We are an international community that shapes the future of learning, empowers innovation and inspires positive action, to effect change locally and globally.
Welcome to ISD
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your family to the International School of Debrecen. ISD is unique in Hungary, being Hungary’s first full International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme. At ISD we are driven by our mission to build an international community that inspires and empowers its students to become innovative leaders of positive change. ISD is a young school, as it was established in 2019. It is incredibly exciting to observe the school grow in parallel with the other major developments in the region.
We believe that a holistic education based on inquiry is the most effective way to support the development of compassionate, critical and creative thinkers who understand how to lead change. Our academic standards are rigorous but we equally prioritize the social and emotional needs of every child. Our school, grounded in the culture of our host country, is a celebration of diversity, innovation and continuous growth. Located in a natural environment that offers unrivaled learning potential, we also continue to develop our facilities to support new thinking, especially in the areas of science, technology, and social entrepreneurship. We are primarily a community of learners who support the pursuit of individual excellence while also exploring ways that we might enrich the lives and experiences of others.
Every school bases its success on the collaborative efforts of teachers and parents, and we are fortunate to have a community of caring parents to help support us as we aim to provide the best possible education to every student in our care. I hope that you and your family will consider joining that community.
Tom McLean,
ISD Director
An IB Education
The education system of the International School of Debrecen (ISD) is based on the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB is used for more than 50 years, with more than 6.000 IB schools globally in 150 countries worldwide. The IB enables students to direct their own learning pathway and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive and make a lasting difference. It empowers teachers as the architects of learning excellence, working alongside engaged colleagues in a rewarding career supported by a strong global network. * The IB framework encourages students to be risk-takers and inquirers, where students take responsibility for their learning. Students are encouraged to take action on a local and global scale. In an IB school, students enjoy learning, are encouraged to pursue their passions, and have a high motivation level.
For detailed information about education at ISD visit the Learning section, for information about the IB, visit www.ibo.org.
The Mission of ISD
At ISD, our primary focus lies in the acquisition of contemporary knowledge and the empowerment of our students to thrive in the 21st century.
Founded by the Local Government of the City of Debrecen, our English-language school provides an international educational system that caters to students from kindergarten to graduation.
To ensure that we meet the highest educational standards, the school accredited for all three programs of the International Baccalaureate (IB): the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme. In 2023 ISD became the first IB Continuum school in Hungary, offering education for all age groups from kindergarten to the IB Diploma.
Our educational philosophy is centered around the IB program’s principle of educating young people to be confident, globally-minded inquirers with excellent problem-solving skills. At ISD, we don’t just build knowledge; we also help our students develop important life skills that prepare them for future challenges and encourage them to take risks in their learning. Our students learn to adapt to new and challenging situations and communicate effectively with others – qualities that are invaluable in our ever-changing, globalized age. If you’d like to learn more about our IB programs, check out Learning section on our website.
ISD is in the accreditation process of NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), which aspires to provide a process for meaningful, ongoing whole school improvement and growth while honoring the unique culture and context. One of the many benefits of accreditation through NEASC is that it allows ISD to offer a United States high school diploma. International schools are typically authorized by a US educational authority such as NEASC. A US accredited high school diploma will ensure that all ISD students have a pathway into further education within Hungary and globally, including those students who also obtain the IBDP.
