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JANOS ARANY HUNGARIAN SCHOOL
The New York Hungarian School, which is the oldest Hungarian language school in the United States, was founded in September, 1963 due to the initiation of Imre Beke. In the spring of 1963 twelve young scout leaders participated in an intensive teacher training. As a result of this training, the school could open its doors to its first 26 students. The school was led by Imre Beke and Szabolcs Szekeres. In the 1963-64 school year 107 registered Hungarian children finished the school year in 8 classes, and in the 1998-99 school year 49 registered students completed the school year. Now there are hundreds of Hungarian youngsters, having been skillfully led by our trained and enthusiastic teachers, who got to know our ancestors' beautiful language and culture more intimately.
In the early years, our school was financially sponsored by the non-profit organization called the Hungarian School Foundation. In 1976 a newly founded organization, the Hungarian Parents' and Teachers' Association took over the financial support of the school, as well as of the local scouts' organization. Since tuition fees do not even cover 65% of our expenses in an average school year, the existence of our institution so far has been, to a great extend, due to our dear friends' enthusiastic support. In 1982 the school took the name of Janos Arany New York Hungarian School. The school year lasts from the beginning of September to the end of June. This way there are 30-33 school days provided for our students.
The classes are held in the Saint Steven Church on Saturdays from 9 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon. The curriculum includes the Hungarian alphabet, vocabulary development, the practice of conversation, reading and writing skills, Hungarian grammar, Hungarian history and geography. The highest level classes are the ones provided for the scout leaders in the fields of Hungarian culture, history, geography and literature. These classes follow the curriculum of the Hungarian Scouts' Association in Exteris, using the books of the organization. Our student population is various; there are some who were born in the United States, some who were born in Hungary, Transylvania. Many of them are from families where only one of the parents is of Hungarian origin. If there is need, we also organize separate Hungarian language courses, especially for adults without any Hungarian background.
The 30th anniversary of the school was celebrated in the New York Hungarian Consulate in the spring of 1993 with a celebration and reception. This year our school starts its 38th school year. |
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