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International Christian School of Budapest

Hungary, Budapest

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HUF 250 - 18,600
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 280
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Hungarian
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

International Christian School of Budapest (ICS Budapest) offers a United States–based, English-language curriculum for students ages 5 to 18. The Lower School covers core subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies and includes Christian Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, Library, and Hungarian Language, while the Upper School is fully departmentalized and provides a college-preparatory program with several Advanced Placement courses. The school is located in Diósd, Hungary on a campus of more than 5,000 square meters; the building spans about 6,600 square meters with 22 classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces, plus a gymnasium, weight room, cafeteria, and offices. It uses PowerSchool as the learning management system, with BYOD for Grades 9–12 and classroom computers and projectors. Distinguished programs include the International Honors Music Festival (IHMF), a student music gathering hosted by ICSB, and a fine arts program with choirs, bands, and productions.

Diósd, Ifjúság út 11, 2049 Hungary

The Essentials

International Christian School of Budapest has 280 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Ifjúság utca 11, 2049 Diósd, Hungary. Our address is on the western edge of Budapest, in the suburb of Diósd, just outside the city limits. The campus sits on a plot of over 5,000 square meters and the building complex covers about 6,600 square meters, including 22 classrooms, science labs, art and music rooms, a gymnasium with a stage, a weight room, a cafeteria, offices, and a parking garage. +36 23 381 986.

Stages
Lower School - Early Grades; Lower School - Middle Grades; Upper School. The school offers K-12 education.

Type
Day school; Christian, international.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Enrollment is 265 students, K-12. Countries represented include Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, India, Korea, Moldova, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, the United States, and more.

Additional learning support
English Language Learning welcomes non-native English speakers; proficiency is assessed using the WIDA framework; language support is provided to equip students for success in an English-language academic environment.

Religious affiliation
Christian, multi-denominational.

Bus service
There is bus transportation to ICSB from the Kelenfold station, and other buses travel on the BKV lines; parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school operates as a day school.

Uniform Requirement
ICSB uses a dress code rather than a fixed uniform. Clothing must cover from armpit to armpit and reach the fingertips, with tops that have shoulder straps; additional modesty guidelines apply.

Food Options
Lunch: hot meals are available to be ordered.

House System
Houses: Teachers and students are divided into four houses: Ragsdale, Young, Welsh, and Hiltibran; houses are modeled after a British tradition.

Governance and Ownership
Governing body: Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Christian School of Budapest ranges from HUF 250 to HUF 18,600 for 2026/27.

Application and Seat Reservation Fees

- Application Fee: USD 250, payable for new students at the time of submitting the Student Application Form; non-refundable.
- Seat Reservation Fee: USD 500, payable by new students within 10 days after the admission decision and payable by returning students by January 15; non-refundable but deductible from the Parent Contribution Fee for the school year of enrollment.

Parent Contribution (Tuition) — annual amounts by year group (2026/27)

- Pre-1: USD 10,700 per year.
- Grades 1–5: USD 16,100 per year.
- Grades 6–11: USD 17,600 per year.
- Grade 12: USD 18,600 per year (includes USD 1,000 Senior Fee).

Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition can be billed and when payments are due)

- 1-Payment Plan: full payment of the School Fees (Parent Contribution plus any Additional Fees) due by August 15.
- 2-Payment Plan: first payment 50% of the School Fees due by August 15; second payment 50% due by January 15. Example amounts under the 2-payment plan:
- Pre-1: USD 5,350 + USD 5,350.
- Grades 1–5: USD 8,050 + USD 8,050.
- Grades 6–11: USD 8,800 + USD 8,800.
- Grade 12: USD 9,300 + USD 9,300.
- 10-Payment Plan: first payment 10% of School Fees due by August 15; nine consecutive monthly payments each equal to 10% due by the 15th of each month, with the last payment due no later than May 15. Administrative charge of 1% applies to this plan; if payments are missed for two consecutive months (and not received until the last day of the second month), all outstanding debts become due immediately in one installment. Example monthly amounts under the 10-payment plan (before the 1% administrative charge):
- Pre-1: USD 1,070 per payment.
- Grades 1–5: USD 1,610 per payment.
- Grades 6–11: USD 1,760 per payment.
- Grade 12: USD 1,860 per payment.
- Interest and late payment: the school may charge 1% interest on all due but unpaid balances; students with past-due unpaid balances will not be permitted to re-enroll. Parents must notify the Business Office if they anticipate difficulty meeting a payment deadline.
- Sibling discount: the oldest student is charged the full Parent Contribution Fee; each additional younger student in the same family receives an automatic 10% discount on their Parent Contribution Fee.
- Ministry Scholarship: families serving in full-time Christian ministry may receive a 40% discount on the Parent Contribution Fee (does not apply to Additional Fees).

