Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
The Brit-Magyar School is located in Budapest, Hungary. The street address is Tárogató út 2-4, 1021 Budapest.
Grades 1–8. Currently two-form entry in Grade 1 and one-form entry in Grades 2–5; Grade 6 will open in September with the aim to reach two-form entry up to Grade 8.
A bilingual school with English and Hungarian language instruction; follows the Hungarian national core curriculum and the Cambridge International curriculum; Cambridge International accreditation.
Hungarian and international students; nationalities represented include Hungarian, Chinese, American, British, South African, Danish, Russian and Malaysian.
Extra teaching support outside of the normal curriculum is available, such as help with Hungarian as a second language or additional help with English, for an additional fee.
Hungary
The school day runs daily from 8:00 to 17:00. The day starts with a circle time at 8:30; the last lesson ends at 15:00; after-school activities are available until 16:00. Meals and snacks are available at the school for an extra charge.
Lunch, mid morning and afternoon snacks are available at the school for an extra charge. Meals take place during school recess.
Founding body: ESB Bilingual Primary School Foundation; Maintainer (sponsor): Brit-Magyar Oktatásért Alapítvány.
The school uses the Hungarian National Core Curriculum (NAT) and the bilingual framework curriculum defined for bilingual schools. It integrates Cambridge International Education programs into its curriculum. English-Hunglarian bilingual education is delivered by native English-speaking teachers, combining Hungarian instruction with international methodologies.
The school prepares students for further education in either the Hungarian or international grammar school systems.
Afternoon sessions provide opportunities to support both remedial and gifted education.
The Brit-Magyar School uses child-centered learning and aims to create a safe, caring environment. Students are encouraged to learn confidently, research, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Decisions consider the physical, mental and emotional well-being of each student. The school fosters social development through after-school activities and parental involvement via the PTA.
A school prep course is led by Judit Kulcsár, an experienced special education teacher who has been dealing with the prevention, recognition and correction of learning difficulties and disorders.
The Brit-Magyar Bilingual School uses the Hungarian National Core Curriculum and the bilingual framework curriculum. Cambridge International provides the learning framework and materials for teaching English in line with the national curriculum. For English-taught subjects, besides the Hungarian bilingual curriculum, the Cambridge International curriculum is also relied upon. The planned curriculum has 50% Hungarian and 50% English, with English language lessons planned in smaller groups. English-taught subjects include science and other non-core subjects; native English teachers teach the English-language lessons.
The school provides a safe, happy and supportive environment. The pedagogical approach centers on child-centered learning and a safe environment where students can learn confidently, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Decisions consider the physical, mental and emotional well-being of each student.
Safety measures to minimize virus spread include wearing masks in the building and communal spaces. Temperature checks on entry and mandatory hand sanitizing are in place. Classrooms and hallways are organized to minimize contact, with breaks outdoors when possible and class-based lunch seating. If a positive Covid case is identified, the school reports it to health authorities and requires a negative test (PCR or antigen) or a 10-day quarantine before returning. The school follows government health protocols as part of its safeguarding and health policies.
The Brit-Magyar School welcomes all children who are willing to study at Brit-Magyar School. The admission procedure consists of five steps: Step 1 - Fill out an online application form and submit. Step 2 - Review your application; a personal appointment with the Director and management is arranged, during which the child undergoes a pre-screening; the two selection sessions cost 10,000 HUF per child. Step 3 - If the first meeting ends positively, the student is invited to complete two full school days at Brit-Magyar School. Step 4 - The school informs parents of its decision within 2–3 working days following the trial days. Step 5 - If an offer is made, the educational contract is sent for review; after the contract is signed and the registration fee is paid, the place is confirmed. We accept students from Grade 1 to Grade 8; the number of places is limited and admission is determined by the date of submission. The school is located at 1021 Budapest, Tárogató út 2-4.
Located in Graphisoft Park, Óbuda, Budapest, next to the Danube River. Housed in a historic factory building repurposed for learning, it features large, multi-purpose spaces and upcycled furniture. The address is 1031 Budapest, Hungary.
Primary and middle school for ages 5-14.
Not-for-profit, British international school.
The school does not have staffing provision to accommodate children with special needs, severe learning differences or serious behavioural issues.
