News

rawing on more than 28 years of experience in experiential education, Maddy Gangaiah and host Magdalen Gray explore the value of experiential learning and how time spent outdoors can help young people develop confidence, resilience, independence and leadership.

In March 2025, AISB introduced a new program called the “Dual Diploma”, which combines the rigor of the established IB program with the project-based learning of the Global Impact Diploma. AISB was the first and only school worldwide to offer this combination, and I was one of only 6 students to take on the pilot program. Mr. Corey Topf, who was one of the steering members of the GID, was a supportive mentor for us throughout the first year.

After months of careful planning and a summer of dedicated work on campus, our newly renovated Elementary playground is officially open, completed a full month ahead of schedule!

A wonderful European Championships for Hubi and Oli, with both brothers coming home as European Champions.

Our first-ever Blazers Academy Football Camp brought five days of football to the AISB pitch, giving students from Grade 2 through High School the opportunity to train with former professional goalkeeper and UEFA A Licensed coach Vukašin Poleksić.

In the latest episode of the Voices of Learning podcast, “Why ‘Just Play’ Might Be the Most Serious Learning,” host Magdalene Gray sits down with AISB Early Childhood educator Ange Guinness to explore the science behind play and why some of the simplest childhood experiences can build foundations for learning that last a lifetime. From climbing, building, and imaginative play to helping around the house, their conversation looks at how everyday experiences support brain development, concentration, creativity, independence, and a child’s growing understanding of the world.

How does reading shape the way children think, feel, and navigate an increasingly digital world? In the latest episode of the Voices of Learning podcast, host Magdalene Gray sits down with AISB Elementary Literacy Coach Heather MacMichael to explore literacy as a dynamic tool for personal growth, critical thinking, and connection.

This week, as students worldwide have received their 2026 IB Diploma Programme results, our community has been filled with a shared sense of pride and reflection as students, families, and faculty digest the culmination of years of hard work.

Crossing oceans, settling into a new country, or stepping into a new hallway across campus brings a mixture of curiosity, nostalgia, and anticipation. Moving between school divisions or relocating across the globe often involves an emotional journey for children and adults alike, where uncertainty, sadness, and excitement coexist. Navigating these shifts with care offers room for personal growth, adaptability, and resilience.

Parenting unfolds as an evolving practice rather than a rigid checklist. Over three weeks, parents from both our school community and neighboring areas gathered for the Empowered Parenting Toolkit series. Alongside educators, participants explored the intersections of neurodevelopmental science and thoughtful, child-led approaches to supporting a child's growth. This summary offers a brief look at the core themes and practical pathways discussed during the sessions.

If you wander through our Early Childhood corridors this week, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to a vibrant masterpiece hanging on the wall: a beautifully stitched community quilt created entirely by our youngest Early Childhood (EC) and Kindergarten (KG) learners. At first glance, it is a stunning piece of collaborative art. But beneath the colorful fabrics and varied textures lies something much deeper. This quilt is a tangible, living representation of how young children learn. At AISB, our early childhood experiences are deliberately designed around a deep understanding of developmental science, matching the natural, brilliant way a child’s brain processes the world at this age.

What a joy it was to gather in our theater this week for TEDxYouth@AISB 2026, a true representation of what happens when we trust young people to lead. Now in its second year, this event is one of our most ambitious student-led initiatives and is becoming a cornerstone of the AISB experience. Watching this initiative evolve from a spark of inspiration into a community-wide reality fills us with immense pride. It highlights exactly what happens when we trust our students with the space, the resources, and the belief to build something meaningful together.

Step onto our campus on any given morning in May, and you will see a unique kind of energy. You might pass Grade 3 students practicing setting up tents on the school field, discovering how to secure a rainfly in a safe, familiar environment. A few feet away, High Schoolers might be checking heavy backpacks, while Middle School groups load buses with gear destined for the forests of Eger or the shores of Lake Balaton.

What does it take to turn a bundle of raw materials, wires, and electronic components into an aircraft that actually conquers the skies? This month on the AISB field, our Middle School Aviation Club answered that question with a display of engineering that left onlookers genuinely breathless.

Every day, the universe performs a brilliant, hidden magic trick: it breaks apart familiar things to construct something completely new. This month, our Middle School scientists stepped directly into this subatomic world to answer a fundamental mystery of physical science: How do atoms rearrange to make new substances?

If you walked past our Early Childhood garden boxes this week, you would have seen a vibrant flurry of activity: tiny hands pressing seeds into soil, small fingers carefully arranging colorful petals, and young eyes squinting closely at the intricate patterns of a leaf.

