Budapest - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Two good international schools, one American and one Christian. Experience has been phenomenal with American school. The kids have lots of opportunities to travel, and the campus is gorgeous. - Nov 2018
People go to the American School (very far from all housing, university-sized, I would say better for older kids), Greater Grace International School, the British School, Britannica (both British schools are closer to housing and a size that seems better for younger kids in primary school, one has uniforms the other does not), the French School (second largest campus after the American school), and ICSB. There are also a German and a Spanish international schools. The American school has a maximum of 20-25% US/GB students, all others are from Asia or Europe. The French school has about 50% French students in the small classes and less after 8th grade, most other students are Hungarian, speaking perfect English and many other languages. Our son was happy there since he knew everything local (tips, parties, some Hungarian). They were also only 13 in his class of 12th grade (versus 25+ in other schools). Some American families with no ties to a francophone country chose the French school before us. - Dec 2017
I hear good things. Our kids are younger. People like the American School, Greater Grace International School, the British School, Britannnica, the French School, and ICSB. - Jan 2012
Central European University is a highly-regarded American university that offers Master's, PhDs and MBAs. - Apr 2010
Both of my children went to the American International School of Budapest, and it is a very good school. - Dec 2009
There are several to choose from. Our kids attended AISB, the biggest, which has been a perfect fit at times, but has its issues. The high school rigidly offers the IB program, with many students dropping out of the full diploma and sometimes feeling as though that puts them out of favor. I don't know when/how this will change. School trips for sports, etc. can be extremely expensive. On the other hand, there are many, many wonderful, nurturing teachers and a recent change in administration has brought fresh ideas. There are no strings music programs. The Middle School program is excellent. Grading standards can seem tough and/or inexplicable at many levels -- students really have to earn their higher grades. Parents and students seem pleased with other schools. - Feb 2008