British international school (follows the English National Curriculum).
Plant-based meals are served on-site in The Planteen canteen; lunches are colourful, seasonal, and full of flavour.
Not-for-profit; fully accredited British international school. Founded in 2019 by Barna and Viktória; governance is provided by a Board of Trustees, with Barna having served on the School's Board and later as a Trustee. Licensed by the Hungarian Interior Ministry as Kindergarten to Grade 8; COBIS Accredited Member.
REAL School follows the National Curriculum in England and is COBIS Accredited. It serves children from kindergarten to grade 8 (ages 5-14) and is licensed in Hungary as a primary and middle school. In the lower school (ages 5-9), literacy and numeracy foundations are built with Read Write Inc and Oxford Reading Tree, while science and humanities are woven into projects. In the upper school (ages 10-14), maths is taught as core skills, problem solving, and applied maths; literacy is integrated with Dream to Reality projects when possible, and science is taught both as a project-based and standalone subject. The learning emphasizes project-based experiences across Academics, Nature, Smart tech, Wellbeing, Entrepreneurship, and Regeneration, with weekly excursions and outdoor learning. End-of-term reports track progress against the English National Curriculum and REAL School's learning competencies, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available.
REAL School places wellbeing at the heart of its approach, focusing on nurturing social, emotional, and physical health. Wellbeing is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy. The curriculum balances core academics with nature, smart tech, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and regeneration. Authentic project-based learning connects knowledge to action, developing 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. In a small, international community, children are known and their voices are heard.
The school currently does not have staffing provision to accommodate children with special needs, severe learning differences or serious behavioural issues.
The primary language of teaching at the REAL School is English. The school welcomes students with all English abilities, but preference is given to those with strong English skills so they can access learning opportunities. For students older than 8, conversational English is required to engage in projects and activities. For pupils aged 11 or above, reasonable fluency in spoken and written English is required. English proficiency is assessed as part of the application process.
Wellbeing is a cornerstone of REAL School's philosophy, with a focus on nurturing the social, emotional, and physical health of its students to develop balanced and resilient learners. The learning approach supports mental wellbeing through project-based learning, peer collaboration, and a supportive community that values each student's wellbeing.
Safeguarding is a top priority for REAL School. Concerns should be reported to besafe@realschool.hu.
Step 1 Research: Get to know the school by reading the website, downloading the brochure, contacting the admissions team, watching the YouTube channel, and following the school's social channels. Review the School Calendar and Fees Schedule to understand term dates and costs. REAL School offers rolling enrolment, accepting families to start throughout the year, with a minimum one-year commitment. The primary language of teaching is English; for students older than 8, conversational English is required to engage in projects, and 11+ applicants must have fluent spoken and written English, with proficiency assessed as part of the application process.
Step 2 Register your interest: Indicate your interest for enrolment by providing the name and age of your children and your contact details. Expect to receive a welcome email from the Family Ambassador. This initiates the application flow and helps the school provide the right information for your family. The link to indicate interest for enrolment is available on the admissions page.
Step 3 Meet Us!: Join an online call to learn more about the school and answer questions. The Family Ambassador, the Principal, an educator, or the Founders will be happy to meet you. Open Tour sessions are held every Tuesday, and there are other ways to get in touch if you prefer.
Step 4 Apply Online: Apply through the online application system and submit supporting documentation. This includes basic data, schooling history to date, any special needs or issues to be aware of, and questions about motivation for wishing to join the school. For applicants aged 11+, a short video introduction and a personal statement are requested. The application fee will be invoiced following submission.
Step 5 Meet the Founders: Following the review of the application, families are invited to meet the Founders through an online call to help establish whether the values and intentions of the School meet the expectations and values of the family. This is an important step in the process because the community plays an essential part in the School's ethos and education process.
Step 6 Trial Days: After the family meeting, your child would normally be invited for 3 trial days at the school to get a feel for the learning experience and the community, as well as to assess their readiness to join REAL School.
Step 7 Contract & payment: Once a formal offer of a place has been made, parents are asked to agree to the contract, and pay the Seat reservation fee to secure a place at the school. REAL School Budapest welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or family structure. The school also provides a Privacy Policy for applicant data.
