Frequently asked questions

The Szeged International Primary School is located at 6727 Szeged, Lidicei Square 1, in Petőfitelep, in a peaceful, green environment.

Yes, the Szeged International Primary School is a state-recognized public education institution with its own OM identification number.

The proprietor of the Szeged International Primary School is the Szeged International Education Center Nonprofit Ltd. More information can be found in the following menu section: https://www.szegedips.com/article/fenntarto/37

At SZIPS, the language of instruction is English. Apart from Hungarian language and literature, all subjects are taught in English by our teachers. Our school combines the international curriculum with the Hungarian national core curriculum. For more information about the international curriculum, visit: https://internationalcurriculum.com/

At our school, holidays follow a similar schedule to state schools. Throughout the school year, we have an autumn, winter, and spring break, as well as a shorter ski break. The academic year runs from September 1st to the end of June.

If parents are unable to bring their child to school in the mornings, a school bus service is available through our partner institution, Teddy's Club. More information: https://www.szegedips.com/article/shuttle-service/35 Our school is also easily accessible by public transportation.

Yes, students can transfer to other schools from SZIPS. Since our curriculum is aligned with both the Hungarian National Core Curriculum (NAT) and an international curriculum, students are well-prepared to continue their studies either in Hungarian public schools or international institutions. We provide transfer documentation and academic records as required, and support families during the transition process. By the end of eighth grade, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully begin their secondary (high school) education.

Yes, our school has a close partnership with Teddy's Club Kindergarten. The kindergarten is located in Szeged, at 34 Bokányi Dezső Street, near Szeged IPS. We wholeheartedly recommend it if you are looking for a nursery or a kindergarten for younger or middle-aged groups.

We also have a strategic cooperation agreement with the University of Szeged, which plays an important role in supporting the educational pathway of our international students.

 

Szeged International Primary School (Szeged IPS) is a small, international school. It offers education for students aged 5 to 14, which corresponds to kindergarten through grade 8 in the Hungarian education system.

At Szeged IPS, children's wellbeing is just as important as their academic success. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and respected. Our teachers build strong relationships with students, encourage open communication, and promote kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. We also maintain clear expectations regarding behaviour and actively work to prevent bullying, helping every child feel happy and secure at school.

Szeged IPS offers a unique combination of international education and Hungarian academic standards. With small class sizes, English as the primary language of instruction, internationally recognized curricula (IPC and IMYC), and a close-knit school community, we provide an educational experience that is both personal and globally minded.

Our students develop strong academic skills alongside essential life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and confidence. Whether they choose to continue their education in Hungary or abroad, we prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

We are looking for families who consider it essential for their child to learn to communicate in English from an early age; who value small class sizes to ensure their child receives individual attention and opportunities; and who seek an experiential, practice-oriented education in an international environment.

Children who have already turned 5 years old can be admitted to our preschool (school preparation group). For all other grades, students are placed into the class that corresponds to their age.

You can find information about the application process at the following link: https://www.szegedips.com/article/jelentkezesi-urlap/39

The maximum number of students per class is 15. If there are fewer students in a given grade during the school year, we are happy to welcome new students as well.

Hungarian children are also welcome to choose our school without any restrictions. Hungarian Language and Literature is a part of our curriculum and is taught in accordance with the National Core Curriculum (NAT), following the number of lessons required by state schools.

Admission to preschool and first grade is ongoing until the maximum class size of 15 students is reached. As part of the admission process, we hold a meeting with the parents while the class teacher has a conversation with the child. In the case of transfers from other institutions during the school year, the admission decision is made jointly by the teachers and the parents after a 3-day trial period. For international applicants who are not currently in the country, we conduct an online interview with the child as part of the admission process.

The admission decision is made after the interview and/or trial days, and parents are informed about the outcome personally.

Our school has an officially approved preschool (school preparation group), which corresponds to the final year of kindergarten (nagycsoport) in the Hungarian education system. We accept children from the age of 5, with a maximum group size of 20 students.

It is not mandatory, and it is not a requirement for enrollment. However, if a child wishes to begin their studies at our school, the preparatory year spent in our preschool is highly beneficial. It helps the child become familiar with the environment, routines, and expectations, making the transition to first grade much smoother.

The maximum number of students per class is set at 15, while the Preschool has a maximum of 20 children.

You can find more information here: https://www.szegedips.com/article/szuloi-hozzajarulasok-es-egyeb-dijak/40 Scholarship opportunities are also available. For more information, please contact us at: education@szegedips.com.

Applications for first grade follow the state-defined deadline, which is typically mid-April. However, since we accept enrollments on a rolling basis, the 15-student class may already be full by April. Enrollment for other grades is also continuous throughout the school year, until the maximum class size is reached.

Yes, a scholarship program is available. For more details, please contact us at: education@szegedips.com.

Yes, we offer a 30% discount for the second child and a 50% discount for the third child.

