Established in 1894 this is the Kosztolányi Dezső Gymnasium. Its history is rich and layered like the very city of Budapest itself. Initially known as the Attila Street Elementary School the building has witnessed remarkable transformations.
The Kosztolányi Dezső Gymnasium stands proudly on Attila Street. Its location near Déli railway station and close to Széll Kálmán Square makes it easily accessible. This is a significant advantage for students. The nearby Városmajor park provides a tranquil escape. Students often use it for after-school relaxation or even physical education classes.
The original building a beautiful brick structure dates back to 1893-94. Over the years the school served various purposes. It functioned as a household school and later a civic secondary school. Due to space constraints some classes were held elsewhere until 1935.
World War II impacted the school significantly. During the war the Árpádházi Boldog Margit Girls’ Commercial School temporarily occupied the building. After the siege the school resumed its role as a public school. A modern wing was added in 1953. This wing replaced a former beer house. The site where this wing now stands was an empty lot for eight years after the war.
Interestingly a neighboring building also had a history as a school. From 1907-1910 the Notre Dame de Sion girls’ institute was housed there. It was followed by the Bárczy-Madas Reformed Higher Girls’ School. This building however was destroyed during the siege.
The Kosztolányi Dezső Gymnasium holds a special place in Hungarian education. In 1991 it pioneered the eight-year gymnasium system. This ensured students did not have to change schools during their adolescence. The school’s current name honors Dezső Kosztolányi a renowned Hungarian writer. Kosztolányi lived in the first district near the school.
Today the Kosztolányi Dezső Gymnasium is a thriving institution. It boasts approximately 550 students and around 40 teachers. Students can learn English Spanish Italian French and German. The school’s legacy is one of continuous evolution and unwavering commitment to education. The Kosztolányi Dezső Gymnasium continues to shape young minds in the heart of Budapest. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of learning and the rich tapestry of the city’s past.