American International School Budapest

The American International School Budapest (AISB) is an independent, nonprofit coeducational day school for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. The campus stands on 13.1 hectares of land, some 13 kilometers from Budapest, along the sloping hillside in Nagykovácsi.

“Our 860 students come from 56 different countries, with Americans and Hungarians being the most represented,” says School Director Ray Holliday-Bersegeay, adding that their international parent community is predominantly affiliated with Embassies and international organizations, as well as international businesses and corporations. "Students stay at AISB an average of three-four years, so we are well prepared for welcoming new students and parents each year, as well as during the school year,” the School Director notes. AISB offers a curriculum similar to that in international and US private schools, with English being the primary medium of instruction. English-as-an-Additional-Language is provided to those students not fluent in English. Students in grades 11 and 12 can choose to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma program or a number of IB certificates." They also receive a US High School Diploma. We are a nurturing and diverse community that concentrates on the individual development of students and develops the students and we firmly believe in hands-on learning," Holliday-Bersegeay continues. Students learn to appreciate Hungarian and other cultures represented within the internationally diverse body of students and faculty, and they gain a deeper understanding of their place within a global community.

Promoting an inclusive school climate that teaches empathy, fosters collaboration and celebrates international diversity, AISB prepares its students to be responsible global citizens and inspires in each a passion for knowledge and understanding. They grow into confident young men and women, committed to life-long learning. "Our wish for all students is to achieve their highest academic potential and at the same time develop their individuality, interests and special talents." According to the School Director, the AISB's co-curricular programs are first-class, giving access to a wide range of sports activities, theatre productions, clubs, environmental protection action, student leadership roles and the very important community service contribution. “We believe in measuring our value as human beings by our humanity towards others. Generosity and tolerance cannot be forced or ordered. They can only function by example, and that is what we try to foster by frequent community work through all grades, cooperating with orphanages for example,” he explains. A variety of extracurricular activities are available in the school's campus which offers two libraries, computer labs, three gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, a 350-seat theater, a black box theater, art rooms, soccer fields, a rubberized track, a softball diamond, an outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, playground areas, a weight training room, music rooms, a drama room, and a health center. Students in the Early Childhood Center are placed in a school building that is age-appropriate in its design and has the small, cozy and inviting environment so important for young children. The Center is part of the Elementary School building, the latest addition to the campus built in 2009.

AISB was founded by the American Embassy of Hungary back in 1973 originally to serve United States Government employees' dependents. Today, it has a much more diverse student body including children of the local and expatriate business and diplomatic communities. The school's income is derived from tuition and it runs under the auspices of a Government to Government agreement between Hungary and the US.