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable: the school operates as a day school and does not list boarding provisions or boarding fees.

Additional fees and other costs

- Senior Fee: USD 1,000 for Grade 12 students (contributes to senior trip and graduation); this amount is included in the Grade 12 Parent Contribution Fee but is also noted as a payable Senior Fee.
- English Language Learning (ELL) and Supplemental Services (annual fees):
- Group program fees per year: 2 classes/week USD 800; 3 classes/week USD 1,000; 4 classes/week USD 1,200; 5 classes/week USD 1,500.
- Individual program fees per year: 2 classes/week USD 1,600; 3 classes/week USD 2,000; 4 classes/week USD 2,400; 5 classes/week USD 3,000.
- Other supplemental fees: Accommodation Management Fee USD 150 and Initial Testing Fee USD 50–250 (as applicable).
- Expenses not covered by the Parent Contribution Fee and likely to be additional costs to families:
- Optional hot lunch service (charged separately).
- Optional trips (charged separately).
- Personal laptop requirement in Upper School (cost borne by family).

Refund information and mid-year withdrawal

- Application Fee: non-refundable. Seat Reservation Fee: non-refundable; Seat Reservation Fee will be deducted from the Parent Contribution Fee for the school year of enrollment. Mid-year withdrawal: if a student begins the school year but withdraws before completing it, School Fees will be prorated and refunded, minus the Seat Reservation Fee. The school indicates it is unable to refund overpayments on fees.

Fee payment options and currency

- Accepted payment methods: cash and bank card payments via the Business Office POS terminal during office hours; online payment options for the Application Fee and Seat Reservation Fee via SimplePay and for the Parent Contribution and Additional Fees via Saferpay; bank transfer is accepted (bank fees are the payer's responsibility).
- Bank details example (local HUF IBAN presented for transfers): HUF IBAN HU72 1030 0002 2038 2959 0000 3285 (follow the school's payment instructions and note that bank fees will be charged to the payer).
- Currency and exchange: School Fees are designated in USD; USD is preferred, but payments in HUF, EUR, and other currencies are accepted using the daily Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB) exchange rate.
Academics

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

Curriculum
The school uses a United States-based, English-language curriculum that is rigorous and biblically integrated. AP courses are offered. In Lower School, the program includes Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Christian Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, Library, and Hungarian Language. Upper School is fully departmentalized and provides a college-preparatory program with several Advanced Placement courses available.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are admitted to post-secondary institutions around the world. The school's profile shows graduation requirements with a range of U.S. and international universities, and AP courses are part of the program, with a weighted grading scale for AP courses introduced in 2023-2024.

Gifted and Talented
National Honor Society is offered as a co-curricular, and Advanced Placement courses are available for advanced students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Competency Training uses evidence-based strategies to help students improve social competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation, emotional intelligence, executive functioning, perspective taking, and social problem solving. Our coaching helps students understand themselves and others to navigate the social world, foster relationships, and improve performance at school and in the wider world. Counselors are available to talk with students about personal, emotional, and social concerns. The school psychologist administers educational assessments to determine a student's best educational and social needs and support toward thriving in the school environment. Counseling is available for students facing anxiety, depression, identity issues, relationships, ADHD, or autism. These services are part of our Supplemental Services department.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Our Supplemental Services Department offers a variety of services to students with learning differences: NILD Therapy, Resource Assistance, Reading Intervention, Speech Therapy, Social-Emotional Competency Training, and Counseling / School Psychologist. NILD Therapy is available for 3rd grade and above; the National Institute for Learning Development is a US-based organization that trains therapists to work with students with learning differences, with the goal of stimulating cognitive and perceptual functioning to empower independent learning. Resource Assistance provides one-on-one or small group instruction for students who are unable to keep up with the pace of their classmates or are not yet ready for grade-level material, with individualized, direct, and specialized instruction. Reading Intervention is offered in 1st and 2nd grades and uses multi-sensory methods to develop phonological and phonemic awareness, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Speech Therapy provides diagnosis and individualized treatment for speech and language delays, with sessions personalized. Counseling / School Psychologist and Social-Emotional Competency Training are available to support personal, social, and emotional needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Our English Language Learning program welcomes students who are not native English speakers. Students are assessed regularly to determine their proficiency level in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening using the WIDA framework. This enables classroom teachers as well as specialists to provide the correct level of language support to equip students for success in an English academic environment. The program supports integration into mainstream classes and helps students access the full ICSB curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The Health and Safety program provides for student health and well-being. The health office staff care for students with health care needs each day, and a school doctor is on campus one day each week; students receive an annual physical exam as well as required immunizations. Counseling is available during some school hours, with referrals to trained professionals outside of school when needed. The school recognizes the importance of mental well-being and provides access to counseling and psychological support through our Supplemental Services program.

