Iskola

Iskola is the Hungarian word for school, referring to a formal institution that provides education and training, as well as to the broader notion of organized learning. In everyday use it covers institutions from elementary schools to various forms of secondary and specialized schools. The term appears in compound names such as általános iskola (general or elementary school), középiskola (secondary school, including gimnázium and vocational tracks), and művészeti iskola or zeneiskola (art or music schools). Private language schools are commonly called nyelviskola.

Etymology and history: The word is borrowed from the Latin schola, likely reaching Hungarian through Slavic languages during the medieval period, reflecting the historical influence of Latin-led education and the church. Its earliest attestations appear in medieval Hungarian texts and have continued to evolve with the educational system.

Usage and scope: In modern Hungarian, iskola denotes any institution where structured instruction takes place, publicly or privately operated. The education system generally comprises general elementary schooling followed by secondary education that can prepare students for higher education or vocational careers. The term also has figurative use, referring to a school of thought or a distinctive tradition within a discipline, such as a particular intellectual or artistic school.

See also: Education in Hungary; Language of instruction; List of schools in Hungary.