have resulted in SAT scores averaging 10% higher than the US national average (Critical reading: 693, Math: 675, Writing: 693). Our 95% rate of admittance to the finest universities and colleges of the world speaks for itself. GGIS graduates attend Clark, Cornell, and Washington Universities, Rensellear Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Southern California in America, as well as the Sorbonne University of France, Seoul National University of South Korea; Semmelweis Medical University, University of Economics, Technical University of Hungary). GGIS maintains a time-honored tradition of upholding the values of morality, discipline and respect. We enjoy a growing enrollment and welcome the opportunity to prepare students to become mature individuals, equipped for success with knowledge, self-respect and regard for others.
Address: 1125 Budapest, 22/B Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 274-4053, 275-4795; E-mail: admissions@ggis.hu; Principal e-mail: principal@ggis.hu

International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB) provides a stimulating and supportive learning environment in English for children grades 1-12. Our American-style curriculum with an international approach gives students an excellent foundation for success in North American colleges and universities. ICSB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and 98% of our graduates go on to college. Our commitment to hiring only the most qualified and caring teachers and to teaching all subjects within the framework of a Christian worldview make ICSB an exceptional choice for your family. Our high academic and character standards are reflected in the quality of our student body. Our 2005-06 ACT scores (avg. = 26) are 25% higher than the U.S. national average, and our SAT scores (Critical Reading = 575; Writing = 595; Math = 596) exceed the national average by 55-70 points in each category. In addition to a large number of children from Christian missionary families, ICSB hosts students from over 15 countries worldwide. We offer English language acquisition instruction for students who are non-native English speakers. Our commitment to educating the whole child is evident in our rich extra-curricular program, which includes athletics, band and choir, drama, journalism, community service activities, and leadership opportunities, just to name a few. In August 2006 we will open a brand-new gymnasium and high school building. ICSB also provides the most extensive program in Budapest for students with special learning needs. Offering the most competitive tuition rates of all the English-speaking schools in Budapest, we are conveniently located just off the M0 motorway, only 18 minutes from the city center. Enrollment: approx. 200 students. 
Tel: (+36-23) 381-986 or (+36-23) 381-181; Fax: (+36-23) 381-549; Director e-mail: director@icsbudapest.org; Registration info: registrar@icsbudapest.org; contact: Andrea Gal, Registrar.

Britannica International School is a well established English secondary school in Hungary, in fact the oldest of its kind. The National Curriculum for England & Wales is taught to all year groups and there is a flourishing Sixth Form (where additional specialist courses are also offered). The school is a centre for CIE (Cambridge International Examinations). All KS2 and KS3 subjects, and a wide range of IGCSE and AS/A2 level examination courses are taught. A declared aim of the school is for its students to attain academic excellence. The students are international, coming from many different countries. The extra-curricular life of the school is rich and vibrant with many after-school clubs for sports and other interests.
For more information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the office by email at contact@britannicaschool.hu, or by telephone on (+36-1) 466-9794. Address: Budapest, District XI., Aga utca 10. Head Teacher: Peter Radoja

British International School of Budapest (formerly Magyar-British International School) offers pre-nursery, kindergarten, primary and secondary school levels. Enrollment numbers around 370 students.
Tel.: (+36-1) 200-9971, Fax: (+36-1) 200-9969, Mobile: (+36-70) 334-0310; E-mail: admissions@bisb.hu; contact person: Magdalena Gray, Admissions Officer.

International School of Budapest
1121 Budapest, Konkoly Thege Miklós u. 21.; Tel.: (+36-1) 395-6543; Fax: (+36-1) 395-5376; Email: contact@isb.hu Principal: Susan Ballantyne; Enrollment contact: Maria Paraizs
ISB is unique among international schools in Budapest in that we run our International program in parallel with a flourishing bilingual school. In addition to honing English skills, meeting the academic targets of the English National Curriculum and participating in a vibrant and diverse truly international community, we believe that our children’s learning and social experience is enhanced by building friendships with students of the country in which we are living alongside gaining an understanding of Hungary’s tremendously rich culture. We are located in the Buda Hills with busing available. If you would like further information about our school, please check out our website at: www.isb.hu.

World Language Schools

Budapest French School offers baccalaureat Francais (also primary school and kindergarten). Enrollment numbers around 480 students.
Tel.: (+36-1) 275-4296; Fax: (+36-1) 395-6858; E-mail: I.f.b@axelero.hu; contact person: Eva Csador.

