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Great Grace International School

Hungary, Budapest

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HUF 5,457,000 - 7,850,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Taught languages Latin, French, Spanish
Typical class size 7
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Great Grace International School (GGIS) is a private, English-language international school in Budapest serving kindergarten through 12th grade with a Christian worldview. The campus sits in the hills of Buda and welcomes students from 25 nationalities, with class sizes capped at 20. GGIS 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. The curriculum combines AP coursework with Bible instruction and English support. AP options include AP Chemistry and AP Physics every other year, AP Statistics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Human Geography, with pathways to 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 each year, and two years of a foreign language or testing out. The school emphasizes music, arts and after-school activities.

Budapest, Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 22b, 1125 Hungary

The Essentials

Great Grace International School has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location

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.

Stages

Kindergarten to 12th grade.

Type

Private English-language international school with a Christian worldview.

Pupil Nationality Mix

There are over 25 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support

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

Country affiliation

American international school.

Religious affiliation

Christian.

School day structure

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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

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.

Food Options

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

Governance and Ownership

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

Annual tuition at Great Grace International School ranges from HUF 5,457,000 to HUF 7,850,000 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group)

- Preparatory 1: HUF 5,057,000 per year. Per term (charged twice yearly): HUF 2,528,500.
- Grades 1–6: HUF 6,495,000 per year. Per term (charged twice yearly): HUF 3,247,500.
- Grades 7–8: HUF 7,085,000 per year. Per term (charged twice yearly): HUF 3,542,500.
- Grades 9–10: HUF 7,450,000 per year. Per term (charged twice yearly): HUF 3,725,000.
- Grades 11–12: HUF 7,635,000 per year. Per term (charged twice yearly): HUF 3,817,500.

(All annual tuition figures are published as the 2026–2027 tuition amounts; tuition and EAL program fees are charged twice per year so each scheduled tuition charge equals approximately one half of the annual amount).

Application / registration fee

- Registration fee (due at registration): HUF 400,000.
- The registration fee is charged annually (registration / re-enrolment fees are charged each year).
- The registration fee is non-refundable after April 30, 2027.
- A HUF 200,000 reduction in the registration fee is applied for each additional sibling.

EAL (English as an Additional Language) fees

- EAL fees are charged per semester. The published price for EAL (all listed levels) is HUF 255,000 per semester.
- EAL fees include an associated technology fee for application software and courseware.

What tuition includes and excludes

- Included within tuition: tuition instruction, books, most field trips, and school-wide testing when applicable.
- Not included and charged separately: registration/reenrolment fees, EAL program fees, lunch, school uniform, after-school clubs, participation fees at sporting events, special events and outings, TOEFL and AP exams, and other extracurricular fees. Some of these services are provided by third-party vendors and billed separately (for example lunch and uniforms).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition and EAL program fees are billed twice per year (not by semester); the school refers to these as Tuition #1 and Tuition #2 and calculates them by calendar year. Tuition amounts are prorated based on the students date of entry; however, the full registration fee is payable regardless of the entry date.
- Registration fee is due during the registration process. Re-enrolment/registration fees are charged annually.
- If a student is withdrawn during the school year, one months tuition fee will be added to the prorated tuition amount as a withdrawal administration charge.
- Outstanding accounts must be paid by their due dates. Balances overdue by 30 days or more may incur late interest charges and may result in restrictions on classroom participation; transcripts, report cards and other school records will not be released until outstanding balances are settled.

Sibling discounts and special conditions

- A 10% tuition discount is applied for siblings from the same self-paying family. This sibling tuition discount does not apply to Financial Agreements made with corporations or governments.

Boarding fees / boarding provision

- The school operates as a day school; there are no published boarding programmes or boarding fees.

Other costs or fees (examples)

- Lunch: charged separately through a third-party provider.
- School uniform: charged separately and provided via a third-party supplier.
- After-school club and extracurricular participation fees: charged separately per activity.
- External exam fees: TOEFL, AP and other external exam fees are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
- Special events, outings and some participation fees for sports/competitions: charged separately on a per-event or per-participation basis.

Refund information

- The registration fee is non-refundable after April 30, 2027.
- Tuition fees are prorated based on the students entry date; if a student withdraws during the school year, an additional one months tuition fee is added to the prorated tuition amount as a withdrawal fee.
- Outstanding balances will affect release of records and may incur late interest if unpaid beyond the stated due dates.

Fee payment options and office hours for in-person payments

- Accepted payment methods published by the school: bank transfer or cash payments at the school business office.
- In-person cash payments are accepted at the business office Tuesday to Friday between 08:15 and 12:00; the office is closed on Monday. (Bank transfer details are provided to families via the schools finance documentation.)
Academics

Great Grace International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Student Teacher Ratio

7 to 1

Exam Results

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.

Higher Education Progression

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.

Gifted and Talented

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

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

Mental Wellbeing

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.