When you visit our early childhood spaces, you may observe children gathered around a water table, intently pouring liquid through funnels or testing which objects remain buoyant. At the sensory station, others might be sifting through grains of rice to uncover hidden treasures, perhaps imagining they are preparing a communal meal or embarking on an archaeological expedition. While these activities possess the joyful appearance of play, they are intentional opportunities for our youngest learners to make sense of the world around them.

At the American International School of Budapest, we believe that education is most impactful when it transcends the walls of the classroom and connects our students with the world. Recently, our Grade 4B students experienced a truly remarkable moment of global connection that bridged Canadian history, personal perseverance, and the power of a shared dream. As an international community, we often celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our faculty. Mr. Kevin Fayarchuk, Grade 4B Homeroom Teacher, brought a piece of his Canadian heritage to AISB, sharing a story that has inspired millions for over four decades: the legacy of Terry Fox.

Career events feel most meaningful when they follow structures students already understand. By organising conversations around student pathways — across fields such as the arts, social sciences, business, health, and STEM — exploration becomes less overwhelming and more navigable.

Last Friday, the traditional classroom dynamic at our school shifted. Instead of faculty leading the conversation, our high school students took the stage for a candid panel on Artificial Intelligence. For this generation, AI is not a futuristic concept; it has been a part of their academic toolkit since middle school. Hearing directly from them provided valuable insight into how this young generation perceives AI, including the specific advantages they see and the ethical questions they are navigating.

Last week, a group of our students traveled to Düsseldorf to take part in the Changemakers Conference at the International School Düsseldorf. They joined 270 peers from 33 schools, all coming together with a simple but powerful goal: turning big ideas into real-world action.

What happens when you take the classroom to the heart of the global fashion capital? For a group of our Global Impact Diploma students, it meant stepping out of the traditional school setting and into the professional world. Our students recently returned from an immersive internship experience in Milan, Italy. Here is a look back at their incredible three-day journey into the world of high fashion and professional industry standards.

In the Advanced Studio Art course at AISB, our Grade 10 students have just completed a rigorous, multi-stage journey into the art of the self-portrait, delving into technical mastery, historical research, and personal identity.

The AISB community has another reason to cheer! Our very own Alumnus Hubert "Hubi" Kós (Class of 2022) has been ranked the world’s second-best male swimmer by the prestigious SwimSwam magazine in their annual global rankings.

This week, AISB parents gathered for another meaningful Parents in Partnership session, focused on executive functioning and how these skills support children’s learning, independence, and well-being. The workshop offered space for shared understanding, practical strategies, and thoughtful conversation around a topic that touches many families.

This winter, during a period of extreme cold, the Hungarian Service Club helped organize an emergency clothing drive for the Maltese Charity Service. Students stepped in quickly to help with organization and coordination, and AISB families responded with generosity. Within a single day, the drive came together, and over the following days, three full van loads of warm winter clothing and essential items were delivered to people in need across Budapest.

The American International School of Budapest (AISB) is proud to be a pioneer of the Global Impact Diploma (GID) with the unique introduction of the Dual Diploma, which combines the GID and the IB diplomas. These new programs are a testament of our commitment to personalized learning pathways.

Our Elementary, Middle, and High School Counselors led a hands-on parent session to provide high-impact tools for nurturing social-emotional growth. Parents learned how to navigate the complex challenges of nurturing independence, using technology wisely, and maintaining transparent communication around these issues.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable success of AISB alumna, Johanna Lengyel (Class of 2017), who won the Hungarian televised singing competition Megasztár last Saturday, November 29!

At the American International School of Budapest, authentic learning often grows from the ground up. Over the past year, students in our Organic Gardening Club embodied a commitment to our mission by transforming a hands-on project into a meaningful, year-long experience. From germinating seeds last spring to building rich, organic soil and sustainably managing pests, students immersed themselves in a long-term inquiry. This outdoor, experiential learning provided them with a broad range of relevant and authentic learning experiences, fostering a sense of ownership and a deep understanding of their natural surroundings.

Ten years ago, in August 2015, the American International School of Budapest (AISB) was privileged to host a truly extraordinary guest: Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program. Though she recently passed away, her spirit and powerful message of hope for a sustainable world live on vibrantly in our community, continually shaping our commitment to Global Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship.

AISB's core mission is to empower learners to build their futures, and that includes navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. We recently welcomed Jeff Utecht, a renowned AI in Education specialist, a lifelong educator, and global thought leader, to our campus for a week of collaborative workshops and discussions. His visit was a proactive step in refining our shared approach to AI literacy and ensuring these powerful tools support our goals of Academic Excellence and well-being for the entire community.

On September 17, AISB joined in honoring U.S. Constitution Day, a moment to reflect not only on a historic document, but on the principles of justice, equality, and democracy that continue to shape communities around the world.