German School of Budapest is identical to the one in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Enrollment numbers around 420 students.
Tel.: (+36-1) 391-9100; Fax: (+36-1) 391-9210; E-mail: dsbuda@elender.hu; contact person: Hajnalka Bero, School Secretary.

Preschools in Budapest

American International School of Budapest
Buda Campus (Pre-K - Grade 2)
Tel.: (+36-26) 556-000; Fax: (+36-26) 556-003; E-mail: admissions@nk.aisb.hu; Contact Admissions Officer: Andrea Vagi
Pre-K: Age 4 by October 15 of school year; Kindergarten: Age 5 by October 15 of school year. The Lower Elementary School, serving grades Pre-K - 2, is located in a residential area in the hills of Buda. The facility includes 15 classrooms, computer lab, music room, art room, 200-seat theater, library, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, cafeteria, nurse's clinic, an outdoor clay tennis court and all-weather playground. The educational program is based on best practices from American and international education, and it reflects the school's commitment to educating the "whole child".

A-Z International Centre for Children
1125 Budapest, Zsolna u. 2; Tel.: (+36-1) 212-0133; Fax: (+36-1) 325-0252; E-mail: info@atoz.hu
Accepts children from 2 years and 3 months to 6 years old. Options available for 3, 4, or 5 days a week, either full-day or mornings only. Yearly fee from 920,000 HUF for 3 full-days to 1,400,000 HUF for 5 full-days; 640,000 HUF for 3 half-days to 960,000 for 5 half-days. Extra sessions also available. Meal options including vegetarian. Families with two or more children enrolled will receive a 5% discount for the second child/subsequent children. Bus service available for children at least 3 years of age.

The English Garden Pre-School
1089 Budapest, Villám utca 25; Tel: (+36-20) 224 5070; E-mail: englishgardenpreschool@yahoo.com; web: www.englishgarden.hu
The English Garden Pre-School is an international kindergarten in Pest offering the British Curriculum for children aged two to seven. Opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an optional After-School Club until 5 p.m. The Pre-School occupies a large, nineteenth century house and has a beautiful garden. Located in the quiet green quarter of "Tisztviselõ Telep" close to the Népliget Park. It is easily accessible by both car and public transport and is just ten minutes from the City Centre.

Greater Grace International School (4 year old) Preschool
Closely adjoining the main GGIS campus is the GGIS Preschool. GGIS accepts children who have reached the age of four by October 1, in preparation for entering Kindergarten the following year. The educational program is entirely in English. Rates, pictures and calendar may be found on their web site at www.ggis.hu.

Greenhouse Nursery and Preschool
1125 Budapest, Szarvas Gábor u. 27; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-3645; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 274-2650; E-mail: bor@mail.datanet.hu; Director: Ms. Nora Kovats
Ages: 3-6. Program is bilingual (Hungarian/English). Tuition is $300 per month for full-time; $280 for half days.

Happy Kids International Kindergarten
1124 Budapest, Fodor u. 36; Tel.: (+36-1) 356-2440; Director: Mr. Peter Jones
Full time fee: 1,700,000 Ft/year; part time fees from 85,000 Ft/year. Lunch provided. Bus service provided with additional fee. Full day from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Offers summer camp. English speaking staff.

International School of Budapest
1121 Budapest, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 19/b; Tel.: (+36-1) 395-9312; Fax: (+36-1) 395-9310;  Director: Mr. Peter Harding; Enrollment contact: Klara Halmos
Ages 3-5 $350 registration fee; $6,750 tuition; 8:30-3:00, (8:15 is when supervision begins). 5% discount for siblings enrolled. Transportation is extra and is $9 per child per day; 2nd child is $8. All tuition includes morning snack, lunch (hot meal) and afternoon snack.

Koala Language House - Bilingual Kindergarten
Two locations: 1032 Budapest, Reménység u 6 (Óbuda) and 1144 Budapest, Gvadányi u 40-42. (Zugló); Tel.: 06-30-236-8867; E-mail: koala@webmail.hu
Kindergarten for 3-5 year olds. Kindergarten children mix with Hungarian native speakers and English native speakers alike. Bilingualism is a way of life here, not a subject to be formally taught. Children experience Hungarian culture, customs and tradition, English songs/nursery rhymes and pick up both languages as they join in games and make friends. Program is supervised by university teachers specialized in bilingual education. Qualified teachers include native speakers of both languages. Open Monday thru Friday 7am-6pm. Fee: 48,000/month. Price covers all educational costs and includes breakfast, lunch and snack at tea time.

