Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary; 12th district. Address: Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 22/B. The campus sits in the leafy Budagyongye area on the hills of Buda and is accessible by public transport.

Kindergarten to 12th grade.

Private English-language international school with a Christian worldview.

There are over 25 nationalities represented.

English Language Acquisition (EAL) program; pull-out EAL support for non-native English speakers.

American international school.

Christian.

The school buildings are open 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; classes run 8:20 a.m.–3:15 p.m.; Upper School has a late start at 9:45 a.m. on Thursdays.

Uniforms are required for all students. Lower School girls wear a white polo shirt with the school logo, and a gray pleated skirt, with navy gym wear including navy sweatpants; Upper School students wear a white oxford dress shirt with the logo, a uniform tie, gray trousers or a knee-length gray skirt, and navy outerwear with logo. Shoes must be completely black, closed-toe, and fully enclosed.

Lunch is offered as an optional service for an additional fee; lunch is not included in tuition.

Educom Kft is the school's governing entity, located at Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 22/B, 1125 Budapest, Hungary.

GGIS is a private, English-language international school located in Budapest that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers an American-style high school diploma and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International, with English-language instruction and EAL support for non-English-speaking students. AP courses include AP Chemistry and AP Physics every other year, AP Statistics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Human Geography annually. Exceptional students may earn AP Capstone, AP International Diploma, and AP Scholar Awards. Graduation requires four years of English, three years of Social Studies, three years of Math, three years of Science, Bible for each year, and two years of a foreign language or testing out. MAP Growth tests are given twice a year (Grades 4-9) and PSAT is administered to Grades 9-11, with English-language support available; Prep1 and first grade are fully English-immersed, and some Grades 2-6 may require EAL classes.

7 to 1

MAP Growth tests are given twice a year for Grades 4-9. PSAT is administered to Grades 9-11. AP tests are optional for all high school students. AP courses include AP Chemistry and AP Physics every other year, AP Statistics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Human Geography annually; exceptional students may earn AP Capstone, AP International Diploma, and AP Scholar Awards.

Graduates attend universities around the world, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Radboud University. Other destinations include the University of Connecticut, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, Rutgers University, Temple University, and Drexel University.

AP Capstone, AP International Diploma, and AP Scholar Awards are available for exceptional students.

GGIS emphasizes social-emotional development through a values-based environment. The expected student outcomes include being Responsible Learners and Critical Thinkers. Class sizes max at 20 support quality interaction between students and teachers. Morality, Discipline, and Respect guide daily life and interactions. Cultural diversity is respected and celebrated, with students representing multiple nationalities and a focus on empathy and mutual respect. An Advisory program provides a designated space for students to talk with trusted adults as part of safeguarding and well-being support. The school also highlights the importance of relationship-building and in-person interactions for happiness and well-being.

GGIS offers one of the best English language acquisition programs in Budapest. Because many students are not native English speakers, a language-rich program runs from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a pull-out English as an Additional Language (EAL) program providing extra instruction. Non-native students are tested during the application process to determine their English level; those with low levels are placed in intensified EAL classes that typically meet once per day and progress is tracked throughout the year. In order to enhance learning, only English is spoken on school property to support immersion and fluency. The EAL program carries a fee determined by the end of August each school year; see Tuition Fees for more information.

GGIS prioritizes mental wellbeing through face-to-face learning and strong student relationships, with happiness and well-being as central aims. The school emphasizes developing life skills such as empathy, listening, forgiveness, and respectful communication in everyday interaction. Teachers model care and the love of Jesus Christ in their relationships with students, contributing to a supportive community. The overall aim is to prepare students for a purposeful life characterized by wisdom and excellence. Small class sizes and a focus on personal connectedness support social-emotional growth.

GGIS provides a Safeguarding Policies section including a Safeguarding Team, a Safeguarding Policy, CSPN Glossary (Child Safety & Protection Network), a Visitor's Policy, Response Procedures Guidelines, and QR Codes for Raising Concerns.

Step 1: Apply Online. Applications are accepted for the upcoming school year via OpenApply from the beginning of January; there are no deadlines for applications for the upcoming year. New students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. GGIS will consider applications for the current school year before February 1. If the appropriate grade-level class is full, a student may be placed on a waiting list.

Waiting Lists: GGIS has limits on the number of students accepted per class. A student may be placed on a waiting list. Students on the waiting lists are selected based on academic, behavioral and English-language abilities. Students are not selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents of selected students are notified when they are accepted and can proceed to the registration process.

2094 Nagykovácsi, Nagykovácsi út 12. Hungary

Early Childhood; Elementary School; Middle School; High School

AISB offers personalised learning with learning coaches, time in the schedule, and credits for selected external/online courses; Global Online Academy (GOA) is a not-for-profit organization, and AISB participates with GOA as part of its personalised learning options.

USA

Day school.

AISB does not have a school uniform. Dress should be neat and appropriate for school; clothing should cover underwear and midriff, and not display inappropriate language or logos. Separate indoor shoes are required; winter clothing should be suitable for outdoor play.