Safeguarding
ICSB places a high value on creating a safe learning environment, safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the students entrusted to our care. We are members of the Child Safety and Protection Network (CSPN). CSPN's mission is to collaborate across the globe with other Christian organizations, and safety recommendations have been incorporated into our school's policies, screening, staff and student training, protocols, and administrative response. If you have a student safety concern, please report it using the 'Report a Concern' form. The Student Protection Policy provides the safeguarding framework for ICSB.
Parent Experience

History
In 1992, several Christian organizations identified a need for a Central European school to serve missionary families and others in the region. In September 1994, ICSB opened with 56 students in grades 1–12. Enrollment has grown to over 225 students in K–12. In 2006, the school added a large academic building and a gymnasium. In the summer of 2015, campus grounds were renovated to upgrade outdoor play areas, including a playground, an outdoor lunch patio, and several sport areas.

Community
The ICSB experience is rooted in faith and guided by three core values: Community, Integrity, Growth. The school offers a wide range of community-building activities and events, including Family Field Day, Ovoda Outreach, Student Council, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Freshman Challenge Weekend, middle school and high school retreats, Honor Choir and Band, class field trips, formal banquets, Senior Days Out, a basketball tournament, Bible studies, Coffee Houses, and Talent Nights. Athletics, fine arts, service opportunities, and student leadership activities strengthen the school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent School Association (PSA) coordinates parent involvement at ICSB. The PSA hosted its first coffee with the Chaplain Team, bringing together parents and ICSB chaplains to discuss spiritual life. Chaplains lead chapels, Bible studies, and Christian Studies classes, with a Head, Heart, and Hands framework guiding spiritual life across the campus. PSA Coordinator Ms. Kim Rickard leads PSA activities and communications and works with the Chaplain Team and school leadership. PSA activities include chapel programming across grade levels and events like Spiritual Impact Week, along with opportunities for parent-principal conversations and volunteer involvement. The PSA serves as a vehicle for parent engagement in school life and ceremonies, as described in the school's PSA coverage.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is situated in Diósd, Hungary on a plot of over 5,000 square meters. The building is a large complex measuring approximately 6,600 square meters and includes 22 classrooms of various sizes, science labs, art and music rooms. It also features a gymnasium with a stage, a weight room, a cafeteria, offices, and a parking garage. Technology is integrated with two computer labs and iPad sets for early grades, while Grades 9-12 use a bring-your-own-device approach; each classroom has a computer and projector, and Microsoft Office 365 is used along with PowerSchool as the learning management system. The library is a reference center with thousands of fiction, non-fiction and resource books, plus online research through SIRS, Britannica, and EBSCO; the library catalog is accessible through the school portal.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a gymnasium with a stage and a weight room to support indoor physical activity and events. ICSB supports athletics with Bulldog teams in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and track and field. The biggest athletic event of the year is the February Basketball Tournament.

Academic Facilities
Two computer labs and iPad sets for early grades (Pre-1 through 5). Grades 9-12 have a bring-your-own-device approach; each classroom has a computer and projector and students and teachers use Microsoft Office 365. The learning management system is PowerSchool. The library hosts thousands of fiction and non-fiction books and provides online research through SIRS, Britannica, and EBSCO; the library catalog is accessible through the school portal.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Fine arts are an essential part of ICSB's curriculum; students have opportunities to be involved in the choir, band, and drama, and concerts and fine arts festivals are held in the winter and spring each year. Fine Arts also includes performances; past productions include Upper School: Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie, West Side Story, The Music Man, Godspell, and Les Miserables; Middle Grades: Annie, Aladdin, Seussical, Pirates of Penzance, High School Musical, and Beauty and the Beast.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The National Honor Society recognizes Upper School students for scholarship, leadership, service, and character; induction requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. NHS members meet regularly to engage in activities that foster these pillars and fulfill the required service hours. MAP Testing for Lower School and 9th/10th grades uses the Measure of Academic Progress to help teachers understand students strengths and areas for growth. The Celebration of Learning marks the end of each semester to reflect on learning progress.

Arts & Creative
Middle Grades Musical is prepared and performed by students in November. The Upper School Musical is performed in May. The Fine Arts Festival brings music programs and artwork together in June. The International Honors Music Festival IHMF unites student musicians from Christian schools across Europe and Asia, with ICSB hosting and selected band and choir members participating.

Cultural & Language
International Festival is hosted by the PSA and school families as an annual celebration of ICSB's international community. The school operates with English-based instruction. The ICSB community participates in events that reflect its international character.

