American International School of Budapest

The American International School of Budapest (AISB) is a leading non-profit, co-educational international school in Hungary, serving students from ages 3 to 18. Located in Nagykovácsi, just outside Budapest, the school provides a global education that combines American academic standards with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Established to serve the expatriate and local international community, the American International School of Budapest is home to nearly 1,000 students from over 60 nationalities. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding, preparing graduates for top universities worldwide.

AISB previously occupied two purpose-built campuses in Budapest; however, the school has since moved to one main campus located in Nagykovácsi. Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2 (lower elementary) were housed at the Buda Campus (on Kakukk út) in the Buda Hills. Grades 3 – 12 (upper elementary, middle and high school) shared the Nagykovácsi Campus located just 13 kilometers from the center of Budapest. Currently, the Nagykovácsi campus holds three buildings: Building B for grades 6 – 12, Building A for Pre – Kindergarten – grade 5, and Building C — a general field house.

The school operates five divisions on one campus; the Early Childhood division and the Elementary School share Building A, while Middle School, High School and the Athletics Center are located in Building B.^[1] Building A, known as the primary school building, houses PK-grade 5 and has its own library, multi-purpose room and gym. Building B, which houses grades 6–12, was built in 2000, and is complete with 54 classrooms, library, cafeteria, double-sized gymnasium, 25-meter indoor swimming pool, 350-seat theatre, performing and visual arts facilities, and playfield (these facilities are also shared with the Lower school). Building C is a medium-sized fieldhouse located next to the running tracks.

A bridge connects Building A and Building B — the two main buildings.

In 2022, AISB began hosting a school for Ukrainian refugees. The AISB provided older laptops and iPads, and helped Ukrainian students join online classes streamed from their home institutions.^[2] ”We felt that if we had the space, we would use the expertise that was here, the Ukrainian teachers that had moved here…so that children could move back into their home language as quickly as possible,” says AISB Director Brett Penny in a documentary about the “School within a School” project

History and Development

The American International School of Budapest (or AISB) is an international school located in Nagykovácsi, Hungary, near Budapest. It was established in 1973 by the United States Embassy to serve United States Government employees’ dependents; however, it now has a much more diverse student body including children of the local and expatriate business and diplomatic communities. English is the primary medium of instruction. The school’s website reports that it serves a population of about 950 students from 57 countries.

Since its founding, AISB has grown into one of Central Europe’s premier international schools. The school has expanded its facilities and programs over the decades, ensuring its continued reputation as a center of academic excellence. It remains committed to offering an inclusive and forward-looking education.

Curriculum and Programs

AISB offers a dual curriculum: the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Instruction is in English, with Hungarian language studies available. The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June, divided into two terms. With small class sizes and student-centered learning, AISB balances rigorous academics with social and emotional development.

Campus and Facilities

The Nagykovácsi campus spans modern, eco-friendly buildings with spacious classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, theaters, and sports fields. Facilities include dedicated spaces for arts, technology, and extracurricular programs. The school also offers dining services, transport, and activity centers to support student life.

Student Life

AISB is non-denominational and encourages cultural diversity through events, arts, music, theater, and athletics. Sports teams compete regionally under CEESA (Central and Eastern European Schools Association), and students actively participate in Model United Nations (MUN), robotics, and community service programs. The school fosters leadership and social responsibility among its students.

Governance and Leadership

AISB operates as a non-profit institution and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. It is led by Director Brett Penny and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council of International Schools, and the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school is also recognized by the U.S. State Department.

Reputation

AISB is widely regarded as the premier international school in Hungary. Its graduates attend top universities across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The school is respected for its rigorous academics, strong sense of community, and commitment to global citizenship.

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