AISB offers on-site meals via a campus cafeteria. Grade 5 students and older have access to the Building B cafeteria during lunchtime. Elementary students do not have access to Building B Cafeteria, Coffee Shop, or vending machines; an Elementary Coffee Shop operates after school from 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM.

AISB is a private, non-profit educational institution founded in 1973 by the United States Embassy to serve U.S. Government employees' dependents. AISB is governed by an 11-person Board of Trustees.

The high school program is based on an American educational model within an international context. English is the language of instruction, except in World Languages. All students have access to a wide range of courses and pathways to cater to students' interests and needs. AISB follows a 75–80 minute block schedule with each class meeting on average 200 minutes per week. Students can graduate with a combination of three diplomas, accredited by CIS and the Middle States Association: AISB High School Diploma (Grades 9–12); AISB Diploma + IB Diploma; AISB Diploma + Innovation Diploma.

1:1 student to educator ratio.

IB Diploma results for Class of 2024: Cohort size 95; Full Diploma Students 78 (82%); Pass Rate 92; Mean points score (WW) 35; Highest score (max. 45) 44; Average Subject Grade (WW) 5.4; Scores 39+ points 17. IB Diploma results for Class of 2023: Cohort 84; Full Diploma Students 58 (78%); Pass Rate 93; Mean 35; Highest 44; Average 5.6; 39+ points 26. IB Diploma results for Class of 2022: Cohort 74; Full Diploma Students 69 (82%); Pass Rate 97; Mean 34; Highest 45; Average 5.4; 39+ points 19. SAT scores: 1343 average; Math 684; Writing 650.

Matriculation by country for Class of 2024 shows: 31.3% USA; 21.7% United Kingdom; 8.4% Canada; 4.8% Ireland; 10.8% Netherlands; 6.0% Spain; 3.6% France; 3.6% Italy; 3.6% Hungary; 1.2% Austria; 33% Other. The College Acceptances and Matriculations section lists universities across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Innovation Diploma (Grades 10–12) empowers students to solve authentic problems using cross-disciplinary competencies. It includes Introduction to Innovation, two integrated project-based courses, three specialization courses, an internship, and a student-led capstone project. Students may earn university credit in some courses. AISB offers three diploma pathways: AISB Diploma; AISB Diploma + IB Diploma; AISB Diploma + Innovation Diploma; The Innovation Diploma emphasizes student agency, embracing uncertainty and an innovative mindset.

The Elementary Counselor works with students, teachers and parents to ensure social, emotional, and academic success. Counseling is delivered in multiple formats, including classroom lessons, school-wide initiatives, one-on-one counseling, group counseling, and consultation with teachers and parents. The guidance program addresses social skills, conflict resolution, cooperation, and self-esteem. The counselor is involved in identifying the need for and designing behavioral and academic interventions to support learning. This framework supports students' well-being within AISB's broader student support structure.

Learning Support Services (LSS) provides a continuum of support and resources to help students achieve their potential. The LSS team works with leadership, teachers, students and families to provide the tools, guidance, support, and services needed to foster academic and social success for students. Modifications and accommodations may be made to instructional delivery, classroom assignments and assessments to help students demonstrate learning. English As An Additional Language (EAL) supports English language learners with small-group, in-class, or combined supports. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is part of AISB's support services.

The Elementary School offers English As An Additional Language (EAL) to support listening, speaking, reading and writing as students learn across the curriculum. EAL may be provided in small groups, in-class, or a combination of both, and the exit from the program is determined in consultation with the classroom teacher and administration. The Elementary Handbook specifies EAL as a supported student service alongside LSS and the Learning Resource Center.

The Elementary Counselor supports students' social, emotional, and academic well-being. Counseling is delivered through classroom lessons, school-wide initiatives, one-on-one counseling, group counseling, and consultation with teachers and parents. The program focuses on social skills, conflict resolution, effective communication, cooperation and self-esteem, and involves designing behavioral and academic interventions as needed.

AISB has a Safeguarding Team with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (ES School Counselor), a Deputy Safeguarding Lead (ES Associate Principal), a Designated E-safety Lead, and additional safeguarding designates including the Hungarian Child Safeguarding Lead Hajni Vass and other senior leaders. Safeguarding and Inclusivity are central to the school's DEIJB framework. Safeguarding communications to parents emphasize confidentiality, with procedures to report concerns and protect those involved. There is a formal whistle-blowing policy and an annual safeguarding review and development process.

