English Language Pre-schools and Playgroups in Budapest

“Because a large percentage of a child’s personality is formed before they reach age seven, early childhood education is crucial to children’s development. Our emphasis is on both socialization and pre-academic skills in a nurturing, home-like environment. Children learn concentration, interest, and a love of learning through cooking, dress-up, singing, art projects, story time, and other activities. Their normal desire for independence and a positive sense of self-esteem is encouraged. They learn how to observe, question, and explore ideas independently, and are helped to develop the kindness, courtesy, and self-discipline that will allow them to become a contributing member in a diverse society.”
- GGIS Pre-School

Pre-schools in Budapest

Greater Grace International School (4 year old) Preschool
Closely adjoining the main GGIS campus is the GGIS Preschool. GGIS accepts children who have reached the age of four by October 1, in preparation for entering Kindergarten the following year. The educational program is entirely in English. Rates, pictures and calendar may be found on their web site at www.ggis.hu.

American International School of Budapest
Buda Campus (Pre-K - Grade 2)
Tel.: (+36-26) 556-000; Fax: (+36-26) 556-003; E-mail: admissions@nk.aisb.hu; Contact Admissions Officer: Andrea Vagi
Pre-K: Age 4 by October 15 of school year; Kindergarten: Age 5 by October 15 of school year. The Lower Elementary School, serving grades Pre-K - 2, is located in a residential area in the hills of Buda. The facility includes 15 classrooms, computer lab, music room, art room, 200-seat theater, library, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, cafeteria, nurse’s clinic, an outdoor clay tennis court and all-weather playground. The educational program is based on best practices from American and international education, and it reflects the school’s commitment to educating the “whole child”.

A-Z International Centre for Children
1125 Budapest, Zsolna u. 2; Tel.: (+36-1) 212-0133; Fax: (+36-1) 325-0252; E-mail: info@atoz.hu
Accepts children from 2 years and 3 months to 6 years old. Options available for 3, 4, or 5 days a week, either full-day or mornings only. Meal options including vegetarian. Families with two or more children enrolled will receive a 5% discount for the second child/subsequent children. Bus service available for children at least 3 years of age.

The English Garden Pre-School
1089 Budapest, Villám utca 25; Tel: (+36-20) 224 5070; E-mail: englishgardenpreschool@yahoo.com
The English Garden Pre-School is an international kindergarten in Pest offering the British Curriculum for children aged two to seven. Opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an optional After-School Club until 5 p.m. The Pre-School occupies a large, nineteenth century house and has a beautiful garden. Located in the quiet green quarter of “Tisztviselő Telep” close to the Népliget Park. It is easily accessible by both car and public transport and is just ten minutes from the City Centre.

Greenhouse Nursery and Preschool
1125 Budapest, Szarvas Gábor u. 27; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-3645; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 274-2650; E-mail: bor@mail.datanet.hu; Director: Ms. Nora Kovats
Ages: 3-6. Program is bilingual (Hungarian/English).

Happy Kids International Kindergarten
1124 Budapest, Fodor u. 36; Tel.: (+36-1) 356-2440; Director: Mr. Peter Jones
Lunch provided. Bus service provided with additional fee. Full day from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Offers summer camp. English speaking staff.

International School of Budapest
1121 Budapest, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 19/b; Tel.: (+36-1) 395-9312; Fax: (+36-1) 395-9310; Director: Mr. Peter Harding; Enrollment contact: Klara Halmos
Ages 3-5; 8:30-3:00, (8:15 is when supervision begins). 5% discount for siblings enrolled. Transportation is extra; All tuition includes morning snack, lunch (hot meal) and afternoon snack.