Hungarian families choose Szeged IPS because they are looking for more than just an English-speaking school. They value our small class sizes, individualized attention, supportive community, and international approach to education. Students benefit from learning in English every day while also receiving a strong Hungarian foundation, enabling them to continue their studies successfully in Hungary or abroad. Our goal is to help children become confident, curious, and lifelong learners.

Absolutely! Many of our students join Szeged IPS from traditional Hungarian schools or other educational systems. We understand that transitioning to an international environment can feel overwhelming at first, which is why we provide a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Each child is assessed individually, and our teachers work closely with students and families to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Classes begin at 8:50 AM, and each lesson lasts 45 minutes. Students have 5 lessons per day, followed by an afternoon study period. Supervision is provided starting from 7:30 AM. A morning snack break takes place between 9:35 and 9:55, after which lessons continue. Lunch and outdoor free play are scheduled from 12:30 to 1:10 PM. The last regular lesson ends at 1:55 PM. The 6th period is dedicated to study period, where students complete their homework. In upper grades, there is an additional lesson. Pick-up starts at 3:00 PM, followed by afternoon activities until 5:00 PM.

In lower grades, classes finish at 1:55 PM, followed by study hall. We recommend that you pick up your child no earlier than 3:00 PM. In upper grades, the last lesson ends at 2:50 PM, after which afternoon clubs and activities begin. Children may remain at the school until 5:00 PM.

Supervision is provided from 7:30 AM, and classes begin at 8:50 AM. We kindly ask parents to ensure that their children arrive at school no later than 8:40 AM.

Starting the school day at 8:50 AM supports children's natural sleep rhythms, allowing them to be more rested, focused, and emotionally balanced. Research shows that a slightly later start improves concentration, academic performance, and overall well-being—especially for younger students. This schedule also gives families more flexibility in the mornings and helps ensure a calmer, less rushed start to the day. However, we do provide supervision starting from 7:30 AM.

The IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) are internationally recognized, theme-based educational frameworks designed to develop not only academic knowledge but also personal and global skills. Our school is uniquely the only institution in Hungary implementing the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) developed by Fieldwork Education—curricula used in over a thousand international schools worldwide. These frameworks were created by some of the most experienced and highly regarded educators and academic experts, based on the latest scientific research and tailored specifically to the developmental learning needs of each age group. The program ensures that knowledge is presented to children in a systematic and interconnected way, allowing for deeper understanding and the ability to see connections between subjects. Both IPC and IMYC are organized into thematic units, integrating individual subjects into a meaningful context. We place great emphasis on group work and project-based learning, the development of communication skills, independent research, and the methods of presenting knowledge. Ethics is also taught within this curriculum, forming an integral part of both IPC and IMYC.

We issue report cards twice a year: at mid-year and at the end of the school year. These include detailed written evaluations that summarize each child’s performance, with a strong focus on their strengths.

The small class sizes allow each student to receive an appropriate amount and depth of individual attention from teachers, which is also supported by our educational methodology.

Hungarian language and mathematics are taught using textbooks from Mozaik Publishing, including their unique English-language editions, which are exclusively used in our school in Hungary. In grades 1–4, students learn English using the Oxford Discover series, which is closely aligned with the themes of the IPC (International Primary Curriculum).

In addition to the potential for higher academic performance, the development of the student’s personality is also given special emphasis.

Assessment is typically done in the form of percentages, but these can be converted into traditional grades.

Naturally, Information Technology (IT) is part of the curriculum from grade 3, with one lesson per week. It is also an important component of the IPC and IMYC programs, where students regularly use school computers during their subject lessons. Additionally, students can participate in a weekly coding club, where they further develop their digital and programming skills.

Yes, our students regularly participate in state academic competitions.

At our school, teaching and learning take place in a discovery-based and interactive manner, allowing students to acquire knowledge through their own experiences. This approach fosters the development of critical thinking and the ability to identify and approach problems independently.

After completing 8th grade, students at Szeged International Primary School (Szeged IPS) have a wide range of opportunities to continue their studies, both in Hungarian and international secondary schools abroad.

Based on our experience so far, most of our students have chosen bilingual high schools in Szeged.

To support their success in entrance exams, we offer dedicated Hungarian and mathematics preparation classes starting from Grade 7.

We also have a strategic cooperation agreement with the University of Szeged, which plays an important role in supporting the educational pathway of our international students.

Families often ask us what options are available after Grade 8. In practice, Szeged International Primary School provides the international English-language primary education pathway in Szeged, while our students have excellent opportunities to continue their studies at the secondary level.

Through our partnership, international students may apply to Báthory István Practice High School and Primary School through a separate admission process. This means they are not required to take the standard Hungarian central entrance examinations in Mathematics and Hungarian. Instead, they participate in an English-language oral interview.

The school offers a bilingual English-Hungarian programme in Grades 9 and 10, which can later be continued with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. This internationally recognized qualification opens doors to universities worldwide.

We are proud that several of our students have already continued their studies there in recent years. Báthory István is considered one of the finest secondary schools in Szeged, making it an excellent next step for our international families.