Note: REAL School offers rolling enrolment and is currently accepting international students aged 5-14.
Scholarship programme: A limited number of tuition assistance opportunities are offered for displaced families seeking full-time education at REAL School. Priority will be given to students who have been enrolled at REAL School since March 2022. Sustainable Entrepreneurship: The Ukraine offerings incorporate the Dream to Reality process to build a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset and address environmental and social issues. Saturday School: Every Saturday REAL School becomes a Ukrainian school, organized by the Ukrainian Association Unity. Children have fun, interactive activities; adults can join a Hungarian lesson and Q&A about Budapest; programs are in development for sustainability and entrepreneurship. Summer camps: Financial support is provided to displaced children to join summer camps, cultivating creativity, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, sustainability mindset and skills. Contact: Reach out to Ukrainian support catalyst Olesia at olesia.kuzo@realschool.hu and +36702828087. How you can help: Contributions are managed by the non-profit Dream to Reality Foundation for Sustainability, set up to provide scholarships and fund sustainability initiatives related to REAL School.
Ifjúság utca 11, 2049 Diósd, Hungary. Our address is on the western edge of Budapest, in the suburb of Diósd, just outside the city limits. The campus sits on a plot of over 5,000 square meters and the building complex covers about 6,600 square meters, including 22 classrooms, science labs, art and music rooms, a gymnasium with a stage, a weight room, a cafeteria, offices, and a parking garage. +36 23 381 986.
Lower School - Early Grades; Lower School - Middle Grades; Upper School. The school offers K-12 education.
Day school; Christian, international.
Enrollment is 265 students, K-12. Countries represented include Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, India, Korea, Moldova, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, the United States, and more.
English Language Learning welcomes non-native English speakers; proficiency is assessed using the WIDA framework; language support is provided to equip students for success in an English-language academic environment.
Christian, multi-denominational.
There is bus transportation to ICSB from the Kelenfold station, and other buses travel on the BKV lines; parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school.
The school operates as a day school.
ICSB uses a dress code rather than a fixed uniform. Clothing must cover from armpit to armpit and reach the fingertips, with tops that have shoulder straps; additional modesty guidelines apply.
Lunch: hot meals are available to be ordered.
Houses: Teachers and students are divided into four houses: Ragsdale, Young, Welsh, and Hiltibran; houses are modeled after a British tradition.
Governing body: Board of Trustees.
The school uses a United States-based, English-language curriculum that is rigorous and biblically integrated. AP courses are offered. In Lower School, the program includes Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Christian Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, Library, and Hungarian Language. Upper School is fully departmentalized and provides a college-preparatory program with several Advanced Placement courses available.
Graduates are admitted to post-secondary institutions around the world. The school's profile shows graduation requirements with a range of U.S. and international universities, and AP courses are part of the program, with a weighted grading scale for AP courses introduced in 2023-2024.
National Honor Society is offered as a co-curricular, and Advanced Placement courses are available for advanced students.
Social-Emotional Competency Training uses evidence-based strategies to help students improve social competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation, emotional intelligence, executive functioning, perspective taking, and social problem solving. Our coaching helps students understand themselves and others to navigate the social world, foster relationships, and improve performance at school and in the wider world. Counselors are available to talk with students about personal, emotional, and social concerns. The school psychologist administers educational assessments to determine a student's best educational and social needs and support toward thriving in the school environment. Counseling is available for students facing anxiety, depression, identity issues, relationships, ADHD, or autism. These services are part of our Supplemental Services department.
Our Supplemental Services Department offers a variety of services to students with learning differences: NILD Therapy, Resource Assistance, Reading Intervention, Speech Therapy, Social-Emotional Competency Training, and Counseling / School Psychologist. NILD Therapy is available for 3rd grade and above; the National Institute for Learning Development is a US-based organization that trains therapists to work with students with learning differences, with the goal of stimulating cognitive and perceptual functioning to empower independent learning. Resource Assistance provides one-on-one or small group instruction for students who are unable to keep up with the pace of their classmates or are not yet ready for grade-level material, with individualized, direct, and specialized instruction. Reading Intervention is offered in 1st and 2nd grades and uses multi-sensory methods to develop phonological and phonemic awareness, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Speech Therapy provides diagnosis and individualized treatment for speech and language delays, with sessions personalized. Counseling / School Psychologist and Social-Emotional Competency Training are available to support personal, social, and emotional needs.
