In Hungary, the mandatory school age is between the ages of 6 and 16. The new Act on General Education allows for the starting date to be postponed and a one-year extension period granted by the child’s kindergarten, which determines whether the child is ready for school. In addition, if the children’s development and abilities allow, then the parents can request an early entrance to school before the age of 6.

Primary education is provided in 8-form entry schools with a standardised structure, which includes primary education (from grade 1 to grade 4) and lower secondary education (from grade 5 to grade 8).

Subjects learnt in primary schools include literature, grammar, mathematics, music, art, physical education, environmental studies (from 1st to 5th grade), biology (from 6th grade), geography (from 6th grade), history (from 5th grade), history of art, physics (from 6th grade), chemistry (from 7th grade), as well as one or two foreign languages (usually either English, German or French).

To find out more about the local government primary schools maintained by the School District Centre of Debrecen, the churches, public institutions, or various foundations, visit the official website of the city (only available in Hungarian).

In addition to municipal primary schools, the International School of Debrecen (ISD) offers an engaging, relevant and transdisciplinary curriculum for learners aged between 6–11. The education system of the International School of Debrecen (ISD) is based on the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB system has been working in schools for more than 50 years, now with more than 4000 IB schools globally providing English language teaching. For more information, visit the official website of ISD.

Deutsche Schule Debrecen (German Primary School of Debrecen) offers a German-language curriculum for students in grades 1-4, with native German-speaking teachers. Hungarian pupils will learn literature and grammar in Hungarian and according to the Hungarian curriculum, while foreign children will also be able to learn Hungarian as a foreign language. The children will receive a German certification that is equivalent to one that can be obtained in Germany. The language of teaching is German. See official website of the school.