Ideally, children can begin acquiring a high level of English proficiency already in our Preschool. Based on our experience, students in the lower grades adapt very quickly to the English language, and year by year, they become more confident, finding it completely natural that the language of instruction is English. If any difficulties arise, we offer supportive English catch-up sessions to help students integrate smoothly. In the upper grades, a confident command of English becomes increasingly important for academic success.

The concept adopted by our school is one that all international schools share: the possibility of a smooth transition into any given English speaking international school anywhere in the world. It is because of this, that our children learn Literacy in lower school and English Language and Literature in upper school alongside Language Arts. Szeged IPS students learn to read and write in English by the end of grade 1 and will successfully complete an IELTS language exam at a level above 7 and become ready to take the two-year international, British or American GCSE course by grade 8.

The Head of English is responsible for ensuring the curriculum and syllabi are followed by all teachers in a creative way, allowing for progress to be made by all students. Within IPC and IMYC the study of language arts includes three components: language application, language syntax and language and communication. The increasing complexity is developed through the selection of age- appropriate* texts (written, visual, oral and digital) as learners move from Milepost 1 to IMYC. As the English language is not taught as a foreign language but as a first or second language, complementary English and Conversational English lessons are built into the timetable 5 to 7 times weekly to ensure students achieve relevant standards set by the U.K. National Curriculum in Key Stage 1 (age 5-7), Key Stage 2 (age 7-11) and 3 (age 11-14).

From grade 5 and above, students learn English as English Language and Literature enabling students to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in grammatical terms and structures, formal and informal language, writing fiction and non-fiction texts for different purposes and audiences, responding to a variety of text types (media, prose, poetry), fluency in speaking for a variety of purposes in front of an audience etc. Most of our students will have completed an international or national language exam by the end of their studies in our school and their level of English should allow them acceptance into the best of secondary schools in Hungary and abroad.

Our school places great importance on Hungarian language education. Hungarian Language and Literature is a compulsory subject for native Hungarian-speaking students and is taught in line with the Hungarian National Core Curriculum (NAT). Hungarian language is taught with the same number of lessons as in state schools. For non-native speakers, we offer Hungarian as a Foreign Language classes, which are tailored to the child’s language level. While it's not mandatory for international students, we strongly encourage participation, as it helps with integration and everyday communication in Hungary.

The learning outcomes for each grade level in Hungarian Language and Literature for native Hungarian speakers meet the requirements set out in the Hungarian National Core Curriculum (NAT).

Using the Hungarian National Core Curriculum’s (NAT) framework for Hungarian Language and Literature, we have developed a local curriculum that both follows and complements the national standards. In the lower grades, students progress from the smallest units of the language—letters—towards understanding simpler grammatical structures. In the upper grades, they build upon their prior knowledge to recognize, analyze, and apply more complex grammatical systems. Within native Hungarian language classes, our school also provides preparation for the national 8th-grade entrance exam. Hungarian Language and Literature is part of the core curriculum and is taught with the same number of lessons as in state schools.

Our current meal provider is GasztVital Kft., which offers three meals a day (morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack). Upon request, it is also possible to order lunch only, or select from special dietary options for children with food intolerances or allergies.(by Speko at the moment) If parents prefer, students are welcome to bring their own lunch and snacks from home. In addition, our school participates in the school fruit and vegetable program provided by VegaHáz, offering students fresh fruit and vegetables daily.

The tuition fee does not include the cost of meals. However, the school provides fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the daily offering.

Yes, the school has its own yard with variety children's play equipment. In front of the school, there is also a large playground that our students enjoy using during longer breaks.

Yes, our school offers access to speech therapy services. Class teachers coordinate all tasks related to speech therapy for the students in their groups, ensuring that those who need support receive the appropriate care.

Our morning and afternoon activities vary from year to year based on student interest and availability. In addition to English, we currently offer Chinese, Spanish, German, Hungarian as a foreign language and French language instruction. In the afternoons, children can participate in a wide range of activities, including: Multisport, Football (soccer), Drama club, Chess, Science club, Math competition preparation, Beading & sewing, Drama and ICT Club (Programming and 3D printing) Students also have the opportunity to take piano and violin lessons with qualified instructors. These programs aim to foster creativity, physical activity, and academic enrichment in a fun, engaging environment.

Music as a subject is part of the core curriculum at our school. In addition, students have the opportunity to take private music lessons at their own expense. Available instruments and options include: Piano, Violin. These lessons are offered on-site at the school and scheduled based on demand.

Yes, Arts and Crafts classes are part of the curriculum. In addition, the IPC program places great emphasis on arts education through various projects.

The school’s program – the IPC – is based on developing students’ critical and creative thinking, as well as their skills, through interactive, inquiry-based, and experience-centered learning.

Yes, starting from the 2024/2025 school year, swimming lessons are part of the regular timetable and come with a half-year fee. Children learn to swim or further improve their swimming skills with the help of qualified swimming instructors.

The school has access to a gymnasium for physical education classes. In addition, the school has its own EU-standard playground, and the sports field and large playground located in front of the school also provide excellent opportunities for outdoor physical activity.