Hungary’s Only English-Speaking Nursery & Kindergarten with Proven Academic Excellence
Founded in 2009, Under the Rainbow has been transforming early childhood education in Budapest for 17 years. We are uniquely positioned in Hungary’s early childhood landscape: the only English-speaking nursery and kindergarten that combines proven academic excellence with authentic nature-based learning across 3 Budapest locations, serving children from 67+ nationalities.
By the Numbers
- 17 years of operation since 2009
- 67+ nationalities of children served
- 97.8% first-choice primary school admission rate
- 3 locations in Budapest (II. and XII. districts)
- 1.5 to 7 years age range — nursery (1.5-3) and kindergarten (3-7)
- English immersion with native-speaker teachers
Our Pedagogical Approach
The Pikler Method (Nursery)
Our nursery program is inspired by Emmi Pikler, the renowned Hungarian pediatrician whose philosophy emphasizes trust, autonomy, and independence in early childhood development. Free movement is core to our program, allowing children to develop motor skills organically while we build deep trust between caregivers and children.
Experience-Based Learning (Kindergarten)
Our proprietary Experience-Based Learning methodology combines academic rigor with hands-on exploration. Where other institutions choose between academic focus OR play-based learning, we’ve proven both work together — delivering measurable results for children from 67+ nationalities.
Forest School & Nature Connection
Authentic outdoor and forest-based programs across our 3 Budapest locations connect children with nature daily.
Animal-Assisted Education
Our therapy dogs — Mokka, Secret, Merlin, and Rafi — are integral to our daily learning, supporting emotional development, empathy, and confidence.
Our 3 Locations in Budapest
- Feketerigó utca — II. district
- Torockó utca — II. district (Rózsadomb area)
- Levél utca — XII. district
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Under the Rainbow over other international kindergartens in Budapest?
We are the only English-speaking nursery and kindergarten in Hungary that combines 17 years of proven academic excellence (97.8% first-choice school admission rate) with authentic nature-based learning across 3 Budapest locations.
What is the Pikler approach?
The Pikler method, developed by Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler, emphasizes free movement, autonomous play, and respectful caregiver-child relationships. Children develop confidence and motor skills at their own pace.
What ages do you accept?
Our nursery serves children from 1.5 years (once independently walking) to 3 years. Our kindergarten serves children from 3 to 7 years.
Do you accept expat families?
Yes. We serve children from 67+ nationalities and our entire program is in English.
What is your school admissions success rate?
97.8% of our graduating students are admitted to their first-choice primary school.
Where are your campuses located?
3 campuses in Budapest: Feketerigó utca and Torockó utca in district II (Rózsadomb area), and Levél utca in district XII.
Schedule a Visit
Schedule a visit or contact us for more information.