1. Begin the AISB application with the initial survey, which generates a login for your Admissions Portal. The portal is the entry point to the AISB online admissions process. Use the Start Process option to access the Veracross-based admissions system and continue with the application. The Apply Now area and veracross links guide you into the online submission process. 2. Access the Veracross-based admissions platform to complete the online application. AISB routes this process through the Admissions Portal, which is activated after the initial survey. The portal links shown on the How to Apply page include Start Process and portals.veracross.eu for online submission. 3. Fees and medical requirements: AISB operates as a not-for-profit institution. 2025-2026 tuition by section is as follows: Early Childhood (EC3, EC4) $15,250; Elementary School KG–Grade 5 $24,600; Middle School (Grades 6–8) $26,450; High School (Grades 9–10) $27,800; High School Diploma (Grades 11–12) $28,600. Supplementary Fees for new students are: Application $650, Registration $1,000, Building $3,500. A recent medical examination is required for admission, and a Medical Examination and History Form must be completed by a physician in English. Immunization must meet the requirements for the student's age group (HIB, OPV/IPV, DPT/DT, MMR, HEPB, with boosters as applicable), and all medical records must be in English prior to admission. AISB's instruction is in English.

Grade 9 AISB Scholarship.

The school operates on three sites in Budapest, Hungary: Hajdú Kindergarten and Primary School at 1139 Budapest, Hajdú utca 18–24; Cserkesz Kindergarten and Primary School at 1105 Budapest, Cserkesz utca 10–14; Orchidea Secondary School at 1135 Budapest, Szent László út 59–61.

Kindergarten, primary school and secondary school.

Hungarian-English bilingual kindergarten, primary and secondary school.

Development Working Group including speech therapists, development teachers and psychologists, who work closely with families, children and teachers; they provide development and support services for students and act as a bridge between home and school with small-group or individual sessions; they focus on individual student needs.

Hungary

The Orchidea Gimnázium bell schedule shows a school day from 8:30 to 15:50 (with breaks). 1st period 8:30–9:10; 2nd 9:20–10:00; 3rd 10:20–11:00; 4th 11:10–11:50; Lunch 12:00; 6th 13:20–14:10; 7th 14:20–15:00; 8th 15:10–15:50.

Lunch is provided from a well-equipped, modern on-site central kitchen by a 22‑member staff. We carefully select meals so that students enjoy them while also ensuring meals are rich in vitamins and protein. Special dietary needs are accommodated. Students may choose from Menu A, Menu B, or Menu C. Our elegant café area is suitable for deep conversations or cultured downtime, and offers a wide selection of foods and drinks for guests, students, and staff. A daily meal charge applies: 1490 Ft plus 27% VAT.

Orchidea Magyar–Angol Két Tanítási Nyelvű Óvoda, Általános Iskola és Gimnázium is maintained by Óbudai Egyetem (Obuda University). The main site is 1139 Budapest, Hajdú utca 18–24 (OM 200783); there are additional campuses at 1105 Budapest, Cserkesz utca 10–14 and 1135 Budapest, Szent László út 59–61. The maintainer is represented by Prof. Dr. habil. Kovács Levente; institutional leadership includes Beleznay Tamás (intézményvezető) and unit heads Kányi Katalin (Hajdú), Nagy Krisztina (Cserkesz), and Kecskés Zoltán István (Szent László), with deputy heads listed for each campus. OM azonosító 200783.

The school provides a Hungarian–English two-language education across kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels on three Budapest campuses: Hajdú, Cserkesz, and Szent László. The two-language program develops native-language skills while building high-level English proficiency and the ability to study in multiple languages. A language-preparation year (9. KNY) begins the program with 18 hours per week of English, focusing on subject-specific vocabulary; the year ends with a complex English exam. Entry to the 9th grade requires a minimum B1 language certificate, and by the upper grades most subjects are taught in the target language, with the language level expected to reach CEFR C1 by graduation. The program aligns with the National Core Curriculum and NAT requirements, and upon completion of the bilingual secondary program students can pursue higher education in Hungarian or in the language of instruction.

Small class sizes; exact student-to-teacher ratio is not specified on the site.

The Gimnázium Pedagogical Program prioritizes preparation for higher education and career choices, including a structured pathway to upper-secondary and university studies. It emphasizes a careers-oriented strategy and the ability to take exams in the target language, supporting higher education in either Hungarian or a foreign language. Preparation for higher education is explicitly stated as a goal of the program (felsőfokú tanulmányokra való felkészítés) and includes opportunities to study in the language of instruction (célnyelv) during the senior years.

The school runs a talent development program that includes individualized learning adaptations, talent development sessions, and participation in internal and external competitions. Development facilities include a dedicated development room and qualified staff (development teacher, speech therapist, psychologist) to support personalized growth; access to the school library and facilities for individual or small-group work to nurture gifted students.

Two-language instruction develops students' native-language knowledge while also fostering a high level of English proficiency and the ability to learn foreign languages. This is particularly important for us, as it opens pathways to integration and provides the skills and abilities needed in the 21st century. During their studies, students rapidly develop native-language and foreign-language communicative competencies and target-language literacy from kindergarten through to the end of their secondary education. They acquire strategies for language learning and learning in a foreign language. Upon completion of bilingual secondary education, they may continue higher education in the target language alongside Hungarian. OHEBS operates as an accredited institution in accordance with Hungary's national public education law and meets the requirements of the national core curriculum. OM identifier 200783.

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.