Safeguarding

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.
Parent Experience

History

Great Grace International School (GGIS) opened in 1991 as Greater Grace Christian Academy to educate the children of more than 60 international missionaries in Hungary. In 1993, the school moved to a facility on Matyas Kiraly ut in Budapest's 12th district, and the Hungarian Ministry of Education officially recognized it as an American international school. In 2004, Greater Grace Christian Academy became Greater Grace International School as it integrated into Budapest's international-school landscape. In 2016, GGIS received full, unconditional accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International and Middle States Accreditation. The school is owned by Educom Kft.

Community

GGIS has over 25 nationalities represented, and cultural diversity is celebrated. Face-to-face learning and relationship-building are central to the school community. Every activity includes community outreach, field trips, guest speakers, and community engagement opportunities. The 35th anniversary is celebrated with events around the world, including a major celebration in Budapest.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has a campus in Budapest's twelfth district. The campus is in the hills of Buda, providing a peaceful learning environment. The school teaches in English. There are more than 25 nationalities represented at GGIS. Class sizes are capped at 20 students per class. The mission is to equip students physically, spiritually and academically through a biblical worldview.

Academic Facilities

Lower School uses Abeka Book Reading Program and Saxon Mathematics as core components. Bible instruction occurs daily, including a daily 30‑minute Bible class. Upper Elementary adds Latin in Grades 5 and 6, with World Studies in Grade 6. High School offers four core subjects (English, Science, Math, Social Studies) with Bible taught daily and a range of electives, including AP courses. English Language Acquisition includes a robust EAL program with a pull-out component for novice English learners; Rosetta Stone is used for language learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The music program engages students in learning multiple instruments and includes performances; lower elementary students learn instruments such as Xylophone, Bells, Recorder and Rhythmic instruments. There are after‑school clubs including Elementary Choir, Korean Drum (Jang-Gu) and Flute class. Upper School offers electives and clubs such as Art, Drama, Photography, Yearbook and College Prep, and students can take Advanced Placement courses; field trips and community outreach are also part of the program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Clubs and electives for Grades 7–12 include Debate Club, Art Club, Yearbook Design and Publication, Gardening Elective, Philanthropy Club, Outdoor Club, Science Club and more. There are staff- and student-led electives, with opportunities for students to lead an elective with teacher support. After-school study groups support academics, and soccer and the Great Grace Youth Group (GGYG) extend learning beyond the classroom. The high school offers Advanced Placement courses for college credit.

Arts & Creative

Music is taught across the school, with instruction in multiple instruments, singing, reading notation and music history. Lower elementary students learn at least one instrument per year and participate in multiple performances. Upper elementary students learn Melody Horn, Ocarina, Guitar, Alto Recorder and Fife. Students can join after-school Elementary Choir, Korean Drum (Jang-Gu) and Flute class.

Cultural & Language

The school has a truly international student body. High school offers foreign language study chosen by students, in traditional classroom or online via Rosetta Stone. Latin is introduced in grade 5 and continues through grade 6 to support language learning and preparation for further languages such as French and Spanish. Debate Club is offered as a club to support language and communication skills.

Social & Hobbies

Lower School after-school activities include Drama, Arts & Crafts, Soccer, Coding, STEAM Lab, Taekwondo and Dance. Upper School after-school opportunities include study groups, soccer and the Great Grace Youth Group (GGYG). Clu bs and electives also include social and creative options such as Honors Choir, Debate Club and Yearbook.

Community & Service

Philanthropy Club is offered as an elective. The Advisory program supports student welfare and a caring, family-like school community. Great Grace Youth Group (GGYG) is available as an after-school activity.

Leadership & Professional

Students may choose from a variety of Electives, with both staff- and student-led options. There are opportunities for students to lead an elective with staff assistance. High school offers Advanced Placement courses and a college-prep track, with the potential for college credit. AP Capstone, AP International Diploma and AP Scholar Awards may be earned through AP coursework.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The physical education program develops students physically, spiritually and academically within a biblical worldview. After-school activities run five days a week, offering Drama, Arts & Crafts, Soccer, Coding, STEAM Lab, Taekwondo and Dance. The Advisory program supports student mental and physical wellness. Daily Bible classes and chapel are part of school life.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction for grades K-12; an English Language Acquisition (EAL) program supports non-native speakers, with students tested at admission to determine EAL placement; the EAL program has a fee determined by the end of August each year; vocabulary instruction and speaking opportunities are embedded into every lesson. Only English is spoken by students on school property.

Immersion Programs

Intensified English Language Acquisition (EAL) program with pull-out classes typically meeting once daily; English-only policy on school property; immersion is described as the most effective approach to language learning.
Reputation

Accreditations

Association of Christian Schools International; Middle States Accreditation
Admissions

Admissions

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.

Waitlist

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.
School Events
The school has not added events