At the American International School of Budapest (AISB), our commitment to student-centered learning often takes us beyond the traditional classroom. Sometimes, history finds its way to us, offering a unique and authentic learning experience right at our doorstep. Just a few weeks ago, an extraordinary event unfolded on our new campus grounds, connecting our school to centuries of local heritage.

From robotics to debate, AISB’s Clubs Fair showcases learning beyond the classroom. Discover our international school in Budapest and its vibrant student life.

🎉 Celebrating Our 2025 IB Diploma Results! 🎓 We are thrilled to announce that our 2025 IB Diploma Programme graduates have achieved remarkable outcomes, showcasing their individual journeys towards success!

We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of the AISB Class of 2025.

Our Kindergarten to Grade 2 students recently shared a beautiful glimpse into their year of learning through our Celebration of the Arts.

Last week, our Elementary School celebrated a joyful Flower Festival, filling the campus with color and creativity.

Our TEDx event at AISB was a powerful reminder of the impact student leadership can have.

Step into the shoes of one of our high school students as he shares a day in his life at AISB.

This year's International Festival was a joyful celebration of the rich diversity within our AISB community.

Our Elementary School students lit up the stage with their production of Madagascar

This past weekend, AISB proudly hosted the third Changemakers Conference, the largest student-led conference in our school's history.

As part of our continuing Digital Wellness series, AISB welcomed back Screentime Strategist Patrick Green as he worked with parents, students, and teachers around digital wellness.

This week, our high school drama students took the stage and delivered a fantastic performance of The Addams Family musical! With incredible acting, stunning vocals, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, they brought this beloved spooky family to life.

Today marked a special moment in AISB history as we launched our first-ever Giving Week with a community breakfast filled with warmth, gratitude, and generosity. It was truly inspiring to see so many come together in support of our school and its mission.

Providing students with innovative, interest-driven pathways has become a cornerstone of modern education. Schools like the American International School of Budapest (AISB) and the International School of Panama (ISP) are leading the charge with programs that blend flexibility, real-world skills, and student agency. GOA courses offer students the chance to pursue specialized interests while fulfilling graduation requirements. Here’s how these two schools are reshaping education to center on student exploration and growth.

We’re excited to share a video from our Olympian Blazer, Hubi Kos’s ('22) visit to AISB! Check it out and feel the inspiration!

Meet Dana! In her final year at AISB, Dana is on a quest to complete her Innovation Diploma and dreams of building a dynamic career in the arts or humanities... ✨ Check out this brief clip to discover more about her journey!

In this inspiring video, Jessica, a dedicated student, shares her love for her school’s close-knit and supportive community. She reflects on how the environment empowers her both as a learner and an individual. Passionate about history and academic research, Jessica envisions a future where she inspires others through teaching, writing, or professorship.

We're thrilled to announce some of our student's semester 2 GOA capstone projects have been selected for the prestigious Catalyst Exhibition Showcase! Out of over 950 projects, only 53 were chosen.

An Overnight Camping Trip!

Taking Care of Ourselves!

Many Tournaments, Many Wins.

The CEESA Rock Band Festival 2024 @ AISB!

Celebrating all the languages of AISB!

Celebrating black voices and stories!

Celebrating Lunar New Year at AISB!

Patrick Green visited us to talk about screen time for students!

Daniel goes to the ATOM Conference!

Grade 10 participated in a mock ICC trial and presented arguments on the guilt or innocence of controversial world figureheads!

Find out how Sam Stalder ('20) composed a piece for AISB's 50th birthday!

Welcome Back!

Dr. Elizabeth Stites on Child Marriage

The middle and high school go on adventures across Europe!

and in to the sunshine...

Congratulations to all the performers! The cabaret is a beloved tradition that brings our international school community together in a unique and intimate setting.

We are so proud of this class. They have consistently showed their work ethic, kindness to one another and brilliant leadership. We wish them all the best with their exams and launching

Europe's brightest student leaders gathered in Hungary's capital for the Model United Nations, and we were thrilled to play host to this incredible event.

We are thrilled to announce that Mór from Grade 12 has been accepted to SIX prestigious American universities...

Watch here to find out: What does an elementary school student do at AISB all day?

This past weekend, the Blazer basketball teams brought their best efforts to the court, and it paid off!

Nine AISB rock band students traveled to Zagreb for the first ever CEESA Rock Band Festival last week!   

Congratulations to all the cast, crew, and band for putting on a phenomenal and spectacular show!

How to support your child in developing agency and autonomy

This day is celebrated every year to bring communities closer together through the power of stories and to encourage children to be stronger forces in their communities.

This project is a STEAM class where students applied their knowledge of balance, rotational equilibrium, tension, compression, form, and function to create a wide range of products that bring a kindergartener into balance and invite them to be still for 3 minutes.

Celebrating the seasons is a wonderful way to help your child develop a relationship with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and build memories as a family.