Koala Language House - Bilingual Kindergarten
Two locations: 1032 Budapest, Reménység u 6 (Óbuda) and 1144 Budapest, Gvadányi u 40-42. (Zugló); Tel.: 06-30-236-8867; E-mail: koala@webmail.hu
Kindergarten for 3-5 year olds. Kindergarten children mix with Hungarian native speakers and English native speakers alike. Bilingualism is a way of life here, not a subject to be formally taught. Children experience Hungarian culture, customs and tradition, English songs/nursery rhymes and pick up both languages as they join in games and make friends. Program is supervised by university teachers specialized in bilingual education. Qualified teachers include native speakers of both languages. Open Monday thru Friday 7am-6pm. Price covers all educational costs and includes breakfast, lunch and snack at tea time.

Lil’ Mozarts
Budapest, Béla király út 9B; Tel.: (+36-1) 395-1125; E-mail: giggle@matavnet.hu; Director: Cfilla Zida
Ages 2 and a half-6 years of age. Every day 8:30-4:30. Transportation can be arranged for additional cost. Summer program through July. Meals: breakfast, morning snack, hot lunch, afternoon snack.

Magyar British International School Foundation
1026 Budapest, Pasaréti út 84; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 200-7571/72/73; (+36-1) 200-7602; E-mail: mbis@pronet.hu; Director: Ms. Mary Pazsit
Pre-nursery 2 and potty trained; 8:30am-12 or 8:30am-3:15pm. Nursery age 3. Reception class is for 4 year olds (4 by 31 August). Regular school age is from age 7-11.

Parents for Children Foundation
1125 Budapest, Távcsõ út 12.; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-2540; 06-30-527-553; E-mail: pcen@matavnet.hu; Director: Ms. Anna Nagel
An international English language preschool/kindergarten for children ages 2-6. Cost $3,600 per year. School offers a wide range of activities such as aerobics, swimming and piano lessons. Winter activities include skiing and ice-skating. Transportation is available. Summer camp offered.

Plumpudding Protectory (Preschool)
Budapest, II., Gyergyó u. 6, (close to Lugas Restaurant); Tel.: (+36-1) 356-6553; 06-20-913-0321; E-mail: plumpudding@mailbox.hu
This English speaking preschool offers half and full day attendance opportunities at very reasonable prices. Children may attend 3, 4 or 5 days per week. In addition, the school accepts children (18 months to pre-kindergarten) for “occasional visits” by pre-arrangement. Clientele is primarily 2-4 year olds.

SEK International Institution - Tri-lingual Preschool
(This school is primarily Spanish speaking, but also teaches English and Hungarian)
1021 Budapest, Hűvösvölgyi út 131; Tel.: (+36-1) 394-2968; Fax: (+36-1) 200-6615.
Registered under the Hungarian Education Law. Tri-lingual teachers. Small classes, personal teaching-education. Classes between 8am and 4pm with 2 meals. Kindergarten, primary and grammar school education. Bus service available. Please contact school for complete information about costs.

Superkids Preschool and Kindergarten of Budapest
1021 Budapest, Völgy u. 1-3; Mail: P.O. Box 137, Budapest 1276; E-mail: superkids@compuserve.com; Office Tel.: (+36-1) 200-0644 ext 1; Tel./Fax: (+36-1) 394-3815 or (+36-1) 394-3858 (days) (+36-1) 466-7005 (evenings); Education Director: Ms. Gayle McTaug
Ages 2+. Full day from 9am-4pm half days from 9am-12, and may stay for lunch. Lunch provided. Bus provided with additional fee. Fourteen students per class. Present enrollment is 100+. Summer camp offered.

Please check school websites for current tuition fees and other specific information.

English Language Playgroups in Budapest

NAWA Playgroup
- Contact Tiffany Stemler (email: tiffanystemler@yahoo.com)
Meet Tuesdays, 10-12, members take turns with the location. Summers include school-aged kids, in parks around town with rain venue options.

Play N Praise
Christian playgroup organized through the International Baptist Church. Bible stories, songs, snacks and play. Contact Liz Bownas at +36 1 319 8525

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English Language Pre-schools, nursery school, kindergarten, day-care, child care, playgroup, Budapest