Pre-school and childcare in Budapest

For expats whose children are still pre-schoolers, there are numerous kindergartens and nursery schools in Budapest, especially in the 2nd and 12th districts. Pre-school education is compulsory in Hungary from the age of three until students start primary school at age six.

Below is a list of international kindergartens in Budapest that are popular with expat parents.

Pre-schools and kindergartens in Budapest

Apple Tree Kindergarten

As one of the most highly rated pre-schools in Budapest, Apple Tree Kindergarten provides a high-quality English language programme. The school employs native English-speaking educators and Hungarian teachers while drawing pedagogical approaches from the US, UK, and Hungarian education systems to help prepare your children for further schooling in any of these systems. 

Gender: Co-educational
Teaching language: English
Ages: 16 months to 6 years
Website: www.appletree-kindergarten.hu

Happy Kids Kindergarten

Happy Kids Kindergarten has been serving local and expat families for nearly 25 years. The school boasts a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, with a large playground and over 10 extracurricular activities to boot. Happy Kids Kindergarten is home to more than 20 nationalities and provides an English language education. 

Gender: Co-educational
Teaching language: English
Ages: 1.5 to 7 years
Website: www.happykids.hu

Plum Pudding Kindergarten

Plum Pudding Kindergarten is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in District 2. The school offers an English language education and a multicultural learning environment, allowing children to become global citizens. As a play-based pre-school, Plum Pudding Kindergarten emphasises small-group playful learning. 

Gender: Co-educational
Teaching language: English
Ages: 9 months to 6 years
Website: www.plumpudding.hu

Under the Rainbow Pre-school and Kindergarten

Under the Rainbow Pre-school and Kindergarten combines nature-based learning and experience-driven education with a warm, family-like environment. The school provides various extracurricular activities, including swimming, movement development classes, and sports and art activities. 

Gender: Co-educational 
Teaching language: English
Ages: 14 months to 7 years
Website: www.undertherainbow.hu