Our English Language Learning program welcomes students who are not native English speakers. Students are assessed regularly to determine their proficiency level in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening using the WIDA framework. This enables classroom teachers as well as specialists to provide the correct level of language support to equip students for success in an English academic environment. The program supports integration into mainstream classes and helps students access the full ICSB curriculum.
The Health and Safety program provides for student health and well-being. The health office staff care for students with health care needs each day, and a school doctor is on campus one day each week; students receive an annual physical exam as well as required immunizations. Counseling is available during some school hours, with referrals to trained professionals outside of school when needed. The school recognizes the importance of mental well-being and provides access to counseling and psychological support through our Supplemental Services program.
ICSB places a high value on creating a safe learning environment, safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the students entrusted to our care. We are members of the Child Safety and Protection Network (CSPN). CSPN's mission is to collaborate across the globe with other Christian organizations, and safety recommendations have been incorporated into our school's policies, screening, staff and student training, protocols, and administrative response. If you have a student safety concern, please report it using the 'Report a Concern' form. The Student Protection Policy provides the safeguarding framework for ICSB.
1. Inquiry: Submit an Inquiry Form to begin the admission process. This form lets you ask questions about ICSB and helps the admissions team provide the information you need.
2. Schedule a Visit: Schedule a campus tour led by the Director of Admissions, Ms. Szilvi Lázár. The tour includes a walk-through of our buildings and outdoor areas. You may book a visit by submitting the Inquiry Form, and a virtual campus tour is also available.
3. Apply and Seat Availability: Submit an online Student Application Form when there is seat availability. Seat availability exists in a few select grades for the 2025-2026 school year, and current availability is posted on the Current Seat Availability page. The admission process typically takes up to 4 weeks if all required information is provided in a timely manner. After submitting the application, pay the $250 application fee; the fee covers the entire admission process and is non-refundable.
4. Upload Documents & Recommendations: Upload required documents in English or Hungarian (or translations). Required items include a personal identification document, a current photo of the applicant, and previous school records. Ensure that confidential online recommendation forms from the applicant's current teacher and school administrator are submitted, and that the pastor submits a form if the family attends a Christian church. The Family Questionnaire and the Student Questionnaire (for applicants entering grades 6–12) should also be completed.
5. Assessments & Interview: Schedule and complete assessments after submitting the online application, uploading documents, and paying the fee. Schedule an English Language Assessment (for non-native English speakers) and an Academic Readiness Assessment; assessments occur in person at ICSB, with online options if the applicant resides outside Hungary and proctoring requirements apply. We start offering admission assessments in January and recommend scheduling early; the Family Interview takes place at ICSB in person, with online options if needed.
6. Admission Decision & Wait Pool: Priority applications submitted by February 1 and completed by March 31 generally receive an admission decision by April 15. Late applications submitted after February 1 are considered only if seats are available and usually receive a decision by mid-May. If no seat is available, the applicant enters the wait pool; seat offers are not guaranteed and depend on space and alignment with admissions criteria and the school's mission. Decisions are communicated by email.
7. Enrollment: If accepted, a seat is offered by email and must be reserved by paying the Seat Reservation Fee of 500 USD within 10 days. If payment is not received in time, the offer is withdrawn and the applicant is moved to the wait pool. You must sign the Enrollment Contract and related consents, and upload immunization records; for Grades 10–12, submit official transcripts. The first installment of the Parent Contribution Fee is due by August 15 (or no later than two weeks before the first day of school). Enrollment must be completed before the student's first day of school.
The Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial assistance for ministry families (in line with our missionary commitment) and other families whose financial circumstances would generally preclude ICSB education. The amount of assistance is based on the family's financial situation and/or ministry status, and the availability of financial assistance funds. All gifts to the Scholarship Fund are designated for financial assistance purposes. Contact: Szilvi Lázár, Director of Advancement, advancement@icsbudapest.org.
ICS Budapest uses a wait pool rather than a waitlist. Accepted students are not offered seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat offers are made as space becomes available based on admissions criteria and the school's mission, and decisions are communicated by email.