Social & Hobbies
The House System divides students into four houses, for cross-grade activities and competitions. Middle Grades House Council helps plan Lower School events, and Upper School student leaders organize occasional house activities. See You at the Pole gathers Christian students for prayer around the school flagpole each September. Bulldog Week includes dress-up themes and the Winter Classic basketball tournament to build school spirit.

Community & Service
Blue Bucket Bash is a student-led fundraising project that collects non-perishable food for the Salvation Army in Hungary. The event is organized with the Dorkász Service Foundation. The annual rummage sale raises funds for community needs. The Christmas Concerts and related activities involve performances that support community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The National Honor Society recognizes Upper School students for scholarship, leadership, service, and character, with GPA 3.5+ for eligibility and regular meetings. The Upper School Student Council provides a voice for students, organizes social and outreach events, and officers are elected in spring. House leaders plan house activities, and House Councils help plan Lower School events. The Parent-School Association hosts coffee times with Principals each semester to foster communication.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
See You at the Pole gathers students for prayer around the school flagpole to support spiritual growth. Spiritual Impact Week features daily chapel and activities focused on spiritual development. Middle Grades and Upper School retreats provide team-building and reflection away from the classroom. Danube Valley Athletic Conference DVAC athletic events and the annual Family Field Day contribute to fitness and community well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Instruction is conducted in English. The English Language Learning program welcomes students who are not native English speakers, with regular proficiency assessments using the WIDA framework to tailor language support for success in an English-language academic environment. The curriculum uses primarily US-based materials and frameworks, and AP courses are offered. 90% of teachers are native English speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations
ACSI and MSA-CESS
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquiry: Submit an Inquiry Form to begin the admission process. This form lets you ask questions about ICSB and helps the admissions team provide the information you need.

2. Schedule a Visit: Schedule a campus tour led by the Director of Admissions, Ms. Szilvi Lázár. The tour includes a walk-through of our buildings and outdoor areas. You may book a visit by submitting the Inquiry Form, and a virtual campus tour is also available.

3. Apply and Seat Availability: Submit an online Student Application Form when there is seat availability. Seat availability exists in a few select grades for the 2025-2026 school year, and current availability is posted on the Current Seat Availability page. The admission process typically takes up to 4 weeks if all required information is provided in a timely manner. After submitting the application, pay the $250 application fee; the fee covers the entire admission process and is non-refundable.

4. Upload Documents & Recommendations: Upload required documents in English or Hungarian (or translations). Required items include a personal identification document, a current photo of the applicant, and previous school records. Ensure that confidential online recommendation forms from the applicant's current teacher and school administrator are submitted, and that the pastor submits a form if the family attends a Christian church. The Family Questionnaire and the Student Questionnaire (for applicants entering grades 6–12) should also be completed.

5. Assessments & Interview: Schedule and complete assessments after submitting the online application, uploading documents, and paying the fee. Schedule an English Language Assessment (for non-native English speakers) and an Academic Readiness Assessment; assessments occur in person at ICSB, with online options if the applicant resides outside Hungary and proctoring requirements apply. We start offering admission assessments in January and recommend scheduling early; the Family Interview takes place at ICSB in person, with online options if needed.

6. Admission Decision & Wait Pool: Priority applications submitted by February 1 and completed by March 31 generally receive an admission decision by April 15. Late applications submitted after February 1 are considered only if seats are available and usually receive a decision by mid-May. If no seat is available, the applicant enters the wait pool; seat offers are not guaranteed and depend on space and alignment with admissions criteria and the school's mission. Decisions are communicated by email.

7. Enrollment: If accepted, a seat is offered by email and must be reserved by paying the Seat Reservation Fee of 500 USD within 10 days. If payment is not received in time, the offer is withdrawn and the applicant is moved to the wait pool. You must sign the Enrollment Contract and related consents, and upload immunization records; for Grades 10–12, submit official transcripts. The first installment of the Parent Contribution Fee is due by August 15 (or no later than two weeks before the first day of school). Enrollment must be completed before the student's first day of school.

Scholarships
The Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial assistance for ministry families (in line with our missionary commitment) and other families whose financial circumstances would generally preclude ICSB education. The amount of assistance is based on the family's financial situation and/or ministry status, and the availability of financial assistance funds. All gifts to the Scholarship Fund are designated for financial assistance purposes. Contact: Szilvi Lázár, Director of Advancement, advancement@icsbudapest.org.

Waitlist
ICS Budapest uses a wait pool rather than a waitlist. Accepted students are not offered seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat offers are made as space becomes available based on admissions criteria and the school's mission, and decisions are communicated by email.
School Events
The school has not added events
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