Lil' Mozarts
Budapest, Béla király út 9B; Tel.: (+36-1) 395-1125; E-mail: giggle@matavnet.hu; Director: Cfilla Zida
Ages 2 and a half-6 years of age. Registration fee is 25,000 HUF and tuition is 45,000 HUF per month (every day 8:30-4:30). Transportation can be arranged for additional cost. Summer program through July. Summer program same cost. Meals: breakfast, morning snack, hot lunch, afternoon snack.

Magyar British International School Foundation
1026 Budapest, Pasaréti út 84; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 200-7571/72/73; (+36-1) 200-7602; E-mail: mbis@pronet.hu; Director: Ms. Mary Pazsit
Pre-nursery 2 and potty trained; 8:30am-12 or 8:30am-3:15pm. Full day is 5345 Euro per child and Development Fund Fee is 960 Euro per family. One half day tuition is 4835 Euro per child and Development Fund Fee is 960 Euro per family. Nursery age 3 - same fee schedule as above. Reception class is for 4 year olds (4 by 31 August). Tuition is 9745 Euro per child and Development Fund Fee is 960 Euro per family. Regular school age is from age 7-11.

Parents for Children Foundation
1125 Budapest, Távcsõ út 12.; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-2540; 06-30-527-553; E-mail: pcen@matavnet.hu; Director: Ms. Anna Nagel
An international English language preschool/kindergarten for children ages 2-6. Cost $3,600 per year. School offers a wide range of activities such as aerobics, swimming and piano lessons. Winter activities include skiing and ice-skating. Transportation is available. Summer camp offered.

Planet Kids English Center for Children
1125 Budapest, Zirzen Janka u. 12.; Tel: (+36-1) 200-6537; Email: info@planet-kids.hu, Web: www.planet-kids.hu
Planet Kids is a child and family orientated center, that strives for Quality not Quantity, for this reason will only accept maximum 40 children in the school. All of our teachers are well-experienced in early childhood development field and language education. Our education is based on creative curriculum - activities like music and craft. ESL is offered for those children whose mother languages are other than English. We offer special activities, like swimming, ballet, aikido. We provide our children with nutritious, well balanced meals. Our menus include regular portions of fruits and vegetables and a variety of assorted grains. We can provide special menus at no extra cost for children with diabetes, sugar, gluten or lactose intolerance. At Planet Kids we begin with the development of relationships among the parents, children and teachers, focusing on warm and mutually helpful interactions. Parent-teacher coffee hours will be held once a month.

Plumpudding Protectory (Preschool)
Budapest, II., Gyergyó u. 6, (close to Lugas Restaurant); Tel.: (+36-1) 356-6553; 06-20-913-0321; E-mail: plumpudding@mailbox.hu
This English speaking preschool offers half and full day attendance opportunities at very reasonable prices. Children may attend 3, 4 or 5 days per week. In addition, the school accepts children (18 months to pre-kindergarten) for "occasional visits" by pre-arrangement. Clientele is primarily 2-4 year olds.

SEK International Institution - Tri-lingual Preschool (This school is primarily Spanish speaking, but also teaches English and Hungarian)
1021 Budapest, Hûvösvölgyi út 131; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-2968; Fax: (+36-1) 200-6615.
Registered under the Hungarian Education Law. Tri-lingual teachers. Small classes, personal teaching-education. Classes between 8am and 4pm with 2 meals. Kindergarten, primary and grammar school education. Fees: Admission for kindergarten: 1,500 HUF; Entrance fees: 63,000 HUF per year/ Place reservation 27,800 HUF per year. Kindergarten yearly fees is 420,000 HUF. Bus service available. Please contact school for complete information about costs.

Superkids Preschool and Kindergarten of Budapest
1021 Budapest, Völgy u. 1-3; Mail: P.O. Box 137, Budapest 1276; E-mail: superkids@compuserve.com; Office Tel.: (+36-1) 200-0644 ext 1; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 394-3815 or (+36-1) 394-3858 (days) (+36-1) 466-7005 (evenings); Education Director: Ms. Gayle McTaug
Ages 2+: full-days $4,100; half days: $3,100; 3 mornings: $2,100; 2 mornings: $1,750; ages 4-5 full-days: $4,450; half days: $3,450; 5-6 full-days: $4,950; half days: $3,950. Full day from 9am-4pm half days from 9am-12, and may stay for lunch. Lunch provided. Bus provided with additional fee. Enrollment fee is $100. Fourteen students per class. Present enrollment is 100+. Summer camp offered.

Last updated: 01/28/2009